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via Motorsport.comFerrari staff see Michael Schumacher similarities in Lewis Hamilton, says former engineerFormer Ferrari engineer Rob Smedley has noted that long-time Ferrari staff are drawing parallels between Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher. After a challenging first season with Ferrari in 2025, Hamilton has shown significant improvement in 2026, securing his first victory with the team and several podium finishes, placing him second in the drivers' championship at the summer break.
Smedley highlighted that Hamilton's presence is revitalizing the team, as he pushes them to perform better, reminiscent of Schumacher's impact when he joined Ferrari in 1996. Schumacher's tenure saw Ferrari return to dominance, and Smedley believes Hamilton's approach is inspiring similar confidence among the team members.
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.
via RacingNews365Exclusive: Toto Wolff counters 'whinging' Ferrari with striking F1 engine claimToto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, has responded to claims from Ferrari regarding engine performance, asserting that while Mercedes has had a successful start to the 2026 season with eight wins, the competition is tightening. He acknowledged that Ferrari is close in performance and highlighted the recent successes of both Ferrari and McLaren in the last five races, indicating a more competitive field than in previous seasons.
Wolff also discussed the FIA's new regulations, which include the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities system aimed at helping manufacturers that are lagging. He noted that while Red Bull's combustion engine is currently rated the strongest, he believes Mercedes has the best overall package, emphasizing that all teams are now closely matched in terms of performance.
via RacingNews365Mercedes Team Member Bids Farewell Before Joining Red BullA prominent figure from the Mercedes Formula 1 team has shared a farewell message following their last race in Hungary. Max Verstappen acknowledged the departing member's contributions as they prepare for a transition to Red Bull.
via Motorsport.comAudi's Binotto Responds to Sainz and Piastri Transfer SpeculationMattia Binotto, Audi's Formula 1 project chief, has commented on rumors linking Carlos Sainz and Oscar Piastri to the team. He indicated that the current driver lineup is likely to remain unchanged for the 2027 season.
via f1technical.netFerrari Enhances Technical Team with New Engineering HiresFerrari has bolstered its technical department by hiring two engineers from rival teams. Luciano Nicomede joins from Mercedes, while Carlos Sánchez comes from Aston Martin.
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.
via RacingNews365Red 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.
via RacingNews365George Russell Receives Support Amid Challenging Start to SeasonGeorge Russell has faced a difficult beginning to the 2026 Formula 1 season, despite being a title favorite. Thierry Boutsen has expressed confidence in Russell's ability to regain his form and overcome current challenges.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton Overcomes Challenges for Stronger 2023 F1 PerformanceLewis Hamilton has shown significant improvement in his Formula 1 performance this season after a challenging start with Ferrari. Former F1 drivers have expressed their satisfaction with Hamilton's return to competitive form.
via grandprix.comFerrari wins came from Mercedes failures says WolffToto Wolff has downplayed Ferrari's recent victories in the 2026 season, attributing them to Mercedes' misfortunes rather than Ferrari's outright performance. He noted that Mercedes lost significant points due to reliability issues, including multiple retirements, which allowed Ferrari to close the gap in the constructors' championship standings. Wolff also acknowledged that Mercedes has been outpaced in development by both Ferrari and McLaren in recent races.
Ferrari's technical director, Loic Serra, who previously worked at Mercedes, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the SF-26 and stated that the car's evaluation should be postponed until the end of the season. He emphasized the importance of continuous development in Formula 1, indicating that satisfaction with performance is never fully achieved, and teams must always strive for improvement.
via grandprix.comCamara plays down growing Haas rumoursRafael Camara has addressed rumors linking him to a potential seat at Haas for the 2027 season, suggesting he is a candidate to replace Esteban Ocon. As a member of the Ferrari academy, Camara has had a successful rookie season in Formula 2, securing four poles and two victories, which has fueled speculation about his future in Formula 1.
Despite the growing interest in his career progression, Camara emphasized the importance of concentrating on his current championship. He has previously tested F1 cars for Ferrari and acknowledges the emotional significance of those experiences while maintaining a professional focus on his performance in Formula 2.
via RacingNews365Toto Wolff and Lewis Hamilton Express Concerns Over F1 SeasonToto Wolff has shared a pessimistic view regarding the current Formula 1 title race, describing it as 'miserable.' Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton voiced his frustration with Ferrari's strategy after finishing fifth at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
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.
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.Page 47 of 53