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via f1oversteer.comLando Norris in talks for new McLaren contractLando Norris is reportedly in discussions for a new contract with McLaren that could elevate his salary significantly. This comes as other top drivers, including Max Verstappen, secure lucrative deals in the current Formula 1 landscape.
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen: Smaller team-mate gaps are down to "easier" cars as Andrea Stella disagreesMax Verstappen expressed that the smaller gaps between team-mates in the 2026 Formula 1 season are due to the easier handling of the new cars. He noted that during the Dutch Grand Prix, both Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda performed admirably, showcasing the reduced differences in qualifying times among drivers. Verstappen believes this trend of close competition has been evident throughout the season, with drivers often separated by mere tenths of a second.
In contrast, Andrea Stella, the McLaren team principal, disagreed with Verstappen's assessment, arguing that the current cars remain challenging to drive. He pointed out that the new power unit regulations have introduced additional complexities, making it difficult for drivers to predict car behavior. Stella emphasized that despite advancements in handling, the chassis-related challenges persist, making the cars less forgiving compared to their predecessors.
via the-race.comWhat Verstappen thinks Red Bull substitutes have exposed about F1Max Verstappen expressed concerns that the strong performances of stand-in drivers Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda at the Dutch Grand Prix suggest that Formula 1 has become easier in 2026. He noted that the gaps between drivers have narrowed significantly, indicating that the current cars allow for less differentiation in performance. Lawson's qualifying times were notably close to Verstappen's, raising questions about the skill required to extract maximum performance from the cars this season.
In contrast, McLaren's team principal Andrea Stella argued that the 2026 cars are actually more challenging to drive. He highlighted issues such as low grip and inconsistent power unit behavior, which complicate the driving experience. Stella emphasized that while drivers may have adapted to some of these challenges, the unpredictability of the cars still makes it difficult to achieve consistent performance, suggesting that the skill required to drive effectively has not diminished.
via PlanetF1Exposed: How Liam Lawson matched Max Verstappen on Red Bull returnLiam Lawson showcased impressive performance during the Dutch GP qualifying, closely matching teammate Max Verstappen's time despite being a less experienced driver. Telemetry data revealed that Lawson was able to adapt quickly to the RB22, showing significant improvements compared to his previous season. His ability to gain time in specific sectors highlighted his growing confidence and skill behind the wheel.
Despite finishing slightly behind Verstappen, Lawson's performance is seen as a positive sign for his future with Red Bull. The article emphasizes the importance of qualifying positions at Zandvoort, where overtaking is challenging. Lawson's results could have implications for his career, especially as the team awaits news on Isack Hadjar's fitness for the upcoming Monza race.
via F1iDutch GP: Saturday's action in picturesLando Norris had an impressive qualifying session at the Dutch Grand Prix, achieving pole position for the second time in a row. This event is part of the ongoing 2026 Formula 1 World Championship and took place at the Zandvoort circuit.
The article highlights the day's activities through a series of images, showcasing the excitement and competitive spirit of the qualifying rounds. It serves as a visual recap of the significant moments from Saturday's events at the Dutch GP.
via RacingNews365Liam Lawson makes 'to the world' claim after exorcising Red Bull demonsLiam Lawson has made a strong return to Red Bull, qualifying eighth for the Dutch Grand Prix, marking his best performance with the team. After being dropped early in the 2025 season, Lawson has since become a consistent points scorer, achieving a total of eight points finishes, including two sixth-place finishes in Monaco and Britain. His recent qualifying performance shows significant improvement compared to his earlier outings this season, where he struggled to place higher than 20th.
Reflecting on his comeback, Lawson believes that his recent performances demonstrate his true potential in Formula 1. He emphasized his focus on scoring points and gaining experience, stating that he feels more confident and prepared compared to his previous stint with the team. Lawson's resurgence has positioned him as a competitive driver, and he is eager to continue building on this momentum in future races.
via Formula1.comRussell ‘back in my groove’ after securing front-row startGeorge Russell expressed satisfaction after qualifying second for the Dutch Grand Prix, feeling he is 'back in my groove' following a challenging period. He narrowly missed pole position to Lando Norris, who delivered a strong final lap just as rain began to fall, showcasing his competitive edge in the session.
Kimi Antonelli, who qualified third, faced difficulties during qualifying, including a mistake that cost him valuable time. Despite his frustrations, he remains optimistic about the race, acknowledging the potential for improvement and competition among the top drivers.
via PlanetF1Max Verstappen comments on Liam Lawson's performanceLiam Lawson's recent performance at the Dutch Grand Prix showcased a narrow time gap between him and teammate Max Verstappen. Verstappen noted that the current F1 cars have made it easier for drivers to compete closely.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen hands Red Bull instruction after worst Dutch qualifyingMax Verstappen faced a challenging qualifying session for the Dutch Grand Prix, securing his worst starting position at Zandvoort in seventh place. Despite expectations that the circuit's characteristics would favor the Red Bull RB22, the team struggled, finishing as the fourth-fastest behind McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari. Verstappen, who is currently ill with the flu, expressed frustration over persistent balance issues that have affected the car's performance throughout the season.
Verstappen highlighted that the adjustments made by Red Bull did not yield the desired improvements, and he indicated that the layout of Zandvoort is not ideal for their car. He called for the team to work on resolving these balance issues to enhance competitiveness. The situation marks a significant contrast to last year's performance, where Verstappen was able to dominate, indicating a shift in the team's fortunes this season.
via Motorsport Week‘Game on’: George Russell hints at Mercedes ‘pressure’ plot for Lando Norris in Dutch GPGeorge Russell is preparing to challenge Lando Norris at the Dutch Grand Prix after qualifying second, just behind Norris, who secured pole position. Russell, who previously won the Sprint race, is optimistic about Mercedes' performance, especially with teammate Kimi Antonelli starting in third, allowing them to strategically pressure Norris during the race.
Russell also commented on the unexpected performance of Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, who qualified fifth and sixth, respectively. He believes that Mercedes' car is better suited for the high tyre degradation expected at Zandvoort, which could play a crucial role in the race outcome.
via F1iWolff acknowledges Verstappen's Red Bull commitmentToto Wolff acknowledged Max Verstappen's decision to remain with Red Bull as sensible. Despite securing drivers for the coming years, Wolff has not completely dismissed the idea of pursuing Verstappen in the future.
via RaceFansLawson pleased with “good lap” after qualifying a tenth off Verstappen on return | Formula 1Liam Lawson returned to Red Bull and qualified just one tenth of a second behind teammate Max Verstappen, expressing his satisfaction with the performance. This marks a significant improvement from his previous stint with the team, where he struggled to match Verstappen's pace.
Last year, Lawson was dropped after two races, with his final qualifying time being 0.75 seconds slower than Verstappen's. For the upcoming grand prix, both Red Bull drivers will occupy the fourth row of the starting grid, indicating a competitive position for the team.
via espn.comNorris: 'Nothing we can do' on struggling McLarenLando Norris expressed disappointment with his McLaren's performance ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, stating it is not competitive enough to contend for the title. Despite finishing third in the sprint race, he highlighted significant struggles in slow-speed corners, which hindered his ability to challenge for a better position. Norris is currently fifth in the championship standings, trailing the leader by 91 points, and acknowledged that while recent upgrades have improved his car, more is needed to be a serious contender for the championship.
Norris's comments reflect a broader concern within McLaren regarding their competitiveness, particularly on circuits with more slow-speed corners. He noted that the Zandvoort track layout has further revealed the limitations of their car. While he remains hopeful for the future, he recognizes the challenges ahead and the need for continued development to improve their standing in the championship race.
via Motorsport WeekCharles Leclerc spies key Lando Norris weakness during Zandvoort SprintIn the recent Dutch Grand Prix Sprint, Charles Leclerc secured second place after overtaking Lando Norris late in the race. Leclerc, who started from third, capitalized on Norris's energy deployment issues to make his move on Lap 18, finishing just two seconds behind pole-sitter George Russell. Leclerc's strategy involved starting on soft tyres, a choice he was surprised worked well throughout the race despite initial concerns about their performance later on.
Leclerc's successful overtake and tyre strategy highlight his tactical approach during the race. He acknowledged the risks associated with his decision to use soft tyres, which ultimately paid off, allowing him to gain a position despite a less-than-ideal start. Meanwhile, Oliver Bearman, who also started on soft tyres, managed to improve his position but finished further down the order in P15.
via f1oversteer.comOscar Piastri ‘surprised’ Jolyon Palmer with what he saw during F1 Sprint at the Dutch Grand PrixJolyon Palmer admits he was “surprised” by how Oscar Piastri performed for McLaren during the F1 Sprint at the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix, after finishing ...
via Motorsport.com"Nowhere near good enough" - McLaren puzzled by Dutch GP sprint strugglesMcLaren faced significant challenges during the Dutch Grand Prix sprint race, with Lando Norris expressing dissatisfaction over the team's low-speed performance. Despite arriving with a new rear wing and upgrades, the team struggled with rear tyre degradation and was unable to compete effectively against rivals like George Russell and Charles Leclerc, who utilized softer tyres to their advantage. Norris noted that while the car performed well in high-speed corners, it fell short in low-speed situations, making it difficult to maintain pace during the race.
Team principal Andrea Stella highlighted the need to address the issues related to rear tyre management and car set-up to improve performance. Both Norris and Oscar Piastri acknowledged the surprising lack of competitiveness, especially in the latter stages of the sprint. The team is focused on making necessary adjustments ahead of the upcoming qualifying session to enhance their chances in the race.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen spies potential Red Bull strength despite F1 rivals 'driving off'Max Verstappen expressed optimism regarding Red Bull's performance in the Dutch Grand Prix despite finishing sixth in the Sprint race. He observed that while his rivals initially pulled ahead, Red Bull's car showed promise in terms of tyre degradation over longer runs, which could be beneficial in the upcoming main race.
Verstappen mentioned that changes were planned for the car before qualifying, aiming to improve overall performance. He struggled to overtake Oscar Piastri during the Sprint but remained hopeful that adjustments would help close the gap to the leading competitors.
via PlanetF1Lando Norris says McLaren was not quick enough at ZandvoortLando Norris has expressed concerns about McLaren's competitiveness following the Zandvoort Sprint. He noted that the team's current pace is insufficient, as evidenced by his loss of position to Charles Leclerc.
via Formula1.comPalmowski seizes Zandvoort pole in dramatic QualifyingAlisha Palmowski from Red Bull Racing claimed pole position in a thrilling F1 ACADEMY Qualifying session at Zandvoort, which transitioned from wet to dry conditions. She topped the timesheets with a final lap of 1:40.911, overcoming early challenges including a trip into the gravel and competition from other drivers like Alba Larsen and Ella Lloyd.
Despite leading for parts of the session, Larsen ultimately finished second, while Natalia Granada achieved her best Qualifying result in third. The session concluded with several drivers moving up the ranks due to disqualifications, setting the stage for an exciting Reverse Grid Race scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
via RacingNews365Red Bull difference emerges with 'surprising' Dutch GP decisionRed Bull Racing made a strategic decision to use a new set of hard compound tyres during practice for the Dutch Grand Prix, a move that surprised Pirelli's chief, Simone Berra. While Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson opted to use one of their two sets of hard tyres, drivers from Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren chose not to, leaving them with two sets available for the race. This decision could impact their race strategies, especially with Pirelli predicting a one-stop strategy as the most effective approach for the event.
Berra highlighted that Red Bull's choice could create a significant difference in race strategy compared to their rivals. He noted that the damp track conditions at the start of practice may have influenced the other teams' reluctance to use the hard tyres. Despite the potential advantages of having an extra set of hard tyres, Berra expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of a two-stop strategy, suggesting that the teams' decisions might be rooted in caution regarding track conditions and the possibility of a safety car during the race.Page 35 of 54













