McLarenRB F1 TeamRed Bull 
via f1oversteer.comGuenther Steiner says Mercedes will be ‘laughing’ at McLaren and Ferrari’s upgradesGuenther Steiner has commented on the competitive landscape in Formula 1, suggesting that Mercedes remains in a strong position despite McLaren and Ferrari's efforts to close the gap. With McLaren recently securing their first win of the season and both teams planning significant upgrades for the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix, the rivalry is heating up. However, Steiner believes that their competition will ultimately benefit Mercedes, as they will be able to capitalize on the points that McLaren and Ferrari take from each other in their battle for supremacy.
As the season progresses, both McLaren and Ferrari are making strategic changes to improve their performance, with McLaren introducing a new rear wing and Ferrari implementing a floor upgrade. Steiner's insights highlight the dynamics of the championship, where Mercedes is currently enjoying a comfortable lead. He emphasizes that while McLaren and Ferrari focus on outpacing each other, Mercedes can maintain its advantage and potentially increase its points tally.
f1oversteer.comFri 21 Aug · 09:30 UTC
via CrashFerrari and McLaren lead upgrade race at ZandvoortAs Formula 1 resumes after the summer break, teams have brought a total of 23 upgrades for the Dutch Grand Prix. Notably, Ferrari and McLaren are leading the charge in the ongoing development battle.
Crash+ 4 moreFri 21 Aug · 08:29 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRUMOUROscar Piastri confirms talks with rival F1 teamOscar Piastri has confirmed discussions with another Formula 1 team while addressing speculation about his future at McLaren. This comes in light of Max Verstappen's recent contract extension with Red Bull, which has raised questions about potential team changes.f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreFri 21 Aug · 07:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris makes surprising claim over McLaren F1 carLando Norris has highlighted the improved performance of McLaren's F1 car during the Hungarian Grand Prix, suggesting it surpassed their capabilities from the previous year. This victory marked McLaren's first win of the current season after a challenging start, where they struggled to replicate their previous success. Norris, who had a standout season last year with seven wins, is optimistic about continuing this momentum at the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix, despite acknowledging the need for further understanding of the car's performance.
As McLaren prepares for the Dutch Grand Prix, Norris is hopeful for a repeat of last year's success at Zandvoort. He recognizes the differences in track conditions, particularly the colder weather, which may impact performance. Norris's comments reflect a mix of confidence and caution as the team aims to build on their recent achievements while navigating the complexities of the current season.
RacingNews365Fri 21 Aug · 06:10 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRUMOURMcLaren wanted to put Mark Webber ‘back in his box’ by speaking to Max VerstappenMcLaren's interest in Max Verstappen has been highlighted following his new contract with Red Bull, which confirms Oscar Piastri's continued presence at the team for at least another year. McLaren's management, including Zak Brown, acknowledged their interest in Verstappen, suggesting they would have pursued him if they had the capacity for a third car. This situation has created tension with Mark Webber, Piastri's manager, particularly after Piastri's championship loss to Lando Norris, leading to speculation about Webber's diminishing influence in Piastri's career decisions.
The dynamics between McLaren and Webber have reportedly soured, with claims that he has been sidelined in favor of a more commercial focus and that he may not even have access to McLaren's hospitality. Despite these tensions, Webber has consistently denied that Piastri is exploring options to leave the team, indicating that he remains committed to McLaren despite the ongoing speculation and internal changes.f1oversteer.comThu 20 Aug · 20:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comYuki Tsunoda aims for F1 return with Dutch Grand Prix driveYuki Tsunoda is set to race for Racing Bulls at the Dutch Grand Prix following Isack Hadjar's injury. He views this opportunity as a chance to enhance his prospects for the 2027 season.f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreThu 20 Aug · 19:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comLando Norris claims second pole at Dutch Grand PrixLando Norris achieved pole position for the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, marking his second pole of the 2026 season. He outperformed George Russell in the qualifying session leading up to the race.
Motorsport.comThu 20 Aug · 18:50 UTC
via Formula1.comMekies on Verstappen’s new deal, Hadjar and LawsonRed Bull Racing has announced that Max Verstappen will remain with the team until at least the end of 2030, a decision celebrated by team principal Laurent Mekies. This renewal comes at a crucial time as the team aims to improve its performance after a difficult start to the 2026 season. Mekies emphasized the importance of having the best driver committed to the team as they work towards regaining their competitive edge in Formula 1.
In addition to Verstappen's contract news, Isack Hadjar will miss the Dutch Grand Prix due to a wrist injury, allowing Liam Lawson to step in as his replacement. Yuki Tsunoda will also return to Racing Bulls in Lawson's absence. Mekies expressed confidence in Lawson's abilities and highlighted the team's ongoing efforts to close the performance gap to their rivals as they strive for victories in the second half of the season.
Formula1.comThu 20 Aug · 18:22 UTC
via Formula1.comLando Norris cites victory as confidence boost for McLarenLando Norris expressed his growing confidence as Formula 1 enters its second half. Following his recent victory in Hungary, he believes both he and McLaren can maintain a competitive edge.Formula1.com+ 1 moreThu 20 Aug · 15:57 UTC
via F1iGasly praises Verstappen’s manager for achieving ‘nice pay rise’Max Verstappen has officially extended his contract with Red Bull Racing, committing to the team until 2030. While the specific financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, it is widely believed that Verstappen has secured a substantial pay rise, further solidifying his status as one of the highest-paid drivers in Formula 1. Pierre Gasly, Verstappen's former teammate, expressed admiration for the negotiation skills of Verstappen's manager, Raymond Vermeulen, and highlighted the significance of Verstappen's long-term association with Red Bull since 2016.
Gasly's comments reflect a broader sentiment in the F1 community regarding Verstappen's impact on the sport. He emphasized that having Verstappen remain with Red Bull is beneficial for the team and the sport as a whole. Gasly's own experience with Red Bull was brief, but he recognizes the importance of Verstappen's continued presence in Formula 1, suggesting it enhances the competitive landscape and adds an interesting narrative to the sport's history.
F1iThu 20 Aug · 15:34 UTC
via PlanetF1Yuki Tsunoda eager for F1 return with Racing BullsYuki Tsunoda is preparing to return to Formula 1 at the Dutch Grand Prix, stepping in for the injured Isack Hadjar. The driver expressed his eagerness to compete again with the Racing Bulls team.
PlanetF1+ 1 moreThu 20 Aug · 14:56 UTC
via CrashFernando Alonso provides update on Aston Martin futureFernando Alonso has stated that he has no set timeline for deciding his future with Aston Martin in Formula 1. The two-time world champion is currently in discussions with team management regarding his potential continuation beyond the current season.Crash+ 5 moreThu 20 Aug · 13:30 UTC
via CrashRUMOURGeorge Russell confident in Mercedes seat securityGeorge Russell has stated that his position at Mercedes was never in jeopardy, even with Max Verstappen's recent contract extension at Red Bull. He expressed relief that speculation regarding Verstappen potentially joining Mercedes has been put to rest.Crash+ 4 moreThu 20 Aug · 13:29 UTC
via thejudge13.comMax Verstappen signs contract extension with Red BullMax Verstappen has officially signed a contract extension with Red Bull Racing, committing to the team until 2030. This decision has implications for other drivers in the Formula 1 grid.
thejudge13.com+ 1 moreThu 20 Aug · 13:18 UTC
via Motorsport.comArvid Lindblad donates Belgian GP helmet raising £60,000 for Will MacIntyre's iMRI campaignArvid Lindblad, a driver for Racing Bulls in Formula 1, has successfully raised £60,000 through a silent auction of his Belgian Grand Prix helmet. The proceeds will support Will MacIntyre's campaign to fund a state-of-the-art intra-operative MRI scanner at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, which is part of a larger £6 million fundraising effort.
MacIntyre, an 18-year-old British racing driver, has faced significant health challenges after being diagnosed with a rare condition called XLP1. His diagnosis followed a lengthy hospitalization and treatment process, prompting him and his family to advocate for improved medical facilities. Lindblad's donation reflects their long-standing friendship and aims to help others undergoing brain surgery.Motorsport.comThu 20 Aug · 12:56 UTC
via Motorsport WeekMax Verstappen discusses commitment to Formula 1Max Verstappen has shared that important discussions with Formula 1 and the FIA influenced his decision to continue in the sport. He emphasized that considerations regarding his future with Red Bull were not his primary focus.
Motorsport Week+ 1 moreThu 20 Aug · 12:00 UTC
via RacingNews365RUMOURVerstappen says retirement was closer than changing teamsMax Verstappen has disclosed that he was closer to retiring from Formula 1 than switching teams when he signed his contract extension with Red Bull until 2030. This announcement puts to rest any speculation regarding a potential move to a rival team.RacingNews365+ 3 moreThu 20 Aug · 10:50 UTC
via RacingNews365McLaren making regular F1 discoveries after Mercedes teething troubleMcLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, has highlighted the ongoing learning process the team is experiencing with its Mercedes HPP power unit. Despite initial challenges, including a double Did Not Start in China, Stella is optimistic about the team's progress in understanding and optimizing the power unit's performance as the season progresses. He noted that the collaboration with Mercedes HPP is crucial for McLaren to fully exploit the engine's capabilities.
Stella expressed that while the team has made significant discoveries, they are still a few races away from complete comprehension of the power unit's behavior. He acknowledged that some issues may seem random but are influenced by sensitive parameters, indicating a complex relationship between engineering factors and performance outcomes.RacingNews365Thu 20 Aug · 09:05 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLewis Hamilton expected to extend Ferrari contract to 2027Lewis Hamilton is anticipated to extend his contract with Ferrari through 2027. An official announcement regarding the extension may be made before the upcoming Monza race.f1oversteer.com+ 1 moreThu 20 Aug · 08:00 UTC
via gpfans.comRed Bull chief issues shocking statement about 'undriveable' Max Verstappen carRed Bull's technical director Pierre Wache has expressed serious concerns about the performance of the RB22 car, labeling it as 'undriveable' and indicating a lack of confidence in its capabilities. Max Verstappen, currently sixth in the championship standings, has managed to secure three podiums recently, but he admitted to not fully understanding how he achieved a second-place finish in Hungary, highlighting the car's difficulties. The team is under pressure to improve and retain Verstappen's commitment for the 2027 season amid these challenges.
As the team prepares for the Dutch Grand Prix, they will be without Isack Hadjar due to injury, with Liam Lawson stepping in as his replacement. Wache pointed out that while Red Bull is not where they want to be, they are making progress and trying to understand the issues with the car. The upcoming race is significant as it marks the last Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort for the foreseeable future, adding to the pressure on the team to perform well.
gpfans.comThu 20 Aug · 07:15 UTC
via PlanetF1Isack Hadjar suffers wrist injury ahead of Dutch Grand PrixIsack Hadjar sustained a wrist injury while training for the Dutch Grand Prix. Red Bull is prioritizing his recovery and has not disclosed specific details about the injury.PlanetF1+ 1 moreThu 20 Aug · 06:49 UTC
via gpfans.comRUMOURF1 News Today: Christian Horner ready to tell all as 'terrible' Verstappen contract slammedChristian Horner, who was dismissed from his role as Red Bull's team principal in July 2025, is preparing to reveal details about his two-decade career in Formula 1. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen is contemplating his future with Red Bull, as he has a contract until 2028 but an exit clause is now active due to his current championship standing. Carlos Sainz has secured a lucrative deal with Williams, while Isack Hadjar will miss the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix due to injury, leading to Liam Lawson stepping in as his replacement.
In other developments, Yuki Tsunoda is set to return to the grid at the Dutch Grand Prix, and Cadillac has responded to speculation about the sale of their team amid a federal investigation. Additionally, Graeme Lowdon has been replaced as Cadillac's team principal, and there are concerns about the future of Williams' team principal James Vowles, as he faces pressure due to the team's poor performance.gpfans.comThu 20 Aug · 06:30 UTC
via f1technical.netFrom Catch-Up to Contender: How McLaren transformed the MCL40 in 2026McLaren began the 2026 Formula 1 season as the reigning champions but faced challenges with their MCL40 car, which was not initially the fastest. Over the first half of the season, they implemented significant upgrades and improved their understanding of the new regulations and power unit, leading to a notable victory by Lando Norris at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The development of the MCL40 has focused on gradual improvements rather than radical changes, with the team addressing issues such as weight management and drivability. They have also learned to optimize the performance of their Mercedes power units and the new tyres, aiming to enhance both the car's speed and the drivers' ability to extract maximum performance.
f1technical.netThu 20 Aug · 01:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLiam Lawson’s race engineer shares what people ‘forget’ about his difficult Red Bull spellLiam Lawson faced significant challenges during his brief tenure at Red Bull in 2025, where he struggled to adapt to the car and failed to score points in his races. His race engineer highlighted that Lawson's inexperience was often overlooked, as he had only a limited number of substitute appearances before stepping into the Red Bull seat. Despite the difficulties, Lawson expressed gratitude for the opportunity and has since found stability with Racing Bulls in the 2026 season.
As Lawson prepares to return to Red Bull to fill in for the injured Isack Hadjar, his race engineer emphasized the importance of experience in Formula 1. Lawson's previous stint at Red Bull was marked by a lack of development time, which hindered his performance. Now, with a more consistent season under his belt, Lawson is better equipped to handle the challenges ahead.f1oversteer.comWed 19 Aug · 20:00 UTC