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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.
+ 1 moreFri 28 Aug · 15:30 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 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.
Fri 28 Aug · 14:59 UTC
via Motorsport.comNaomi Schiff points to Red Bull advantage after Dutch GP driver changeThe Dutch Grand Prix saw Red Bull Racing make a driver change due to Isack Hadjar's wrist injury, bringing in Liam Lawson from their sister team, Racing Bulls. This decision has reignited conversations about the advantages of having teams under the same ownership, particularly in terms of driver familiarity with the car specifications. Yuki Tsunoda also stepped in to race for Racing Bulls, filling the gap left by Lawson's promotion.
Naomi Schiff, a former W Series driver, emphasized that Lawson's experience with the 2026-specification cars provided him an edge over typical reserve drivers. Lawson finished the race in seventh place, securing six points for Red Bull, while the status of Hadjar's return for the next race remains unclear.
Fri 28 Aug · 14:42 UTC
via RacingNews365Carlos Sainz names 'perfect storm' which trapped Williams as upgrade loomsCarlos Sainz has highlighted the challenges faced by Williams during the 2026 Formula 1 season, describing it as a 'perfect storm' of issues that have hindered their performance. Currently, the team sits ninth in the constructors' standings with only 11 points, a significant drop from the previous year, primarily due to the FW48 car being late to testing and overweight, as well as lacking downforce. Despite these setbacks, Sainz remains committed to the team, having recently signed a new contract, and is optimistic about an upcoming upgrade package expected to improve the car's performance in Azerbaijan.
Sainz's expectations for the season were elevated after a successful 2025, where he helped the team secure its first two podiums since 2017. He acknowledged the disappointment stemming from the current performance but emphasized his belief in the team's project and the importance of supporting the workforce behind the scenes. The team is actively working to rectify the issues with the FW48 and aims to regain competitiveness in the remaining races of the season.Fri 28 Aug · 13:40 UTC
via grandprix.comStella expects Mercedes spending story to have another chapterAndrea Stella, the McLaren team principal, expressed skepticism regarding Mercedes' claims about their development limitations due to cost-cap constraints. Despite Toto Wolff's warnings, Stella believes that Mercedes will continue to develop their W17 car, especially if competitors like McLaren and Ferrari close the performance gap. He pointed out that there is additional cost-cap allowance available for future developments, which could enable Mercedes to introduce new parts based on completed wind tunnel work.
Stella's comments reflect a broader understanding that Formula 1 teams often downplay their competitive strategies. He noted that Mercedes began the season with the fastest car and remains a leader in both championships, suggesting that if other teams improve, Mercedes will likely find the resources needed to enhance their performance further.
via grandprix.comPirelli conducts 2,948km tyre test with teams at MugelloPirelli has finished an extensive tyre testing session for the 2027 Formula 1 season at Mugello. The test involved two days of running with teams McLaren, Red Bull, and Audi, covering a total of 2,948 kilometers.
via Motorsport.comThe numbers behind Lando Norris' "pretty insane" claim about McLaren's F1 developmentLando Norris achieved a significant victory at the Dutch Grand Prix, marking his 13th win in Formula 1 and reducing his championship deficit to 83 points. This win, along with an earlier triumph in Budapest, highlights the progress McLaren has made in car development under the new regulations, with Norris stating they have outdeveloped their competitors by nearly a second on certain tracks. Despite this success, he acknowledges the challenges ahead, as he remains over 80 points behind the championship leader.
Norris also addressed comments from Mercedes suggesting McLaren is now the team to beat, asserting that they still consider themselves the top team. He emphasized his own contributions to the victory, particularly his decisive overtakes during the race. Overall, Norris's performance and McLaren's advancements indicate a competitive season ahead as they continue to close the gap in the championship standings.Fri 28 Aug · 09:06 UTC
via Motorsport.comAlex Albon on why Williams cannot afford team-mate secrets in F1Alex Albon discussed the importance of collaboration between him and his Williams teammate Carlos Sainz, emphasizing that sharing set-up information is crucial given the team's performance struggles in the 2026 Formula 1 season. With Williams sitting ninth in the constructors' standings, both drivers have found it beneficial to work together rather than withhold information, as is common in other teams.
Albon explained that the limitations of their car necessitate a united approach, allowing them to test various setups and share feedback effectively. He acknowledged that while some teams may foster secrecy among drivers, such tactics would not be advantageous for Williams, where cooperation is key to improving their performance.Fri 28 Aug · 09:00 UTC
via Motorsport WeekNikola Tsolov completes first F1 test with Red BullNikola Tsolov, the current leader of the Formula 2 championship, has completed his first test with Red Bull Racing. Following this initial outing, Tsolov expressed optimism about the possibility of additional Formula 1 testing opportunities.
+ 1 moreFri 28 Aug · 09:00 UTC
via gpfans.com$6billion Mercedes made a shocking claim but McLaren are not buying itMercedes has faced challenges in maintaining its early-season dominance in the 2026 Formula 1 season, winning only one of the last four races after a strong start. Toto Wolff, the team's principal, stated that Mercedes lacks the financial resources to continue developing their car, despite the team's significant commercial success and a recent stake sale that valued the team at $6 billion.
In contrast, McLaren's Andrea Stella expressed skepticism about Wolff's claims, suggesting that Mercedes will likely introduce upgrades soon. McLaren has gained momentum with recent victories, and Stella believes that the new regulations will allow teams to manage their development costs more effectively, which could benefit Mercedes in the near future.Fri 28 Aug · 08:43 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRed Bull Considers Liam Lawson's Role Amid Hadjar's InjuryRed Bull Racing is evaluating its options regarding driver Liam Lawson due to Isack Hadjar's ongoing recovery from a wrist injury. A decision on Hadjar's potential return for the Italian Grand Prix is expected to be made shortly.
Fri 28 Aug · 07:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Jonathan Wheatley returns to F1 paddock at ZandvoortJonathan Wheatley has made a surprising return to the Formula 1 paddock at the Dutch Grand Prix. His reappearance comes after he left his position as team principal at Audi earlier this year.
+ 1 moreFri 28 Aug · 06:20 UTC
via PlanetF1Williams ‘in a difficult situation’ as Vowles grilled on spare partsWilliams is facing significant challenges as they prepare for the upcoming Italian and Spanish Grands Prix, with team principal James Vowles admitting they are in a 'difficult situation' regarding spare parts. The team has struggled this season, currently sitting ninth in the championship with only 11 points, and is looking to introduce a major upgrade at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix next month.
The difficulties stem from missing the shakedown test earlier in the year and a lack of competitive car pace. Vowles has acknowledged the need for long-term improvements and is focused on addressing past issues while managing the immediate challenges of the upcoming races. Despite the setbacks, he remains committed to maximizing their performance at Monza and Madrid.Fri 28 Aug · 06:03 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull disclose mood in camp: 'Don't expect us to be happy'Red Bull Racing's team principal, Laurent Mekies, has expressed dissatisfaction with the team's current performance, stating they will not be content until they are winning races again. The team is at risk of finishing the season without a victory for the first time since 2015, despite Max Verstappen's consistent success since joining F1. Mekies highlighted that the team has made progress, reducing their deficit to the front runners, but emphasized that the competition is fierce and evolving rapidly.
Mekies remains optimistic about the potential for victories this season, acknowledging that the performance gap has narrowed but still exists. He believes that any of the top teams could capitalize on mistakes made by others, which keeps the hope alive for Red Bull. However, he reiterated that the team's morale will not improve until they achieve race wins, reflecting a strong desire to return to the top of the sport.Fri 28 Aug · 05:25 UTC
via PlanetF1Driver’s eye: How Nico Hulkenberg managed to avoid disaster at Dutch Grand PrixDuring the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, Nico Hulkenberg managed to avoid a potentially disastrous collision with his teammate Gabriel Bortoleto after Bortoleto spun on the first lap. Both drivers navigated the tricky damp conditions, with Hulkenberg ultimately finishing in eighth place while Bortoleto recovered to thirteenth after starting from P17. Max Verstappen also faced difficulties, spinning out and hitting the barrier, which ended his race early.
Allan McNish, the Audi team boss, highlighted the skill and instinct displayed by both drivers during the incident. Hulkenberg described the situation as 'a bit wild,' acknowledging the tricky conditions that caught many drivers off guard. Bortoleto expressed his disappointment over his poor start and subsequent spin, indicating that he would review the data with his team to improve in future races.Fri 28 Aug · 05:06 UTC
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen's Red Bull Dutch GP race suit up for charity auctionRed Bull is auctioning a special-edition race suit worn by Max Verstappen during the Dutch Grand Prix, with all proceeds going to the Wings for Life charity. The suit, which is signed and professionally framed, represents a significant piece of memorabilia as it was worn during Verstappen's final home race at Zandvoort, where he crashed out on the opening lap.
Verstappen recently signed a contract extension with Red Bull that will keep him with the team until 2030. The auction aims to raise funds for spinal cord injury research, and Red Bull Racing's CEO expressed pride in supporting this cause through the auction of such a notable item.Thu 27 Aug · 21:12 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLiam Lawson realised why Max Verstappen keeps complaining about Red Bull during Dutch Grand PrixDuring the Dutch Grand Prix, Max Verstappen crashed out early, continuing his criticism of Red Bull's car balance, which he has expressed throughout the 2026 season. Stand-in driver Liam Lawson experienced similar issues with traction and grip, as reflected in his radio communications during the race. Despite these challenges, Lawson managed to finish seventh, although he was significantly behind the leaders and received a penalty for a yellow flag violation.
Lawson's performance highlighted the ongoing struggles of the Red Bull team, which has reportedly abandoned hopes of improving their 2026 car. The team is also facing uncertainty regarding driver lineups, with Isack Hadjar hoping to return from injury. Lawson's experience at Zandvoort has provided insight into the difficulties faced by Verstappen and the team as a whole.Thu 27 Aug · 20:00 UTC
via gpfans.com'Money and trust' - why Max Verstappen didn't sign for McLarenMax Verstappen has chosen to remain with Red Bull Racing, signing a record-breaking contract extension through to 2030. The decision was influenced by financial considerations, as McLaren reportedly could not match the salary offered by Red Bull, which is estimated at $107 million annually, potentially exceeding $500 million with bonuses. Additionally, trust in the Red Bull team, built over a decade, played a significant role in his choice to stay put.
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher highlighted that the relationship between Verstappen and Red Bull is strong, and concerns about McLaren's use of Mercedes engines contributed to the decision. Schumacher also pointed out the risks associated with switching teams, referencing Lewis Hamilton's difficulties when he moved to Ferrari. As Verstappen secures his future, the F1 driver market remains dynamic, with several seats still unconfirmed for the 2027 season.Thu 27 Aug · 19:58 UTC
via f1oversteer.comGuenther Steiner says there’s only one possible explanation for Oscar Piastri’s poor 2026 formOscar Piastri's performance in the 2026 Formula 1 season has significantly declined, with him now trailing teammate Lando Norris by 55 points after previously leading by 34 points. Guenther Steiner attributes this drop in form to the reduced role of Mark Webber in Piastri's setup, suggesting that Webber's presence was crucial to Piastri's success last season when their head-to-head results were level.
Steiner noted that while other elite drivers have adapted to changes in regulations, Piastri has struggled, possibly due to the absence of Webber at the track. Piastri has since reshuffled his management, which has led to speculation about the impact of this change on his performance. Despite these challenges, Piastri continues to build his experience, having recently completed his 80th race.Thu 27 Aug · 18:30 UTC
via gpfans.comChristian Horner credited for keeping Verstappen at Red BullMax Verstappen has confirmed his decision to stay with Red Bull Racing. The team's former principal, Christian Horner, has been credited with influencing this choice.Thu 27 Aug · 17:45 UTCPage 28 of 54
