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via grandprix.comRobin Raikkonen joins Red Bull Junior TeamRed Bull Racing has officially announced that Robin Raikkonen, the son of former Formula 1 champion Kimi Raikkonen, will join their Junior Team starting in 2027. At just 11 years old, Robin is set to embark on a development program centered around karting, with the aim of gradually transitioning to single-seater racing in the future.
Kimi Raikkonen expressed his support for the agreement, emphasizing the importance of development over immediate results. The partnership will also involve coaching and structure, with expectations that Robin will begin competing in Formula 4 around the age of 15, following a structured path through the junior racing categories.
via thejudge13.comThe “Car-Killing” Nature of the MadringThe Madring, a new circuit for the Spanish Grand Prix, combines permanent track and street circuit elements, presenting unique challenges for drivers and teams. Recent testing in Formula 3 revealed significant difficulties, with numerous red flags and damaged cars, indicating that the track may be particularly tough on vehicles. Notably, the 'La Monumental' banked corner, with its steep gradient, is expected to be a defining feature of the circuit, demanding high skill from drivers.
As teams prepare for the race, they face the challenge of adapting to the Madring's characteristics, which differ from previous circuits. Mercedes' Toto Wolff anticipates a competitive weekend, while drivers like Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen express concerns about the new car regulations affecting performance. With the excitement building in Madrid, the upcoming race promises to test the limits of both drivers and their machines.
Thu 10 Sep · 10:50 UTC
via Motorsport.comWhy Ferrari won’t have to worry about another manhole cover incident at the MadringThe Madring, a new street circuit in Madrid, is set to host the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix. Unlike previous street circuits, this track has been specifically designed to avoid issues such as loose manhole covers, which caused significant problems during the 2023 Las Vegas GP when Carlos Sainz's Ferrari was damaged.
Ferrari has emphasized that the Madring will have no manhole covers, ensuring a safer racing environment. This design choice aims to alleviate concerns that have historically plagued street circuits, providing a sigh of relief for both the team and Sainz, who is an ambassador for the circuit.
Thu 10 Sep · 10:02 UTC
via f1oversteer.comColton Herta has already made a decision on his Formula 2 future amid nightmare seasonColton Herta, currently a reserve driver for Cadillac, is struggling in the Formula 2 standings, sitting in the bottom six with only four rounds remaining. His performance has been disappointing, with points scored in just one of the last eleven races, and a particularly poor showing at Monza where he crashed and qualified poorly. Herta has expressed a lack of interest in continuing in Formula 2, indicating a desire for a fresh start rather than switching teams within the series.
Despite the challenges in Formula 2, Herta remains optimistic about his future, particularly regarding a potential return to IndyCar. He feels confident about adapting back to the series, even with new car concepts being introduced. Herta has shown continued interest in following Formula 2 from a distance, acknowledging the level of competition and the upcoming changes in the series.
Thu 10 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comToto Wolff shares his ‘conclusion’ after watching Ferrari fans react to Kimi Antonelli’s Monza winAndrea Kimi Antonelli made history by winning the 2026 F1 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, becoming the first Italian to achieve this feat since 1966. Starting from P19 due to a penalty, Antonelli's remarkable performance not only secured him the victory but also solidified his position at the top of the standings, leading his teammate George Russell by 66 points after 13 races. His seven wins this season have further established him as a formidable competitor in the championship.
Toto Wolff observed the enthusiastic reaction of Ferrari fans during the celebration of Antonelli's win, concluding that Italian fans do not need to choose between supporting Ferrari and Antonelli. He emphasized that Antonelli's success is a source of pride for Italy, offering fans a unique opportunity to celebrate both a national driver and the iconic Ferrari team. Antonelli's achievements have reignited hopes of an Italian F1 champion, a title that has not been held since Alberto Ascari in 1953.Thu 10 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 has an 'AI agent' driver and he's about to become the youngest world champion everToto Wolff has compared 20-year-old championship leader Kimi Antonelli to an AI agent as he continues to grow as a driver.
Thu 10 Sep · 08:45 UTC
via RacingNews365Toto Wolff issues Mercedes warning after Monza highMercedes had a successful race weekend at Monza, highlighted by Kimi Antonelli's impressive victory from 19th on the grid, marking the team's first maximum points since March. Toto Wolff, however, cautioned that the upcoming race in Madrid will present a different set of challenges due to the unique characteristics of the new circuit.
Wolff emphasized the need for the team to quickly adapt to the demands of the Madrid track, which he believes will lead to a more competitive environment with rival teams. He praised Madrid's inclusion in the F1 calendar as a significant step for the sport, showcasing its global appeal and growth.
Thu 10 Sep · 08:10 UTC
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton made one big Ferrari mistake and now he is paying - 'Why didn't he get it sorted'Lewis Hamilton expressed frustration with Ferrari's performance following a disappointing sixth-place finish at the Italian Grand Prix. His drop in positions during the race was attributed to a collision with teammate Charles Leclerc, which led to further criticism of the team's strategy and management under team principal Fred Vasseur.
Hamilton's current standing in the championship shows he is 76 points behind Kimi Antonelli, raising concerns about Ferrari's ability to compete effectively this season. Analyst Peter Windsor suggested that Hamilton's issues stem from not addressing team dynamics before joining Ferrari, indicating that the current situation could have been avoided.Thu 10 Sep · 07:58 UTC
via PlanetF1Ferrari identifies ‘pure power’ deficit as deployment theory dismissedFerrari team principal Fred Vasseur has highlighted that the team's power unit is significantly lacking in 'pure power,' which is the primary reason for their performance gap compared to competitors like Mercedes. Despite introducing a power unit upgrade at Monza, Vasseur clarified that the issue is not related to energy deployment strategies but rather the fundamental power output of their engine.
Vasseur explained that while Mercedes has excelled in energy deployment, Ferrari's engine simply does not have the necessary power to compete effectively. He noted that the development of engine upgrades is a slow process, and while they are making incremental improvements, they do not expect to close the gap with Mercedes quickly.
Thu 10 Sep · 06:15 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRalf Schumacher saw something unprecedented from Fred Vasseur after Ferrari’s disastrous Italian GPRalf Schumacher says he has “never” seen Fred Vasseur as “shaken” as he was after Ferrari’s disastrous performance in last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix. Ferrari’s ...Thu 10 Sep · 06:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRalf Schumacher says Red Bull don't 'need' Liam Lawson despite 'better' 2026 performancesRalf Schumacher has expressed skepticism about Liam Lawson's future with Red Bull, despite the driver's improved performance in the 2026 season. Lawson's recent race results have been mixed, including a disappointing P14 finish at the Italian Grand Prix, which has led Schumacher to question whether Red Bull should continue investing in him.
Schumacher also highlighted the potential of other young drivers in the Red Bull program, particularly Nikola Tsolov, who is currently leading the Formula 2 championship. He believes that Red Bull may benefit from exploring new talent rather than relying on Lawson or Yuki Tsunoda, suggesting that the team has sufficient options for the future.Wed 9 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comCadillac straight-line speed comparison shows not even Adrian Newey can save Aston MartinAdrian Newey would have been hoping that Aston Martin would turn a corner after the summer break, but it all came crashing back down at ...Wed 9 Sep · 19:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Audi point to Red Bull influence behind stunning F1 turnaroundAudi has made significant improvements in its pit-stop performance, achieving the fastest pit-stops in the last two Formula 1 races. This turnaround is attributed to the influence of Lee Stevenson, a former chief mechanic at Red Bull, who joined Audi in 2024 and has since been promoted to team manager. His experience and leadership have been pivotal in enhancing the team's trackside operations and overall efficiency during races.
Racing director Allan McNish emphasized that Stevenson's arrival has helped the team overcome previous technical issues that plagued their pit-stops in 2024. The improvements have allowed Audi to consistently deliver quick and effective pit-stops, which are crucial for gaining competitive advantages in the tightly contested midfield of Formula 1.Wed 9 Sep · 19:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Oscar Piastri McLaren contract: Rosberg makes McLaren team orders claimNico Rosberg has expressed that Lando Norris is the standout driver at McLaren, suggesting that Oscar Piastri may need to adopt a supporting role in the 2026 season. Following the recent Monza race, where Norris finished fourth, Rosberg noted that while Norris is the primary title contender for McLaren, Piastri's strong performance, finishing just two-tenths behind Norris, indicates his growing competitiveness within the team.
Rosberg raised the possibility of McLaren implementing team orders to support Norris's championship bid, but he also pointed out that Piastri's contract may prevent him from being relegated to a number two position. He compared this situation to his own experience at Mercedes, where contractual obligations influenced team dynamics. Despite the challenges, Piastri has received praise from McLaren's team principal for his progress in adapting to the demands of the current season.Wed 9 Sep · 18:01 UTC
via RacingNews365Liam Lawson details confidence boost ahead of Madrid F1 debutLiam Lawson is set to make his third appearance this season with Red Bull Racing at the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix, stepping in for Isack Hadjar, who is sidelined due to a wrist injury. The Madrid circuit, which is hosting Formula 1 for the first time, presents a new challenge with its tight and high-speed corners. Lawson has only had the opportunity to familiarize himself with the track through a simulator, making the first practice session critical for assessing their competitive standing.
Despite a difficult race at Monza where he finished 14th due to a grid penalty, Lawson remains positive about his performance and the pace that Red Bull managed to unlock during the event. He believes that the experience gained at Monza will help him as he approaches the unique challenges of the Madrid circuit, particularly with its banked corner, which he anticipates will add an interesting dynamic to the race weekend.Wed 9 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comWhere Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc stand on Fred Vasseur as Ferrari’s ‘Plan B’ identifiedFerrari is facing challenges in the 2026 season, leading to doubts about team principal Fred Vasseur's future. Despite having taken the role in December 2022, recent performances and driver clashes have prompted the team to consider Antonello Coletta as a potential replacement. Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc currently support Vasseur, but their confidence may wane if issues persist.
The team's management is reportedly dissatisfied with Vasseur's handling of the drivers and overall performance. While Vasseur has a contract through at least 2027, the leadership is contemplating a shift to Coletta, who has had success in the World Endurance Championship. As Ferrari navigates these uncertainties, the outcome of their internal dynamics will be crucial for their future in Formula 1.Wed 9 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via the-race.comThe driver handling lessons Ferrari can take from two big rivalsFerrari is at a crossroads regarding how to manage its drivers, especially after recent incidents that highlighted the need for a clear strategy. Team principal Fred Vasseur has indicated that a decision is imminent, with various options on the table, including prioritizing one driver or maintaining equal status. The challenges faced by rivals like McLaren and Mercedes in managing their drivers provide valuable lessons for Ferrari as it navigates its own issues.
McLaren's experience with its 'Papaya Rules' demonstrates the difficulties of balancing individual driver interests with team goals, while Mercedes has implemented a 'racing intent' framework to mitigate conflicts. Vasseur recognizes that there is no perfect solution and that the dynamics of driver relationships require constant evaluation. As Ferrari considers its next steps, the importance of establishing clear rules and fostering unity among drivers will be crucial to avoid further complications.
Wed 9 Sep · 17:41 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMercedes are in for a dose of karma when 2027 F1 engine rule change comes inMercedes is facing potential challenges with the upcoming 2027 F1 engine rule changes, despite their current dominance in the 2026 season. They are allowed to make engine upgrades while Red Bull cannot, but this advantage may shift as other teams catch up. Mercedes has performed well, winning nine out of 13 races, but their rivals are working hard to close the gap, with Ferrari still lagging behind in power output.
As the regulations evolve, Mercedes may need to focus on upgrading their internal combustion engine rather than electrical components, as the balance of power will shift in favor of the ICE in 2027. This could pose a risk for Mercedes if they do not adapt their strategy, especially with the new power split and reduced electrical deployment, which could impact their performance in the future.Wed 9 Sep · 17:30 UTC
via gpfans.comMcLaren to create 1000 UK jobs with new £450m investmentMcLaren has announced a significant £450 million investment aimed at establishing a new technology centre in the UK, which is projected to create around 1,000 jobs. This move is seen as a positive development for the UK's automotive sector, especially in light of recent job cuts announced by Jaguar Land Rover due to declining sales figures.
The investment will enhance McLaren's capabilities in manufacturing and research and development at their Woking facility. This follows the acquisition of McLaren Automotive by CYVN Holdings, which is owned by the Abu Dhabi government, signaling a strategic shift and commitment to expanding McLaren's presence in the automotive industry.Wed 9 Sep · 16:27 UTC
via Sky Sports F1Chandhok praises Kimi Antonelli's Mercedes choiceKarun Chandhok has commented on Kimi Antonelli's decision to join the Mercedes junior programme instead of Ferrari. He believes this choice has alleviated some of the pressure on Antonelli.
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