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via Motorsport.comMcLaren "disappointed" not to pick up rotating rear wing as quickly as FerrariMcLaren's tech director Neil Houldey has acknowledged the team's disappointment in not being able to adopt the innovative rotating rear wing concept as swiftly as Ferrari. The team faced challenges during their development process, including an abandoned test in Austria due to technical issues, but they successfully trialed the design in Hungary and are aiming for a debut after the summer break. Houldey emphasized the importance of understanding the aerodynamic risks associated with the new wing design, which utilizes a three-link mechanism to enhance performance.
As McLaren continues to refine their rear wing, they are focused on improving aerodynamic efficiency and integrating the rotating concept into their upcoming designs. Houldey stated that while the team recognized the potential of the rotating wing after observing Ferrari's implementation, they had to prioritize other performance upgrades. The team is optimistic about their progress and is on track to introduce the new wing in the near future.
Mon 10 Aug · 09:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comMcLaren Continues Development of 2026 Car Amid Future PlansMcLaren is maintaining its focus on the development of its 2026 Formula 1 car despite plans for the 2027 model. The team is currently addressing challenges faced at the start of the 2026 season while aiming to build on its recent successes.+ 1 moreMon 10 Aug · 08:10 UTC
via RacingNews365McLaren Acknowledges Cost of 2025 Championship SuccessMcLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, has acknowledged the significant consequences of their 2025 championship victory. The team has experienced a decline in performance this season, attributed to their focus on developing the championship-winning car.
+ 2 moreMon 10 Aug · 06:20 UTC
via Motorsport.comDavid Coulthard Offered Pub to Jeremy Clarkson for FreeDavid Coulthard has disclosed that he once offered his struggling pub in south-west London to Jeremy Clarkson at no cost. The proposal was made in an effort to help revive the business.+ 1 moreSun 9 Aug · 22:40 UTC
via RacingNews365Sergio Perez denies claim over F1 form in Red Bull 'cirumstances' defenceSergio Perez has addressed claims regarding his performance in Formula 1, particularly during his time with Red Bull. He stated that his struggles in his final season were due to external circumstances and not a reflection of his abilities. Despite facing challenges, he believes he was driving at a high level, but was unable to showcase his true potential alongside teammate Max Verstappen, who dominated the team's development direction.
Now with Cadillac, Perez has found success and has been praised for his contributions to the team's first season in F1. He insists that he has not changed personally since his time at Red Bull and is focused on maintaining his performance level. Perez is optimistic about his current form and is determined to continue improving as the season progresses.Sun 9 Aug · 17:10 UTC
via RacingNews365McLaren point to 'disruptive' regulations in F1 driver assessmentMcLaren's team principal Andrea Stella highlighted the challenges posed by the new regulations in Formula 1, describing them as 'disruptive' for drivers. He praised Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for their adaptability amidst significant changes to aerodynamic and power unit regulations in the 2026 season. Many drivers have found it necessary to adjust their driving styles to optimize performance with the new cars.
The introduction of a more powerful electrical output in the new power units has added complexity to the drivers' learning process, particularly due to initial reliability issues. Despite these challenges, Stella expressed confidence in his drivers' commitment and performance, emphasizing ongoing collaboration with their technical partners to enhance the interaction between the drivers and the power units.Sun 9 Aug · 16:20 UTC
via RacingNews365Jos Verstappen Reflects on Initial F1 Talks with Helmut MarkoJos Verstappen has shared his thoughts on the unexpected discussions he had with Helmut Marko regarding his son Max's entry into Formula 1. He expressed surprise at the negotiations that led to Max's promotion to the F1 grid as a teenager.+ 1 moreSun 9 Aug · 15:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comMika Hakkinen urges McLaren not to "rock the boat" with Max Verstappen moveMika Hakkinen has expressed concerns about McLaren potentially pursuing Max Verstappen, suggesting that the team should focus on preserving its internal harmony. He believes that introducing another top driver could disrupt the existing team dynamics, which are vital for success in Formula 1. Hakkinen shared these insights during a podcast discussion with David Coulthard, emphasizing the importance of continuity within the team.
Hakkinen drew from his own experiences at McLaren, where he and Coulthard maintained a long-standing partnership. He argued that a strong team spirit is essential, and management should prioritize stability over risky driver market moves. The upcoming Dutch Grand Prix is set to take place from August 21 to 23, 2026.Sun 9 Aug · 11:32 UTC
via F1iMekies sees Red Bull’s second-car curse fading with HadjarRed Bull Racing has promoted Isack Hadjar to its senior team, addressing a long-standing issue with its second car alongside Max Verstappen. The team has faced challenges with previous drivers, but Hadjar's consistent improvement and eagerness to learn have begun to change the dynamics, making him a valuable asset for the team. Laurent Mekies, the team principal, highlighted that enhancing the performance of the second car was a key priority for Red Bull, and Hadjar's development is seen as crucial for overall team cohesion and strategy.
Mekies noted that Hadjar's steady progress allows Red Bull to utilize both cars more effectively during races, providing strategic options and technical insights. The team is optimistic about Hadjar's trajectory, viewing him not just as a support driver but as an integral part of their competitive strategy moving forward. This shift in perspective could strengthen Red Bull's overall performance as the season progresses.
Sun 9 Aug · 11:07 UTC
via RacingNews365Isack Hadjar details F1 'luxury' alongside Max VerstappenIsack Hadjar, a young driver for Red Bull, has been performing well alongside the highly regarded Max Verstappen. Despite the challenges of competing against such a strong teammate, Hadjar views the experience as a unique opportunity to learn and grow in his racing career. He has consistently finished in the top six and is on track for a potential contract extension for the following season.
In the current season, Hadjar has been out-qualified by Verstappen, but he remains focused on improving and understanding the nuances of racing at the highest level. His admiration for Verstappen's skills and the competitive environment at Red Bull highlights the luxury he feels in being part of such a prestigious team at a young age.Sun 9 Aug · 09:05 UTC
via RacingNews365McLaren Announces Significant Changes Amid Team RestructuringMcLaren has revealed plans for a major shift within the team as part of its ongoing evolution in Formula 1. This restructuring aims to enhance their competitiveness and performance in upcoming seasons.Sun 9 Aug · 05:25 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen's Future with Red Bull Remains UncertainMax Verstappen has not yet confirmed his plans for the upcoming Formula 1 season, leading to ongoing speculation about his future with Red Bull Racing. The team's recent struggles have added to the scrutiny surrounding his potential decision.+ 1 moreSun 9 Aug · 04:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Oscar Piastri exit from McLaren weighed up in key 'honeymoon' differenceOscar Piastri's performance at McLaren has been disappointing this season, especially compared to his teammate Lando Norris, who has consistently outpaced him. Both drivers are under long-term contracts, but there are indications that Piastri might seek opportunities elsewhere, as highlighted by former engineer Rob Smedley. Smedley pointed out a stark contrast in the team dynamics, noting that Norris expresses a strong commitment to McLaren, while Piastri does not share the same sentiment.
Despite the challenges, McLaren has seen success, including a recent victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The team has maintained the longest unchanged driver line-up in Formula 1, but the differing attitudes of their drivers could influence future decisions. As the season progresses, the focus will be on how Piastri's situation develops and whether he remains with McLaren or pursues other options.Sat 8 Aug · 17:10 UTC
via RacingNews365Carlos Sainz reveals old exchange with Red Bull boss: 'I was shocked'Carlos Sainz shared his surprise at the detailed analysis of his racing performances that he received when he joined Ferrari in 2021. The data, presented by then-team principal Mattia Binotto and sporting director Laurent Mekies, covered his performances over the past six years and included comparisons with his teammates from previous teams. Sainz was impressed by the depth of information that Ferrari had gathered, which contributed to their decision to select him for the team over other candidates like Daniel Ricciardo.
Sainz reflected on how the analysis revealed not only the team's thorough scouting process but also highlighted areas for improvement that he was already aware of. This experience underscored the level of detail that top teams like Ferrari utilize in their evaluations of drivers. Sainz's tenure at Ferrari lasted four years, during which he achieved significant success in his Formula 1 career.Sat 8 Aug · 16:20 UTC
via RacingNews365McLaren hint at Ferrari advantage after surprise F1 appearanceFerrari recently held a filming day at the Madring, the new circuit set to host its first Spanish Grand Prix on September 13. During this session, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton completed the maximum allowed distance of 200 km, which has raised concerns from rival teams, particularly McLaren, about a potential advantage for Ferrari due to their early experience on the track. McLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, expressed surprise at Ferrari's unannounced session and emphasized that while the conditions were not representative, some baseline data could still be beneficial for Ferrari.
The Madring circuit, which is about 5.4 km long and features around 20 corners, marks the return of Formula 1 racing to Madrid for the first time since 1981. Stella mentioned that although the filming day was primarily promotional and restricted in nature, it could still provide Ferrari with insights that might help them when the entire grid arrives for the race weekend. He acknowledged that while the track conditions were poor, any early data could help teams avoid starting from scratch.Sat 8 Aug · 09:05 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull has key advantage in hunt for first 2026 F1 winRed Bull Racing has faced challenges in the 2026 Formula 1 season, remaining the only top team without a win so far. Despite Max Verstappen's efforts, the team has struggled with race pace and aerodynamic issues, particularly with the RB22's downforce distribution. Recent modifications to the car aim to improve stability and performance, but significant upgrades are still needed, especially concerning the floor of the vehicle.
The Red Bull-Ford power unit has emerged as a strong competitor, allowing the team to adopt a more aggressive aerodynamic setup at certain circuits. However, the development advantages being granted to rivals Mercedes and Ferrari pose a significant challenge for Red Bull as they seek their first victory of the season. The team hopes to capitalize on potential opportunities in the second half of the season as they continue to refine their car.Sat 8 Aug · 08:10 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen handed 'reality' check amid Red Bull frustrationMax Verstappen has not been afraid of criticising Red Bull this season, with an ex-F1 driver believing he must have several options on the table.Sat 8 Aug · 04:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comOscar Piastri's new merchandise collection earns positive fan reactionOscar Piastri, a driver for McLaren in Formula 1, has introduced a new merchandise line called the 'World Circuit' collection. This collection features a range of apparel inspired by the diverse locations on the F1 calendar and includes items such as T-shirts, jackets, and bags, with prices varying from £14.99 to £124.99.
The launch has garnered a favorable response from fans, who appreciate both the pricing and the unique designs. Many fans have commented on social media, expressing their satisfaction with the affordability and style of the merchandise, indicating that it stands out as distinctly Piastri's brand.Fri 7 Aug · 14:50 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull Racing to Hire Tom McCullough as New EngineerRed Bull Racing is reportedly set to appoint Tom McCullough from Aston Martin as its new head of race engineering. This move follows the departure of Gianpiero Lambiase, who is expected to join McLaren.+ 3 moreFri 7 Aug · 14:35 UTC
via Motorsport.comMika Hakkinen reveals doubts over F1 return after life-threatening crash in 1995Mika Hakkinen opened up about his traumatic experience following a life-threatening crash at the 1995 Australian Grand Prix, where he suffered severe injuries including a fractured skull. The crash was triggered by a puncture that sent his car airborne, leading to a high-speed impact with a barrier. Hakkinen was hospitalized for about two months and received critical medical assistance from F1 officials and doctors at the scene.
Despite the physical and psychological hurdles he faced, Hakkinen returned to testing an F1 car just months later. He reflected on the difficult decision to come back to racing, acknowledging the fear and doubts that accompanied it. Ultimately, his passion for motor racing and the desire to prove himself motivated him to overcome his apprehensions and return to the sport he loves.Fri 7 Aug · 12:38 UTCPage 28 of 33