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via F1iSmedley fires back at Norris critics: ‘He’s the real deal’Rob Smedley, a former Ferrari race engineer, has come to the defense of Lando Norris, the reigning Formula 1 world champion, against critics who question his abilities due to his privileged background. Smedley argues that Norris has proven his toughness and skill, particularly after a remarkable recovery drive at the Belgian Grand Prix and a subsequent victory in Hungary, marking his first win of the 2026 season.
Smedley highlights that many drivers with more financial backing than Norris have failed to succeed in F1, emphasizing that true talent and resilience are what matter. He believes that those familiar with the sport recognize Norris' capabilities, and he asserts that Norris is not just a product of his upbringing but a genuine competitor in the sport.
Fri 7 Aug · 07:12 UTC
via RaceFansNorris vs Piastri: 2026 F1 team mates’ head-to-head scores at summer break | Formula 1Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are currently in their fourth season as teammates at McLaren, showcasing a competitive dynamic throughout the 2026 Formula 1 season. Their performances have varied from race to race, with Norris recently demonstrating a stronger form, particularly in qualifying sessions.
In the latest race in Hungary, Norris outperformed Piastri, who faced challenges including missing a practice session and being obstructed during his qualifying run. Despite these fluctuations, both drivers have maintained a closely matched rivalry, contributing to an exciting atmosphere within the team.
Fri 7 Aug · 06:25 UTC
via RacingNews365Isack Hadjar Discusses Transition to Red Bull Team CultureIsack Hadjar has shared his experience of moving from the junior Racing Bulls team to the senior Red Bull team, describing it as a 'culture shock.' Despite the challenges, he feels that his time in the junior program has helped ease the transition.
+ 1 moreThu 6 Aug · 17:10 UTC
via grandprix.comRed Bull paid Marko 8m euros to stay silent?Red Bull has allegedly paid Dr. Helmut Marko 8 million euros as part of a termination agreement that includes a confidentiality clause, preventing him from giving interviews until the end of 2026. This move is seen as a departure from the outspoken culture fostered by the late founder Dietrich Mateschitz, with new management under Oliver Mintzlaff taking a more controlled approach to communication and leadership.
Critics, including journalist Ralf Bach and former driver Ralf Schumacher, have expressed concerns about the team's direction and the impact of Marko's absence. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen's confidence in the team's technical project appears to be diminishing, although he is expected to remain with Red Bull in 2027, primarily due to a lack of viable alternatives in the market.
via Formula1.comLong-time Aston Martin engineer set to leave teamTom McCullough, a long-serving engineer at Aston Martin, is set to depart the team at the conclusion of the 2026 Formula 1 season. He has been with the organization for over ten years, during which he held various roles and contributed to the team's performance improvements. Recently, he transitioned to a leadership position outside the F1 project, with Mike Krack taking over his previous responsibilities.
Currently, Aston Martin is positioned 10th in the Teams' Championship and has made strides in performance with the introduction of a B-spec car. The team is also preparing for upcoming chassis developments and engine upgrades as they aim to enhance their competitiveness in the remaining races of the season.
Thu 6 Aug · 11:45 UTC.webp)
via Formula1.comHow an unraced Newey McLaren compares to Aston Martin’s carThe article discusses the similarities between the unraced McLaren MP4-18, designed by Adrian Newey, and the current Aston Martin AMR26. Both cars feature innovative designs, with the AMR26 recently gaining attention due to its upgraded Honda power unit and challenging development history. The MP4-18, despite never competing, left a lasting impact on Formula 1 design in subsequent seasons.
As the Aston Martin team prepares for the upcoming races, there is anticipation regarding the performance improvements that the AMR26 may bring. The article reflects on Newey's legacy in car design and how the innovations from both the MP4-18 and AMR26 could influence future developments in the sport.Thu 6 Aug · 11:45 UTC
via Motorsport.comAston Martin unveils new limited-edition Glenfiddich whiskyAston Martin has unveiled a new limited-edition single malt whisky in collaboration with Glenfiddich, marking the second year of their partnership. The 16-year-old whisky showcases the craftsmanship of both Aston Martin's technical team and Glenfiddich's malt master, emphasizing the intricate processes involved in both whisky making and car engineering.
The whisky is matured using five different cask types and is bottled at 43% ABV, featuring tasting notes of rich fruits and buttery toffee. This launch comes during a challenging season for Aston Martin, as they currently sit at the bottom of the constructors' championship with only one point.
Thu 6 Aug · 11:13 UTC
via Motorsport.comLando Norris branded "the real deal" after showing mental resilienceLando Norris has received commendation from former F1 engineer Rob Smedley, who highlighted the driver's mental toughness and consistency, labeling him as 'the real deal.' This recognition follows Norris's performance in the Belgian Grand Prix, where he finished seventh despite a grid penalty, and his subsequent victory in Hungary, marking his first win of the season. Currently, he ranks fifth in the drivers' championship with 128 points, trailing Charles Leclerc and ahead of Max Verstappen.
Smedley pointed out that while Norris's junior career was well-supported, many drivers with similar backgrounds have not succeeded in F1. He believes that the criticism Norris faces often comes from those not directly involved in the sport, while insiders appreciate his dedication and resilience. Smedley asserts that Norris's ability to handle pressure and maintain speed makes him a formidable competitor in the racing world.Thu 6 Aug · 10:13 UTC
via RacingNews365Isack Hadjar implores Red Bull to 'dig' deepIsack Hadjar has been performing well in the Formula 1 season, achieving points finishes in seven consecutive races, with his best result being a fourth place at the Monaco Grand Prix. Despite this success, he has yet to secure a podium and is urging Red Bull to enhance their performance to better compete against leading teams like Mercedes and Ferrari as the season progresses.
As the summer break approaches, Hadjar reflects on the progress made by Red Bull, which has improved significantly since the start of the season. He acknowledges that while the team has closed the gap to the front-runners, there is still work to be done to reach the desired level of competitiveness. The next race will be the Dutch Grand Prix at the end of August.Thu 6 Aug · 09:05 UTC
via grandprix.comVerstappen criticism can go too far says AlbersChristijan Albers, a former Formula 1 driver, discussed Max Verstappen's aggressive racing style and his recent performance against Lewis Hamilton. While Albers appreciates Verstappen's relentless approach, he also pointed out that the driver's public criticisms of Red Bull can sometimes be excessive and challenging for the team to manage. Albers believes that Verstappen's focus on his own situation may overshadow the competitive nature of the other drivers in the field.
Albers suggested that Verstappen should balance his honesty with a stronger defense of Red Bull, as the team has many people working towards a common goal. He acknowledged the difficulties in creating a competitive car and emphasized the importance of collaboration within the team. As Verstappen considers his future with Red Bull for the 2027 season, his position within the team remains powerful despite the criticisms he has voiced.
via RacingNews365Oscar Piastri Discusses McLaren's Future and 2026 ChallengesOscar Piastri expressed confidence in McLaren's ability to replicate past mid-season improvements in 2026. Despite a mixed first half of the season, he believes there are hidden gains that may not be immediately visible in the results.+ 1 moreWed 5 Aug · 18:00 UTC
via CrashRed Bull Acknowledges Challenges with 2026 Formula 1 CarRed Bull Racing has identified several limitations affecting its performance in the 2026 Formula 1 season. Technical Director Pierre Wache highlighted these issues following a difficult race at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
+ 1 moreWed 5 Aug · 14:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull send emphatic 'don't sign up' message amid F1 resurgenceRed Bull Racing has faced a challenging start to the 2026 Formula 1 season, entering the summer break without a win for the first time since 2015. Team principal Laurent Mekies expressed that the team will not be satisfied until they consistently win races, highlighting the significant improvements made to their car, the RB22, which has narrowed the performance gap to competitors like Mercedes and Ferrari. Max Verstappen, who has struggled to secure victories, has nonetheless achieved four podium finishes since the Canadian Grand Prix, indicating a positive trend in performance.
Mekies acknowledged the hard work of the 2,000 team members who have contributed to the car's development. Despite the progress, he remains firm that the team will not rest until they regain their status as a dominant force in Formula 1. The focus remains on overcoming the challenges faced in the early season and returning to winning form.Wed 5 Aug · 11:50 UTC
via RacingNews365Aston Martin receive rare F1 praise after seismic boost: 'You can't critique'Aston Martin has garnered positive recognition following a significant upgrade to their car, which they introduced during the Hungarian Grand Prix. This upgrade marked a turning point for the team, which had been struggling at the bottom of the standings for the first ten races of the season. The improvements allowed them to surpass competitors like Cadillac, Williams, and Haas, moving them into a more competitive midfield position.
Guenther Steiner, the former Haas team principal, commended Aston Martin's efforts, stating that their performance could not be critiqued given the substantial progress made. He expressed optimism about the potential benefits of an upcoming engine upgrade from Honda, which could further enhance the team's performance in the races to come.Wed 5 Aug · 10:55 UTC
via F1iVeteran Aston Martin engineer Tim McCullough to exit team after 2026Tim McCullough, a veteran engineer at Aston Martin, is set to depart the team following the 2026 season, marking the end of a long tenure that began over a decade ago. He has played significant roles through various team identities, including Force India and Racing Point, and has been instrumental in the team's engineering operations, particularly in trackside performance. McCullough stepped down from his role as Performance Director in early 2025, and his duties were reassigned to Mike Krack as part of a broader restructuring within the team.
Currently, Aston Martin is facing challenges, sitting at 10th place in the Constructors' Championship. McCullough's departure comes at a crucial time as the team aims to improve its competitiveness and navigate a significant technical overhaul. His career in Formula 1 includes notable achievements with Williams and Force India, where he contributed to strong performances and a historic race victory for Racing Point in 2020.Wed 5 Aug · 09:39 UTC
via Motorsport.comHonda Reflects on Challenges Faced in F1 Engine DevelopmentHonda has acknowledged that it only fully understood the extent of its Formula 1 engine issues in January. This realization came as the team prepared for a significant technical overhaul in the sport.+ 2 moreWed 5 Aug · 08:16 UTC
via CrashLando Norris Aims for More Success After Hungary VictoryLando Norris secured his first win of the Formula 1 season at the Hungaroring, marking a significant turnaround for his campaign. Following this victory, he expressed confidence in McLaren's potential for future races.+ 1 moreWed 5 Aug · 07:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen hails Red Bull backing in pursuit of 'other projects'Max Verstappen has expressed gratitude for the support he receives from Red Bull, which has allowed him to engage in various racing activities outside of Formula 1. He has participated in events like the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, and he believes these experiences help him maintain focus on his primary role as an F1 driver. Verstappen highlighted the importance of having a stable home life and the ability to switch off from racing to avoid burnout.
Additionally, Verstappen spoke positively about his working relationship with Laurent Mekies, the new team principal at Red Bull. He noted that their collaboration has been smooth, as they had prior familiarity, and he appreciates Mekies' commitment to enhancing the team's overall structure. This supportive environment contributes to Verstappen's success and well-being as a driver.Wed 5 Aug · 06:20 UTC
via grandprix.comFerrari Plans Ongoing Upgrades to Compete with RivalsFerrari has announced its commitment to an aggressive upgrade strategy as it seeks to enhance its performance in the current season. The team will focus on frequent smaller updates rather than fewer large packages, aiming to close the gap with competitors like Mercedes.
via grandprix.comHonda Reports Improved Relationship with Aston Martin Ahead of ZandvoortHonda has expressed satisfaction with the progress of its partnership with Aston Martin, which initially faced challenges. As both parties prepare for the upcoming race at Zandvoort, they are optimistic about the integration of a new chassis and upgraded power unit.Page 36 of 41