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via grandprix.comCadillac pays twice for Perez pit-lane speedingDuring the opening practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madrid circuit, Cadillac faced financial penalties due to Sergio Perez exceeding the pit-lane speed limit on two occasions. The first infraction saw Perez clock in at 53.9 mph, resulting in a fine of approximately $810, while the second infraction, where he reached 60.1 mph, incurred a fine of about $1,160. This brought Cadillac's total fines to around $1,970, marking a challenging start for the team at the new venue.
The penalties were issued under Article B1.6.3a.i of the FIA Formula 1 regulations and were classified as team fines, meaning they did not affect Perez's sporting penalties for the weekend. Despite the financial setbacks, Perez's performance in the session was subpar, finishing 21st and only ahead of his teammate Valtteri Bottas. The incident highlights the challenges teams face with pit-lane management, especially at a circuit with a long pit lane like Madring.
via Sky Sports F1Russell tops first practice in Madrid as Hamilton frustrates other driversIn the first practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit, George Russell achieved the fastest time, leading a Mercedes one-two with teammate Kimi Antonelli. Russell's time was 1:34.077, while Antonelli was 0.286 seconds slower. Charles Leclerc managed to secure third place despite recovering from a recent crash, while Lewis Hamilton faced criticism for blocking other drivers during the session.
The tight confines of the Madring circuit led to traffic issues, with Hamilton being called out by several drivers, including Arvid Lindblad and Carlos Sainz, for impeding their flying laps. Despite these challenges, all 22 drivers completed the session without major incidents, indicating a competitive weekend ahead with Mercedes and Ferrari expected to contend for the top positions.
via AutosportWhy Leclerc isn't using latest Ferrari ADUO2 engine in the Spanish GPCharles Leclerc is unable to use Ferrari's latest ADUO2 engine at the Spanish Grand Prix due to ongoing checks following his crash at the Italian GP. Although the engine was deemed structurally sound, Ferrari engineers opted against risking it until further examinations are completed, especially considering the new circuit's demands for data collection and setup optimization.
Leclerc will instead utilize the older ADUO1 engine, allowing Ferrari to assess performance differences between the two units. The decision reflects a cautious approach to ensure reliability and performance, especially given the challenges posed by the Madring circuit.
via f1oversteer.comFred Vasseur says he won't 'waste energy' over Ferrari concern, points to 'really good' signFred Vasseur, the team principal of Ferrari, is facing speculation regarding his future following a poor performance at the Monza Grand Prix. Despite the backlash from fans and reports of dissatisfaction from Ferrari executives, Vasseur emphasizes that he has ongoing support from the Ferrari hierarchy and aims to focus on improving the team's performance.
Vasseur insists that pressure is a normal part of his role and he will not waste energy on speculation about his job security. He believes Ferrari remains in a good position this season, having won two races and having clear plans for future improvements.
via f1oversteer.comCharles Leclerc’s instant radio message on Lewis Hamilton moment at Madring proves Ferrari’s changeDuring Free Practice One at the inaugural Madring, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton secured third and fourth places, respectively, while George Russell led the session. Following a challenging performance at Monza, Ferrari showed signs of improvement as both drivers managed to avoid conflicts on track, which was a relief for team principal Fred Vasseur.
Leclerc demonstrated a notable change in behavior by calmly addressing a near-miss with Hamilton over the radio, suggesting a more diplomatic approach within the team. This incident has raised questions about whether this newfound professionalism will persist as the competition intensifies during the race weekend.
via CrashIsack Hadjar to miss another race due to wrist injuryIsack Hadjar will be absent from his third consecutive race due to a wrist injury. Red Bull has stated that his return will depend on him feeling fully fit.
via Motorsport.comFerrari "too late" to prioritise Lewis Hamilton in F1 title fight, says Jolyon PalmerJolyon Palmer, a former Formula 1 driver, has expressed that Ferrari has missed its chance to support Lewis Hamilton in the ongoing championship race. He believes that the team has allowed their title aspirations to fade, particularly after a disappointing performance at Monza. Currently, Hamilton sits third in the standings, significantly trailing the championship leader Kimi Antonelli, while Leclerc is also behind in fifth place.
Palmer emphasized that the dynamics between Hamilton and Leclerc have hindered their chances, as both drivers have been focused on competing against each other rather than collaborating. He pointed out that their clashes during races have cost them valuable points, and with the season progressing, he feels it is now too late for Ferrari to prioritize Hamilton's bid for the title.
via f1oversteer.comGeorge Russell hints at Mercedes changes after FP1George Russell achieved the fastest time in the first free practice session of the Spanish Grand Prix. The performance indicates a positive start for Mercedes, although potential changes may be needed on Russell's side of the garage.
via Motorsport.comJames Hinchcliffe warns Fred Vasseur faces "tremendous" pressure over Ferrari team ordersJames Hinchcliffe has expressed that Ferrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, is under significant pressure to clarify team orders between drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. This comes after recent races where both drivers faced challenges, including a lack of communication during the Dutch Grand Prix and a clash at the Italian Grand Prix.
Vasseur acknowledged the need for discussions regarding team orders but refuted claims of an internal crisis within Ferrari. He stated that while there are existing rules, they cannot cover every possible scenario on the track, indicating a need for clearer guidelines moving forward.
via Motorsport.com“I f***ed up quite a lot”: How Yuki Tsunoda discovered the complexity of F1 2026 at MonzaYuki Tsunoda is competing in his third race of the 2026 Formula 1 season with Racing Bulls, stepping in for Liam Lawson. After a relatively smooth debut at the Dutch Grand Prix, Tsunoda faced challenges at the Italian GP, where he struggled with pace and made mistakes that affected his grid position and race outcome. His performance is currently under review due to a protest from Audi regarding his actions during the race.
Tsunoda has expressed the complexities of driving the new generation of F1 cars, which require a different approach to energy management and throttle sensitivity. He acknowledged that he underestimated the penalties for not executing the new strategies correctly, which impacted his qualifying performance. Despite criticism from Max Verstappen about the new regulations, Tsunoda remains focused on his individual performance and believes he has done well in his recent races.
via Motorsport.comInsider reveals how Red Bull’s billion-dollar Porsche deal collapsedRed Bull Racing was in advanced discussions with Porsche for a significant partnership in Formula 1, which included Porsche acquiring 50% of Red Bull's operations. The deal was nearly finalized, with a handshake agreement between top executives and a planned public announcement. However, the negotiations fell apart unexpectedly just before the announcement was to be made.
The collapse of the deal was attributed to a shift in Red Bull's strategy, coinciding with the declining health of co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz. Enzinger clarified that Porsche had not engaged in talks with other teams during this period, emphasizing their focus solely on Red Bull. Ultimately, Red Bull opted to partner with Ford for their engine project instead.
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton claims Ferrari F1 move BLOCKED by Fernando AlonsoLewis Hamilton revealed that his potential move to Ferrari was hindered by Fernando Alonso, who held veto rights during negotiations. Hamilton stated that he spoke with former Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali about joining the team, but Alonso's status as the number one driver played a significant role in blocking the move.
Hamilton and Alonso previously had a tumultuous partnership at McLaren in 2007, which ended with Alonso leaving the team after just one season. While Alonso continued with Ferrari until 2014, Hamilton moved to Mercedes, where he achieved significant success, ultimately joining Ferrari in 2025.
via F1iPiastri insists ‘we’re all good’ after heated Monza battle with NorrisOscar Piastri has downplayed any concerns regarding team dynamics at McLaren following a tense race with teammate Lando Norris at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. Despite a heated battle for fourth place, which included some close moments and Norris expressing frustration over team radio, both drivers have moved past the incident and maintain a positive relationship, even spending time together off the track.
Piastri also reflected on his performance and adaptation to the 2026 McLaren car, noting that he has faced challenges but found some improvements during the Monza race. As they head to the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit, Piastri is eager to see how his recent progress translates into results on a new track.
via CrashLewis Hamilton clarifies stance on Ferrari preferential treatment in F1 title raceLewis Hamilton has clarified that he is not asking for preferential treatment from Ferrari in the ongoing Formula 1 title race. Despite being an outside contender, he is currently 76 points behind leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli and 10 points behind teammate George Russell. Hamilton acknowledged that it is too late for Ferrari to prioritize him over Charles Leclerc, especially after Leclerc's recent retirement at the Italian Grand Prix.
Hamilton pointed out that Ferrari's upgraded engine still lags behind Mercedes in terms of straight-line speed. He stressed the need for teamwork to maximize points and achieve better results, rather than competing against each other. Hamilton remains focused on consistency and optimizing performance during races, hoping to capitalize on any potential shortcomings from Ferrari.
via f1oversteer.comSergio Perez shares what he ‘tried to do’ that likely cost George Russell the Italian Grand Prix winSergio Perez revealed that a sudden battery issue contributed to George Russell's missed opportunity to win the 2026 Italian Grand Prix. Russell, who was favored to win, was affected by Perez's slowdown during a virtual safety car, costing him valuable time as Antonelli, starting from P19, overtook him to secure victory.
Russell's loss at Monza has significant implications for the championship standings, as he now sits 66 points behind Antonelli. Despite the setback, Russell acknowledged his teammate's superior performance this season and expressed a realistic outlook on his chances for the title, emphasizing the need for luck in the remaining races.
via PlanetF1Lewis Hamilton delivers verdict on Charles Leclerc clash as Ferrari tensions easeLewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have resolved their differences following a clash during the Italian Grand Prix. After a one-on-one discussion, Leclerc admitted to Hamilton that he overstepped in his defensive maneuvers, allowing them to move past the incident. Hamilton expressed appreciation for the open dialogue and noted that such tensions are not unusual among competitive teammates in Formula 1.
Despite clearing the air, Hamilton remains focused on improving his performance, as he is significantly behind in the championship standings. He recognizes that while mathematically the title is still possible, the gap is substantial, and he aims to concentrate on maximizing his results in upcoming races.
via RacingNews365Verstappen issues 'warning' to karting opponent: 'I'll plough him into the wall!'Max Verstappen is set to compete in a unique karting challenge at Silverstone following the Spanish Grand Prix. This event, scheduled for September 16, will see him racing against 100 participants, which include Red Bull athletes and various media figures. Verstappen humorously warned a friend, who is also participating, to be cautious or risk being pushed into the barrier during the race.
In the karting event, Verstappen will have 30 laps to navigate through the field, eliminating opponents as he overtakes them. His playful remarks about the race dynamics and the positioning of competitors highlight his competitive spirit and sense of humor ahead of the event.
via gpfans.comFerrari F1 boss hits back at Lewis Hamilton and Charles LeclercFerrari F1 team principal Fred Vasseur has publicly addressed criticism from drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc following a challenging Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The race saw Leclerc crash out early and Hamilton finish in sixth place after their on-track collision on the first lap. Vasseur emphasized the need for both drivers to prioritize the team's interests and take responsibility for their actions on the track, reflecting on the importance of team unity in achieving success.
In his statement, Vasseur acknowledged the pressures of his role and the speculation surrounding his future at Ferrari. He clarified that while he encourages open communication, drivers must be mindful of how their comments can be interpreted by the media. Vasseur's remarks come as Ferrari aims to improve its performance, currently holding second place in the Constructors' Championship, and he remains focused on the team's progress despite external pressures.
via Motorsport.comCharles Leclerc gives insight into eyesight problem after Monza F1 crashCharles Leclerc provided details about his experience following a crash at the Italian Grand Prix, where he lost control of his car and hit the barriers. Although he initially faced some vision issues in his right eye, he reported that these problems were short-lived and resolved shortly after the incident. Leclerc was cleared from the medical center but mentioned he would need further checks to ensure his fitness for the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix.
In the days following the crash, Leclerc underwent several medical evaluations, mainly addressing neck tightness. He described the crash as significant but noted that he felt fine after the initial shock wore off. Leclerc's medical assessments were satisfactory, allowing him to prepare for the next race without major concerns.
via PlanetF1Kimi Antonelli avoided ‘unbelievable’ Ferrari pressure by joining MercedesKimi Antonelli achieved a remarkable victory at the Italian Grand Prix, marking a significant milestone as the first Italian winner of the event since 1966. Starting from 19th on the grid, he showcased his skill by racing to first place, further solidifying his lead in the drivers' standings with a substantial 66-point advantage over his teammate, George Russell.
Karun Chandhok emphasized that Antonelli's decision to join Mercedes instead of Ferrari has alleviated immense pressure on him, allowing him to thrive in his early Formula 1 career. Chandhok believes this strategic choice by Antonelli's father has been pivotal in shaping his son's success, suggesting that the absence of Ferrari's intense scrutiny has been beneficial for Antonelli's development as a driver.Page 29 of 100













