News838 stories
RSS ↗
via Motorsport WeekLewis Hamilton hopeful of rallying Ferrari for F1 title pushLewis Hamilton has expressed optimism about Ferrari's chances in the ongoing Formula 1 season, highlighting the team's improved operational harmony. Currently, Hamilton sits second in the Drivers' Standings, 50 points behind leader Kimi Antonelli, while Ferrari trails Mercedes by 72 points in the Constructors' standings. Despite not having won a championship since 2008, Hamilton believes that the current team dynamics and passion could lead to a successful title challenge.
Hamilton has noted the importance of uniting Ferrari's workforce as they approach the final 12 races of the season. He has achieved one victory and four podium finishes this year, and he emphasizes the need to direct the team's enthusiasm towards performance improvements. With the season's conclusion approaching, Hamilton's leadership could be crucial in ending Ferrari's long championship drought.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen Prepares for Potentially Last Dutch Grand PrixMax Verstappen is set to race at Zandvoort this weekend, which may be his final appearance at the Dutch Grand Prix. Experts are weighing in on his chances of victory and the competitive landscape of the event.
via f1oversteer.comKimi Antonelli Faces Challenges in Rookie F1 Season with MercedesKimi Antonelli experienced a difficult rookie season in Formula 1 during 2025, stepping in as Lewis Hamilton's replacement. Team principal Toto Wolff expressed concerns about Antonelli's performance, urging him to improve amidst challenges faced by the driver and his family.
via RacingNews365Mercedes reveal 'long-term' F1 approach after 'enormously satisfying' start to new eraMercedes has adopted a long-term strategy in response to the new regulations set for 2026, which has led to a strong start in the current season. Technical director James Allison highlighted the satisfaction of arriving with a competitive car after years of struggling under previous regulations, where the team only secured seven wins over four years, including a winless 2023 season.
The team currently leads both the drivers' and constructors' championships, with Kimi Antonelli at the forefront of the drivers' standings. Despite their early success, Allison mentioned the relentless nature of the F1 calendar, which has left little time for the team to enjoy their achievements as they continue to focus on upcoming races.
via PlanetF1Ferrari warn of ‘big swing’ but dismiss McLaren concernsFerrari has chosen to focus on its own performance rather than worrying about McLaren's recent success, particularly after McLaren's victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Team principal Fred Vasseur acknowledged that while McLaren's Lando Norris was exceptionally fast, Ferrari's priority remains on improving their SF-26 car's performance as they continue to compete in the 2026 season. Ferrari is currently 72 points behind Mercedes in the Constructors' Championship, while McLaren trails by 159 points.
Despite McLaren's win, Andrea Stella, McLaren's team principal, noted that Ferrari still possesses the best chassis in terms of cornering grip. He mentioned that while McLaren has made improvements, particularly in medium-high speed corners, they still need to enhance their performance in low-speed corners to consistently challenge Ferrari and Mercedes. Vasseur remains focused on the team's own development, indicating that the competitive landscape can change significantly from race to race.
via f1oversteer.comKimi Antonelli may have been racing for Williams this year without Toto Wolff’s u-turnKimi Antonelli is currently dominating the 2026 Formula 1 season, leading with a significant points margin that positions him to potentially become the youngest champion in the sport's history. His rise has been remarkable, especially considering his struggles in 2025, where he faced challenges in his debut season in Formula 2 and was overshadowed by teammate George Russell's performance.
Mercedes had originally intended for Antonelli to remain in Formula 2 for an extended period, but the unexpected departure of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari forced a reassessment of their plans. Wolff's decision to promote Antonelli to the main team has paid off, as he now finds himself in contention for the championship, a scenario that could have been drastically different had the team adhered to their initial strategy.
via Motorsport.comRob Smedley reveals why he turned down F1 team principal rolesRob Smedley, a former race engineer for Ferrari and Williams, has recently declined offers for team principal roles in Formula 1. He articulated his reluctance during a podcast, citing the lack of control over the entire team as a significant factor in his decision. Smedley emphasized that being publicly accountable for a team's performance without having full authority over all aspects does not make sense to him.
During the discussion, Smedley highlighted the pressures associated with the role of a team principal, noting that while he is open to high-pressure positions, he believes that accountability should come with the ability to control all facets of the team. He expressed that it is unreasonable to be held responsible for outcomes when one only has influence over a portion of the team's operations.
via f1oversteer.comKimi Antonelli ‘can’t say’ what he really thinks about joining Ferrari one dayKimi Antonelli is currently excelling in Formula 1 with Mercedes, having secured six victories out of eleven races this season, leading the championship by 50 points. Despite his success, there are ongoing discussions about his potential future with Ferrari, a team he admires greatly. Antonelli's past rejection by Ferrari has led to speculation about their regret, particularly as Ferrari's management has expressed interest in recruiting him soon.
Veteran journalist Leo Turrini asserts that Antonelli's dream of racing for Ferrari will eventually come true, given his local roots in Bologna. Meanwhile, other drivers like Max Verstappen and Lando Norris have also commented on the allure of Ferrari, with Verstappen emphasizing the unique achievement of winning with the team. The dynamics of the driver market continue to evolve as these young talents navigate their careers.
via gpfans.comGeorge Russell Engaged to Long-Term Partner Carmen Montero MundtMercedes driver George Russell has announced his engagement to Carmen Montero Mundt during the summer break. Montero Mundt emphasizes her individuality and does not wish to be defined solely by her relationship with Russell.
via CrashOllie Bearman admits Lewis Hamilton’s F1 resurgence “not ideal” for his careerBearman, who is on loan at Haas, made his F1 debut in 2024 and is determined to achieve his goal of becoming a Ferrari driver. He remains optimistic about his development at Haas and is not in a rush, although he is aware that waiting too long for a Ferrari seat could hinder his career. Bearman expressed admiration for Hamilton's performance while also recognizing the challenges it poses for his own aspirations.
via f1oversteer.comToto Wolff ‘can’t stand’ one aspect of 2026 F1 regulations that is hurting Kimi AntonelliToto Wolff has expressed dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the current F1 regulations, particularly regarding the engine sounds and starting procedures, which have affected Kimi Antonelli's performance. He is advocating for a return to V8 engines by 2030, believing that this change would enhance the racing experience and address some of the challenges faced by drivers like Antonelli. Wolff has engaged in discussions with key figures in F1 about these potential changes, emphasizing the need for adaptability among drivers in the current competitive landscape.
Despite recent improvements in Antonelli's starting performance, concerns remain about his ability to maintain this progress. Wolff's push for engine regulation changes is not solely motivated by Antonelli's struggles, but it highlights the broader issues within the sport. As the timeline for implementing these changes extends to four years, Antonelli must continue to work on his starting technique to ensure he remains competitive in the future.
via CrashHow the F1 form guide shifted ahead of the summer breakThe article discusses the shifting dynamics in Formula 1 as the summer break approaches, highlighting Mercedes' dominance in the early part of the season with Kimi Antonelli and George Russell leading the charge. However, recent races have seen a resurgence from Ferrari and other teams, with Hamilton and Leclerc each securing wins and narrowing the gap in the standings. The analysis divides the season into two segments, illustrating how performance has changed over time, particularly noting the struggles of Haas and Alpine in the recent races.
As the competition heats up, the article emphasizes the importance of reliability and consistency, particularly for Mercedes, which has faced challenges in recent races. The article concludes by suggesting that while Antonelli remains a strong contender for the championship, Hamilton's resurgence could pose a threat if the current trends continue. The competitive landscape is evolving, with several teams vying for points as the season progresses.
via RacingNews365Toto Wolff Expresses Support for Potential V8 Engine ReturnMercedes team principal Toto Wolff has voiced his support for a possible return to V8 engines in Formula 1. He described himself as a purist and expressed enthusiasm for the idea of overhauling the current engine regulations.
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton Aims for Eighth Title Amid Ferrari's ChallengeLewis Hamilton is gearing up for a strong title push as the Formula 1 season resumes. With Ferrari seeking to end a lengthy championship drought, Hamilton is calling for unity and effort from the team to enhance their competitive edge.
via gpfans.comF1 star George Russell has 'big flipper feet' and they almost ruined his Mercedes debutGeorge Russell's debut with Mercedes at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix was marked by unexpected challenges, including his height and foot size. He received a last-minute call to replace Lewis Hamilton, who was sidelined due to COVID-19, and had to quickly adapt to the car, which was not a perfect fit for him. Russell's size 45 feet posed a particular problem, as he had to wear smaller shoes to fit into the cockpit comfortably.
Despite these difficulties, Russell's competitive spirit prevailed, and he successfully qualified on the front row for the race. He humorously referred to his feet as 'big flipper feet', highlighting the unique challenges he faced during this pivotal moment in his career. Overall, his debut was a memorable experience that showcased his determination and talent.
via gpfans.comFerrari's controversial electric car just sold for a WORLD RECORD price at auctionFerrari's first fully electric vehicle, the Luce, has made headlines after selling for a record-breaking $40 million at an auction in Monterey, California. This car, which boasts a quad-motor powertrain and impressive performance metrics, has sparked significant debate among fans and critics alike regarding its departure from Ferrari's traditional combustion engine heritage.
Despite the controversy surrounding its release, including criticism from former chairman Luca di Montezemolo, the auction saw intense bidding that began at $1 million. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to educational initiatives through the Ferrari Foundation, highlighting the company's commitment to charitable causes.
via RacingNews365Mattia Binotto Compares Audi's Progress to Ferrari's 1995 SuccessMattia Binotto, now CEO of Audi, has expressed his views on the company's development compared to Ferrari's historical achievements. He noted that Audi has significant work ahead to reach its championship goals, drawing a parallel to Ferrari's success in 1995.
via the-race.comHow Wehrlein was squeezed out of all his F1 chancesPascal Wehrlein's career in Formula 1 faced significant challenges, particularly when Force India chose Esteban Ocon over him in 2017 despite Wehrlein's earlier achievements. His strong performance as a Manor driver and being the youngest DTM champion did not secure him a lasting position in F1, as team compatibility played a crucial role in the decision-making process.
After his stint with Sauber, Wehrlein's prospects diminished further when the team opted for Charles Leclerc, influenced by existing sponsorship ties. Although Wehrlein's talent was recognized, he was ultimately seen as a driver who could be replaced, leading him to find success outside of F1 in Formula E.
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton Prepares for Intense Title Challenge This SeasonLewis Hamilton is feeling rejuvenated and ready to compete for his eighth world championship as the F1 season progresses. With a strong performance anticipated, he faces a significant challenge in the title race.
via Motorsport.comHonda Aims for Strongest F1 Engine by 2028Honda is optimistic about improving its performance in Formula 1, targeting a competitive engine by 2028. The company is currently navigating challenges in its partnership with Aston Martin but remains focused on becoming a top competitor.Page 32 of 42