McLarenRB F1 TeamRed Bull 
via F1iMekies sees Red Bull’s second-car curse fading with HadjarRed Bull Racing has promoted Isack Hadjar to its senior team, addressing a long-standing issue with its second car alongside Max Verstappen. The team has faced challenges with previous drivers, but Hadjar's consistent improvement and eagerness to learn have begun to change the dynamics, making him a valuable asset for the team. Laurent Mekies, the team principal, highlighted that enhancing the performance of the second car was a key priority for Red Bull, and Hadjar's development is seen as crucial for overall team cohesion and strategy.
Mekies noted that Hadjar's steady progress allows Red Bull to utilize both cars more effectively during races, providing strategic options and technical insights. The team is optimistic about Hadjar's trajectory, viewing him not just as a support driver but as an integral part of their competitive strategy moving forward. This shift in perspective could strengthen Red Bull's overall performance as the season progresses.
F1iSun 9 Aug · 11:07 UTC
via RacingNews365Isack Hadjar details F1 'luxury' alongside Max VerstappenIsack Hadjar, a young driver for Red Bull, has been performing well alongside the highly regarded Max Verstappen. Despite the challenges of competing against such a strong teammate, Hadjar views the experience as a unique opportunity to learn and grow in his racing career. He has consistently finished in the top six and is on track for a potential contract extension for the following season.
In the current season, Hadjar has been out-qualified by Verstappen, but he remains focused on improving and understanding the nuances of racing at the highest level. His admiration for Verstappen's skills and the competitive environment at Red Bull highlights the luxury he feels in being part of such a prestigious team at a young age.
RacingNews365Sun 9 Aug · 09:05 UTC
via RacingNews365McLaren announces significant changes to team structureMcLaren has revealed plans for a major shift within the team as part of its ongoing evolution in Formula 1. This restructuring aims to enhance their competitiveness and performance in upcoming seasons.RacingNews365Sun 9 Aug · 05:25 UTC
via RacingNews365RUMOURMax Verstappen's future with Red Bull under discussionMax Verstappen has not yet confirmed his plans for the upcoming Formula 1 season, leading to ongoing speculation about his future with Red Bull Racing. The team's recent struggles have added to the scrutiny surrounding his potential decision.RacingNews365+ 1 moreSun 9 Aug · 04:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Oscar Piastri exit from McLaren weighed up in key 'honeymoon' differenceOscar Piastri's performance at McLaren has been disappointing this season, especially compared to his teammate Lando Norris, who has consistently outpaced him. Both drivers are under long-term contracts, but there are indications that Piastri might seek opportunities elsewhere, as highlighted by former engineer Rob Smedley. Smedley pointed out a stark contrast in the team dynamics, noting that Norris expresses a strong commitment to McLaren, while Piastri does not share the same sentiment.
Despite the challenges, McLaren has seen success, including a recent victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The team has maintained the longest unchanged driver line-up in Formula 1, but the differing attitudes of their drivers could influence future decisions. As the season progresses, the focus will be on how Piastri's situation develops and whether he remains with McLaren or pursues other options.RacingNews365Sat 8 Aug · 17:10 UTC
via RacingNews365Carlos Sainz reveals old exchange with Red Bull boss: 'I was shocked'Carlos Sainz shared his surprise at the detailed analysis of his racing performances that he received when he joined Ferrari in 2021. The data, presented by then-team principal Mattia Binotto and sporting director Laurent Mekies, covered his performances over the past six years and included comparisons with his teammates from previous teams. Sainz was impressed by the depth of information that Ferrari had gathered, which contributed to their decision to select him for the team over other candidates like Daniel Ricciardo.
Sainz reflected on how the analysis revealed not only the team's thorough scouting process but also highlighted areas for improvement that he was already aware of. This experience underscored the level of detail that top teams like Ferrari utilize in their evaluations of drivers. Sainz's tenure at Ferrari lasted four years, during which he achieved significant success in his Formula 1 career.RacingNews365Sat 8 Aug · 16:20 UTC
via RacingNews365McLaren hint at Ferrari advantage after surprise F1 appearanceFerrari recently held a filming day at the Madring, the new circuit set to host its first Spanish Grand Prix on September 13. During this session, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton completed the maximum allowed distance of 200 km, which has raised concerns from rival teams, particularly McLaren, about a potential advantage for Ferrari due to their early experience on the track. McLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, expressed surprise at Ferrari's unannounced session and emphasized that while the conditions were not representative, some baseline data could still be beneficial for Ferrari.
The Madring circuit, which is about 5.4 km long and features around 20 corners, marks the return of Formula 1 racing to Madrid for the first time since 1981. Stella mentioned that although the filming day was primarily promotional and restricted in nature, it could still provide Ferrari with insights that might help them when the entire grid arrives for the race weekend. He acknowledged that while the track conditions were poor, any early data could help teams avoid starting from scratch.RacingNews365Sat 8 Aug · 09:05 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull has key advantage in hunt for first 2026 F1 winRed Bull Racing has faced challenges in the 2026 Formula 1 season, remaining the only top team without a win so far. Despite Max Verstappen's efforts, the team has struggled with race pace and aerodynamic issues, particularly with the RB22's downforce distribution. Recent modifications to the car aim to improve stability and performance, but significant upgrades are still needed, especially concerning the floor of the vehicle.
The Red Bull-Ford power unit has emerged as a strong competitor, allowing the team to adopt a more aggressive aerodynamic setup at certain circuits. However, the development advantages being granted to rivals Mercedes and Ferrari pose a significant challenge for Red Bull as they seek their first victory of the season. The team hopes to capitalize on potential opportunities in the second half of the season as they continue to refine their car.RacingNews365Sat 8 Aug · 08:10 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen handed 'reality' check amid Red Bull frustrationMax Verstappen has not been afraid of criticising Red Bull this season, with an ex-F1 driver believing he must have several options on the table.RacingNews365Sat 8 Aug · 04:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Liam Lawson sets goals for second half of F1 seasonLiam Lawson has expressed confidence in Racing Bulls' development and performance during the first half of the Formula 1 season. The team currently sits fifth in the constructors' championship, with Lawson ranking in the top 10 among drivers.RacingNews365+ 1 moreFri 7 Aug · 18:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comOscar Piastri's new merchandise collection earns positive fan reactionOscar Piastri, a driver for McLaren in Formula 1, has introduced a new merchandise line called the 'World Circuit' collection. This collection features a range of apparel inspired by the diverse locations on the F1 calendar and includes items such as T-shirts, jackets, and bags, with prices varying from £14.99 to £124.99.
The launch has garnered a favorable response from fans, who appreciate both the pricing and the unique designs. Many fans have commented on social media, expressing their satisfaction with the affordability and style of the merchandise, indicating that it stands out as distinctly Piastri's brand.
Motorsport.comFri 7 Aug · 14:50 UTC
via RacingNews365RUMOURRed Bull Racing to hire Tom McCullough as new engineerRed Bull Racing is reportedly set to appoint Tom McCullough from Aston Martin as its new head of race engineering. This move follows the departure of Gianpiero Lambiase, who is expected to join McLaren.RacingNews365+ 3 moreFri 7 Aug · 14:35 UTC
via F1iHow family history led Lindblad to reject Monaco residencyArvid Lindblad, a rookie in the 2026 Formula 1 season, has chosen not to relocate to Monaco, a common choice for drivers seeking luxury and tax benefits. Instead, he values a quieter life away from the racing culture, emphasizing the importance of disconnecting from the intense Formula 1 environment. Lindblad's decision is deeply influenced by his family's history of hardship and hard work, which shapes his perspective on wealth and success.
His family's struggles, including his father's challenges with food security and his mother's family's journey from Pakistan to the UK, have instilled in him a sense of discomfort with overt wealth. Lindblad's choice to reject the Monaco lifestyle reflects his desire to maintain a normal life and stay true to his values, even as he navigates the elite world of motorsport.F1iFri 7 Aug · 13:46 UTC
via Motorsport.comMika Hakkinen reveals doubts over F1 return after life-threatening crash in 1995Mika Hakkinen opened up about his traumatic experience following a life-threatening crash at the 1995 Australian Grand Prix, where he suffered severe injuries including a fractured skull. The crash was triggered by a puncture that sent his car airborne, leading to a high-speed impact with a barrier. Hakkinen was hospitalized for about two months and received critical medical assistance from F1 officials and doctors at the scene.
Despite the physical and psychological hurdles he faced, Hakkinen returned to testing an F1 car just months later. He reflected on the difficult decision to come back to racing, acknowledging the fear and doubts that accompanied it. Ultimately, his passion for motor racing and the desire to prove himself motivated him to overcome his apprehensions and return to the sport he loves.Motorsport.comFri 7 Aug · 12:38 UTC
via espn.comStella hails 'harmony' between Norris and PiastriMcLaren boss Andrea Stella is pleased Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have remained a harmonious pairing in the wake of last season's title scrap and has not yet given up hope of the British driver being able to defend his crown.
espn.comFri 7 Aug · 11:45 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull Faces Challenges as New Power Unit SupplierRed Bull has encountered various issues in its debut season as a power unit manufacturer. The team is grappling with basic problems that have affected its performance early in this critical chapter.RacingNews365Fri 7 Aug · 10:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Key Mercedes figure sends farewell message ahead of Red Bull switchGwen Lagrue, a key figure in Mercedes' driver development program, recently concluded his tenure with the team after a decade, marking his last race at the Hungarian Grand Prix. He is set to transition to Red Bull, where he will take on the role of director for their Junior Programme starting in 2027, following Helmut Marko's management until the end of 2025.
In his farewell message, Lagrue reflected on his journey with Mercedes, expressing pride in the development of young drivers he worked with, including notable names like George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. He emphasized the significance of teamwork and the relationships built over the years, thanking the Mercedes team for their support and commitment to excellence.RacingNews365Fri 7 Aug · 09:05 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull handed brutal verdict after 'basic problems' onslaughtRed Bull Racing has encountered significant challenges in its inaugural season as a power unit manufacturer, leading to a mid-season performance rating of five out of ten from former Ferrari engineer Rob Smedley. The team has struggled with reliability, resulting in retirements for drivers Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar due to component failures, and Verstappen has faced crashes linked to rear-wing issues.
Despite these setbacks, when the car has functioned reliably, Verstappen has been competitive, achieving podium finishes. However, the team has yet to secure a victory in the 2026 season, prompting Smedley to express disappointment over the frequency of critical problems that have arisen, suggesting that Red Bull should be performing at a higher level.RacingNews365Fri 7 Aug · 08:10 UTC
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.F1iFri 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.
RaceFansFri 7 Aug · 06:25 UTC
via RacingNews365Liam Lawson makes 'no real idea' admission amid eye-catching Racing Bulls campaignLiam Lawson has had a surprising and successful start to the 2026 Formula 1 season with Racing Bulls, currently ranking ninth in the drivers' standings and contributing to the team's fifth place in the constructors' championship. Despite initial uncertainty regarding the performance of their car, Lawson has secured eight top 10 finishes, including notable P6 results in Monaco and Silverstone.
The team's journey began with a challenging P13 finish in Australia, but a strong performance in Shanghai marked a turning point. Lawson's ability to adapt and extract performance from the car has been crucial, and he acknowledges the significance of early successes in maintaining team motivation and direction throughout the season.RacingNews365Thu 6 Aug · 18:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Isack Hadjar describes Red Bull culture shockIsack 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.RacingNews365+ 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.grandprix.comThu 6 Aug · 16:41 UTC.webp&w=1200&q=70)
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.
Formula1.comThu 6 Aug · 11:45 UTC