News928 stories
RSS ↗
via Motorsport.comCarlos Sainz and Alex Albon admit Williams is unlikely to meet 2026 targets despite recovery planCarlos Sainz and Alex Albon, drivers for Williams, have shared insights on the team's difficulties during the 2026 Formula 1 season. They acknowledged that while a recovery plan is in place, it is unlikely that the team will meet its targets in the second half of the year. Both drivers highlighted the challenges posed by new regulations and the team's current position in the constructors' standings, which is ninth with 11 points.
Despite the struggles, Sainz and Albon expressed optimism about recent discussions and the work being done to improve the car's performance. They emphasized the importance of gathering data and implementing changes to ensure that the issues faced this season do not persist in the future. The drivers are hopeful that the upcoming summer break will provide an opportunity for the team to regroup and strategize effectively.
Sat 1 Aug · 10:49 UTC
via espn.comHamilton: Ferrari 'pushing hard' for car upgradesLewis Hamilton expressed confidence that Ferrari can improve their performance in the second half of the 2026 Formula 1 season by addressing their straight-line speed deficit. Currently, Hamilton is second in the drivers' championship, trailing Kimi Antonelli by 50 points, and has secured one win this year, while his teammate Charles Leclerc has also achieved victory. Mercedes has dominated the early races, winning eight out of eleven, with Hamilton noting significant time loss on straights compared to their rivals.
Ferrari has already implemented an engine upgrade and plans to continue making incremental improvements. Vasseur acknowledged the challenges of engine upgrades compared to aerodynamic changes but emphasized the importance of maintaining development momentum. With 12 races remaining, both Hamilton and Ferrari are focused on enhancing their performance to compete more effectively in the championship.
Fri 31 Jul · 21:41 UTC
via CrashFerrari needs to back Lewis Hamilton if it wants to end F1 title droughtFerrari is facing a critical moment in its pursuit of the Formula 1 title, needing to make decisive decisions to support Lewis Hamilton, who is currently second in the championship standings. Despite being 50 points behind leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Hamilton's performance has shown promise, including five podium finishes and a victory in Barcelona. However, missed opportunities, such as a penalty in the Hungarian Grand Prix, have hindered his chances and highlighted the need for Ferrari to avoid internal conflicts that could cost them points.
The team's approach to driver management has come under scrutiny, as allowing both Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to compete equally may undermine their chances of winning the championship. With Mercedes struggling with reliability issues, Ferrari has a chance to capitalize on this, but they must adopt a more ruthless strategy to ensure they do not squander opportunities. The article emphasizes that Ferrari's historical willingness to use team orders could be necessary to maximize their chances of success in the remaining races of the season.
Fri 31 Jul · 13:34 UTC
via grandprix.comBearman open to leaving Ferrari for title chanceOliver Bearman, a 21-year-old driver currently with Haas, is considering leaving Ferrari's driver program if another team can offer him a quicker route to race victories and championships. Despite Haas's struggles this season, the team is keen to keep him, while Bearman has also been linked to Aston Martin amid uncertainty regarding Fernando Alonso's future in Formula 1. Bearman remains focused on his goal of becoming a Ferrari driver but is unwilling to wait indefinitely for a seat to open up, emphasizing his desire to compete for world titles sooner rather than later.
Bearman has noted that Lewis Hamilton's resurgence in 2026 has made his ambitions more challenging, but he is not in a rush given his young age. He expressed a commitment to achieving better results with Haas, stating that he does not want to be remembered solely for a strong debut year. While he acknowledges Aston Martin's potential, he is not actively pursuing a move to that team at this time.
via Motorsport.comLogan Sargeant announces engagement to Riley WhittallFormer Formula 1 driver Logan Sargeant has shared the news of his engagement to Riley Whittall. The announcement was made via social media, where he posted images from the proposal.+ 1 moreFri 31 Jul · 11:14 UTC
via AutosportThe one aspect Stella thinks will decide the rest of F1 2026The 2026 Formula 1 season is heavily influenced by the ongoing development race among teams, with Mercedes initially dominating but facing increased competition from Ferrari and McLaren. Notably, McLaren's recent upgrades have significantly improved their performance, allowing Lando Norris to win the Hungarian Grand Prix by a substantial margin. Andrea Stella, McLaren's boss, highlights the critical role of continuous upgrades in determining the season's outcome as teams adapt to the new regulations.
Stella anticipates that the fight for supremacy will persist throughout the season, with teams striving to enhance their cars. McLaren plans to introduce additional updates in upcoming races, while acknowledging that all top teams are effectively implementing their own upgrades. The competitive landscape remains dynamic, with the final results of the season still uncertain as teams continue to evolve their strategies.
Fri 31 Jul · 08:29 UTC
via Motorsport.com"A race of upgrades" - How development will decide the 2026 F1 titleThe 2026 Formula 1 season is increasingly defined by the development race among teams, with Mercedes initially dominating but facing strong competition from Ferrari and McLaren. Notably, McLaren's Lando Norris secured victory in Hungary, showcasing the effectiveness of their recent upgrades, which included significant changes to their car's components. This season marks a major regulatory shift, prompting teams to adapt quickly and innovate to stay competitive.
McLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, highlighted the critical role of upgrades in determining the championship outcome, indicating that the fight for performance improvements will continue throughout the season. With the next race in Zandvoort approaching, McLaren is poised to introduce additional enhancements, while the overall competitive landscape remains fluid as teams strive to optimize their cars under the new regulations.Fri 31 Jul · 08:08 UTC
via CrashCharles Leclerc makes ‘aggressive’ Ferrari demand in key F1 battlegroundCharles Leclerc has called on Ferrari to maintain an aggressive approach in developing their 2026 Formula 1 car, especially after a disappointing performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix where he finished fourth. Despite starting the weekend strong with a 1-2 in practice, the team struggled during the race, with McLaren's Lando Norris taking the victory, showcasing the importance of upgrades in the current competitive landscape.
Leclerc expressed frustration over Ferrari's inconsistent results, noting that they performed better in races where they expected to struggle. He pointed out the need for the team to understand the discrepancies in their performance and to work on achieving greater consistency moving forward. Leclerc's comments reflect a desire for Ferrari to capitalize on development opportunities to stay competitive against rivals like Mercedes and McLaren.Thu 30 Jul · 15:59 UTC
via CrashGuenther Steiner sets deadline for James Vowles to save his Williams F1 jobGuenther Steiner has expressed concerns about James Vowles's future as the team principal of Williams F1, particularly after a disappointing 2026 season. Williams has struggled significantly, currently sitting ninth in the constructors' championship with only 11 points, and Steiner has humorously suggested that Vowles needs time to address the team's issues, implying that he should be held accountable by the end of the year.
Despite a promising 2025 season where Williams achieved fifth place in the constructors' standings, the team has failed to capitalize on the new regulations introduced in 2026. Steiner indicated that if Vowles does not show improvement early next season, changes may be necessary, reflecting the urgency for the team to reverse its current trajectory.Thu 30 Jul · 14:55 UTC
via CrashWilliams Attributes Part of Sainz-Piastri Clash to AlonsoWilliams has indicated that Fernando Alonso shares some responsibility for the incident involving Carlos Sainz and Oscar Piastri. The clash occurred during the Hungarian Grand Prix when Sainz collided with Piastri while being lapped.Thu 30 Jul · 10:01 UTC
via AutosportHow F1 2026 has been a season of two halves for Ferrari so farThe 2026 Formula 1 season has presented a mixed performance for Ferrari, which has maintained second place in the constructors' championship while increasingly challenging Mercedes. After a slow start, Ferrari has improved its performance, particularly in the races following the Spanish Grand Prix, where they began to outscore Mercedes. Team principal Fred Vasseur noted the need for enhancements in engine performance and execution as they move forward in the season.
As the season progresses, both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have acknowledged the significance of ongoing development. Hamilton believes Ferrari could close the gap to Mercedes with future upgrades, while Leclerc emphasized the necessity of staying aggressive with their development strategy. With 12 races left, Ferrari aims to capitalize on their recent improvements and continue to challenge for podium finishes.Wed 29 Jul · 08:18 UTC
via grandprix.comRumours Williams offer Sainz 30m euros amid Piastri furyCarlos Sainz is reportedly being offered a lucrative contract by Williams worth 30 million euros annually, despite facing backlash for a collision with Oscar Piastri during the Hungarian Grand Prix. Sainz has delayed his decision regarding his future, citing the need for a calm assessment during the summer break, while also claiming he did not see Piastri due to inadequate blue-flag warnings, a statement contradicted by video evidence of his car passing blue panels. Williams confirmed a malfunction in the warning system on Sainz's steering wheel, which added to the controversy surrounding the incident.
Piastri expressed his frustration with Sainz's actions, labeling them as unacceptable, while Sainz refused to take responsibility or apologize, suggesting that Piastri should have been more cautious. Williams team principal James Vowles defended Sainz, admitting the team could have better communicated with him during the race. Despite the ongoing issues, Vowles is committed to retaining both Sainz and Alex Albon for the future, acknowledging the team's need to improve their performance and support their drivers in achieving better results.
via AutosportIs McLaren now a legitimate threat to Mercedes and Ferrari in F1 2026?McLaren achieved its first victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season at the Hungarian Grand Prix, with Lando Norris taking pole position and winning the race. The team introduced a significant floor upgrade that proved effective on the high-downforce circuit, allowing them to outperform their competitors, including Ferrari and Mercedes, who faced various challenges during the weekend. Ferrari's performance was marred by execution errors, while Mercedes struggled with setup issues and missed practice time, impacting their race strategy.
The article highlights the ongoing development war in Formula 1, with teams continuously bringing upgrades to improve their performance. While McLaren's win raises questions about their competitiveness against established teams like Mercedes and Ferrari, it also emphasizes the importance of track-specific strengths and execution in determining race outcomes. As teams prepare for upcoming races, including significant upgrades planned for Zandvoort and Monza, the season remains unpredictable and competitive.Tue 28 Jul · 08:24 UTC
via BBC SportDavid Croft criticises Lewis Hamilton's recent errorsLewis Hamilton has been criticized for making several 'careless mistakes' that have resulted in penalties during recent races. Ferrari's performance issues and errors have also contributed to the team's struggles, particularly highlighted during the Hungarian Grand Prix.
+ 2 moreTue 28 Jul · 06:42 UTC
via grandprix.comSainz to calmly decide future during summer breakCarlos Sainz is taking the summer break to evaluate his future in Formula 1, particularly in light of Williams' disappointing performance this season. After a challenging race in Hungary, where he qualified P18 and had an incident with Oscar Piastri, Sainz criticized the team's overall performance and acknowledged the need for significant improvements to the car's downforce.
Despite the struggles of the Williams team, Sainz feels he has adapted well to the new regulations and is performing at a high level personally. With his contract situation still uncertain, he plans to calmly assess his options during the break, while remaining cautious about the impact of the team's upcoming upgrades.
via AutosportHow Ferrari's Hungarian GP meltdown cost a shot at the F1 podiumFerrari faced a disappointing outcome at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc failed to reach the podium despite expectations of strong performance. Hamilton started from P5 due to a penalty, while Leclerc began in P2 but struggled to maintain position, ultimately finishing fifth behind Hamilton. The team's challenges were compounded by tire issues and execution mistakes during the race, leading to a lack of consistency in performance.
The race highlighted the unpredictability of Ferrari's SF-26, which did not deliver as anticipated on a track where it was expected to excel. Both drivers noted that their pace was not competitive enough, and the team acknowledged that errors in strategy and execution played a significant role in their inability to capitalize on their potential. As a result, Ferrari's hopes for a podium finish were dashed, with McLaren's Norris taking the victory.Mon 27 Jul · 07:13 UTC
via theguardian.com‘Pretty bad’: Lewis Hamilton hits out at Ferrari after dropping points in F1 title raceLewis Hamilton faced disappointment at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he finished fifth after a penalty for speeding in the pit lane. This result has left him trailing Kimi Antonelli by 50 points in the championship standings. Hamilton criticized his team's strategy, particularly the late pit stop that cost him valuable track position and points. He expressed a desire to improve and avoid further penalties in the upcoming races.
Lando Norris celebrated his first win of the season, showcasing strong performance and confidence in his driving. He feels he is performing at a higher level compared to the previous season, despite the challenges posed by the car's handling. Both Hamilton and Norris are looking forward to the second half of the season, hoping to capitalize on their potential and make significant gains in the championship.
Sun 26 Jul · 19:51 UTC
via BBC SportNorris and McLaren almost perfect as Ferrari flounderLando Norris achieved a significant victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, marking his first win of the season. After a challenging start, Norris capitalized on a strategic pit stop that allowed him to take the lead from teammate Oscar Piastri, who later retired due to a gearbox failure. Despite an early mistake that cost him the lead, Norris maintained a strong pace and confidence throughout the race, ultimately securing the win for McLaren.
Ferrari, initially seen as the favorites, struggled with performance and made critical errors, leading to disappointment for the team. Norris' win positions him 98 points behind the championship leader, Kimi Antonelli, as he looks forward to the upcoming races while remaining cautious about future expectations.Sun 26 Jul · 19:19 UTC
via AutosportPiastri slams "unacceptable" Sainz blue-flag incident, accepts McLaren strategy in Hungarian GPOscar Piastri expressed his frustration over an incident with Carlos Sainz during the Hungarian Grand Prix, where Sainz ignored blue flags and collided with Piastri, costing him the lead. Piastri deemed Sainz's actions as 'unacceptable' and suggested he should reflect on his driving decisions, especially since Sainz was engaged in a battle for position with Fernando Alonso at the time.
Despite his anger towards Sainz, Piastri later acknowledged that McLaren's pit strategy was sound, as it was aimed at covering Lewis Hamilton's pit stop. However, he felt that the collision with Sainz was a significant setback, leading to his eventual retirement from the race due to a gearbox failure.Sun 26 Jul · 16:31 UTC
via AutosportSchumacher criticises Sainz's penalty after Piastri clashCarlos Sainz was penalized with a five-second time penalty for his collision with Oscar Piastri during the Hungarian Grand Prix. The stewards explained their decision to impose a lenient penalty despite the incident occurring while Sainz was being lapped.+ 1 moreSun 26 Jul · 16:04 UTCPage 45 of 47
