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via grandprix.comThree Macarena wings set for Hungary debutThe upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix will see Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull debuting their versions of the innovative 'Macarena' rear-wing concept. Ferrari is refining its design to enhance aerodynamic performance, while Red Bull has resolved previous mechanical issues that led to failures during the season. McLaren plans to test its version during Friday practice, with hopes of improving its competitiveness in the latter half of the season through a comprehensive upgrade package, including a new floor and aerodynamic changes.
Team principal Andrea Stella expressed confidence that the upgrades will help McLaren address its cornering deficits and allow driver Oscar Piastri to better utilize the car's potential. The teams are preparing for a competitive race, with Ferrari expected to maintain its edge in speed at the Hungaroring and Zandvoort, while McLaren targets a stronger performance at future high-speed circuits.
via AutosportAlonso's Future in F1 Depends on Regulations, Not Team PerformanceFernando Alonso has stated that his decision regarding his future in Formula 1 will be influenced more by upcoming regulations than by Aston Martin's current performance. As he approaches his 45th birthday, he remains focused on the broader context of the sport rather than the team's recent struggles.
via grandprix.comVerstappen Faces Pressure to Decide Future with Red BullMax Verstappen is reportedly under pressure to clarify his future with Red Bull before a contractual deadline. Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar's position at the team for 2027 appears more secure amid ongoing speculation regarding Verstappen's plans.
via grandprix.comRed Bull says no to Abu Dhabi-backed Racing Bulls bidRed Bull has turned down a substantial offer of up to $3 billion for its second Formula 1 team, Racing Bulls, which is backed by investors from Abu Dhabi. The bid was led by Dean Attew and Andrew Herriot, but neither party has confirmed the details of the offer or its rejection publicly.
Racing Bulls plays a crucial role in Red Bull's strategy to nurture young talent in Formula 1. Notable drivers like Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar have previously been part of the team, and the current lineup for 2026 includes Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad. Red Bull has also rejected earlier offers in the range of $2 billion to $2.3 billion for the team.
via grandprix.comAlonso says 2027 decision hinges on rules, not Aston slumpFernando Alonso has clarified that his future in Formula 1 is more dependent on regulatory changes than on Aston Martin's current performance, which has been disappointing. Despite a challenging start to the 2026 season, he believes the team's true potential has yet to be realized and is looking forward to upcoming updates to the car. The first significant chassis update is set to arrive in Hungary after 11 races with the same specifications, which Alonso hopes will mark a turning point for the team.
Alonso expressed that while expectations were high for the new regulations and the Honda engine, the results have not met those hopes. He emphasized the importance of understanding the car's setup with the new components introduced during the Belgian GP. Newey, who is leading the chassis updates, has indicated that Aston Martin must demonstrate progress to keep Alonso interested in continuing beyond 2027.
via BBC SportRed Bull Hires Mercedes Junior Program Chief LagrueRed Bull Racing is set to acquire Mercedes' junior driver program chief, Lagrue. His departure follows the retirement of Dr. Helmut Marko, as Red Bull seeks to revamp its driver development structure.
via grandprix.comRed Bull names Verstappen's next race engineerRed Bull Racing has announced that Tom Hart will replace Gianpiero Lambiase as Max Verstappen's race engineer, with the transition expected to begin in 2027. Lambiase is leaving for McLaren, and Hart was initially set to join Williams before being persuaded to stay with Red Bull. This change comes amid ongoing speculation about Verstappen's future with the team, particularly regarding potential interest from McLaren.
During the recent qualifying session at Spa, Verstappen achieved a strong P2, largely due to a strategic slipstream from teammate Isack Hadjar. Verstappen acknowledged that without the tow, he would have likely qualified around P6. Meanwhile, Hadjar humorously noted that he did not expect any significant reward for his help, while McLaren's Andrea Stella indicated that any move for Verstappen would require the team to field a third car, a matter that needs higher-level discussions.
via espn.comRed Bull's Future Plans Impact Max Verstappen's Career DecisionsSpeculation surrounding Max Verstappen's future with Red Bull continues as discussions about the team's competitive direction unfold. Laurent Mekies emphasized that the team must provide a strong car to address concerns about Verstappen's loyalty and potential career moves.
via theguardian.comKimi Antonelli Secures Pole Position at Belgian Grand PrixKimi Antonelli of Mercedes has achieved pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix, outperforming Max Verstappen. His teammate George Russell will start from fourth, while Lando Norris faces a 10-place grid penalty.
via grandprix.comRed Bull Replaces Rear Wing Ahead of Belgian Grand PrixRed Bull Racing has decided to switch to a conventional rear wing for the Belgian Grand Prix. This change comes after recent performance issues and crashes involving driver Max Verstappen.
via BBC SportRed Bull to change wing after Verstappen crashesThe team had pioneered a new wing design that aimed to enhance straight-line speed by allowing the top flap to rotate more than 180 degrees. However, the aerodynamic issues encountered prompted Red Bull to revert to a more traditional wing configuration. The Belgian Grand Prix will take place from July 17 to 19, 2026, and the team hopes to resolve the issues with the new wing design before its next use.
via grandprix.comVerstappen wants to stay at Red Bull, insists managerMax Verstappen's manager has reiterated that the driver intends to remain with Red Bull, despite ongoing speculation about potential moves to other teams. The manager emphasized that Verstappen has a contract until 2028 and downplayed the significance of a performance-related exit clause that exists in his contract. The recent meeting involving Verstappen's family and team members was characterized as a private engagement, further clarifying the context of the discussions that fueled rumors about his future.
Additionally, there are concerns regarding Verstappen's recent rear wing failures, prompting Red Bull to seek closer scrutiny from the FIA on the rear wing design. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has raised questions about the unique nature of these failures, suggesting they may not be mere coincidences. Meanwhile, Gunther Steiner supports the idea that Verstappen's best option is to stay with Red Bull, noting that the team is well-suited to his driving style.
via grandprix.comHorner to Aston? Schumacher isn't convincedRalf Schumacher has expressed skepticism about Christian Horner's rumored return to Formula 1, particularly with Aston Martin. He suggests that Horner's desire for more control and the presence of strong figures like Lawrence Stroll and Adrian Newey make such a move unlikely. Instead, Schumacher predicts that Jonathan Wheatley may be the one to take over at Aston Martin in the future.
Schumacher also discusses the ongoing rumors surrounding BYD and mentions that for Horner to join Alpine, significant changes would need to occur. Despite his doubts, Schumacher acknowledges Horner's successful track record in the sport and believes he deserves another chance in Formula 1, highlighting the competitive nature of the environment.
via grandprix.comBearman tipped if Verstappen leaves Red BullRalf Schumacher has suggested that if Max Verstappen were to leave Red Bull, Oliver Bearman would be the team's top choice to replace him. He also mentioned Carlos Sainz as a potential candidate but noted that Sainz has yet to demonstrate championship-winning capabilities. Schumacher expressed confidence in Bearman's potential to succeed in Formula 1 and commented on Oscar Piastri's struggles within his current team, indicating that he is not entirely satisfied with his situation at McLaren.
Schumacher cautioned Verstappen against becoming overly involved in the ongoing transfer rumors and speculated that a recent meeting involving Verstappen's management was more focused on his future rather than a potential return of Dr. Helmut Marko. He believes that Red Bull has transitioned under Laurent Mekies and that Verstappen's camp may not fully appreciate Marko's significant role in the team's success. Overall, the article highlights the uncertainty surrounding Verstappen's future and the potential implications for Red Bull Racing.
via grandprix.comCampos backs Tsolov for F1 amid Racing Bulls rumoursNikola Tsolov, the current leader in the Formula 2 championship, is gaining attention for a potential move to Formula 1, with his team principal, Adrian Campos, advocating for his promotion. Tsolov recently achieved a historic feat by winning three consecutive races, further solidifying his credentials for a spot on the 2027 grid, amid rumors linking him to Red Bull's Racing Bulls team. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding this speculation yet.
Meanwhile, Liam Lawson is also making headlines in 2026, having scored points in seven of the nine races so far. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher commended Lawson's performance, highlighting the positive environment within his team that has contributed to his resurgence. Despite the ongoing discussions about the future, Lawson remains focused on his current performance and has not contemplated his position for the upcoming season.
via BBC SportRed Bull wing failure 'super-dangerous' - VerstappenMax Verstappen has voiced serious concerns over a rear wing failure on his Red Bull car that led to crashes in consecutive races, labeling the situation as 'super-dangerous'. This failure occurred while he was competing for position during the British Grand Prix, following a similar incident in Austria. Verstappen expressed frustration over the car's reliability, having retired from three races this season and currently sitting seventh in the championship standings, significantly behind the leader, Kimi Antonelli.
Red Bull's team principal, Laurent Mekies, acknowledged the challenges posed by the wing failures and emphasized the team's commitment to resolving these issues. Verstappen's contract with Red Bull extends until 2028, but he has performance clauses that could allow him to leave at the end of the current season. His management is reportedly in discussions with other teams, including Mercedes and McLaren, as they consider the best path forward for his career.Page 29 of 29