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via gpfans.comKey Ferrari F1 figure leaves Maranello on eve of Italian Grand PrixThierry Baritaud, a long-serving member of Ferrari's Formula 1 team, has announced his departure after 26 years, coinciding with the Italian Grand Prix weekend. He has held several key positions, most recently as head of energy recovery and turbo systems since 2017, and has decided to retire at the age of 69. His exit is not seen as controversial but rather a personal decision after a lengthy career in the sport.
Ferrari is currently facing challenges in the Constructors' standings, trailing Mercedes by 87 points. The team is preparing to introduce a power unit upgrade at Monza, and Baritaud's role will be temporarily filled by Enrico Gualtieri. Insiders have criticized Ferrari's energy recovery system, indicating it has been a disadvantage compared to their competitors.
Wed 2 Sep · 17:45 UTC
via F1iCadillac braced for ‘difficult test’ at Monza, Budkowski warnsCadillac is set to compete in its first Formula 1 race at Monza, following a positive outing at Zandvoort. However, the team faces challenges at Monza due to the circuit's unique demands, which may expose weaknesses in their MAC-26 car, particularly regarding top speed and braking stability. Team principal Marcin Budkowski has acknowledged the difficulties ahead and emphasized the need for a realistic approach to the race weekend.
Colton Herta will take part in the first practice session, providing valuable feedback on the car's performance at this high-speed track. Budkowski highlighted the importance of learning from each lap to accelerate the team's development, as they aim to build a solid foundation for future races while navigating the challenges presented by Monza.
Wed 2 Sep · 17:16 UTC
via RacingNews365Valtteri Bottas issues 'not satisfied' rally cry after surprise Cadillac shake-upValtteri Bottas, a driver for Cadillac's Formula 1 team, has voiced his dissatisfaction with the team's current performance, as they remain point-less after 12 races. The best result so far has been a 13th place finish at the Chinese Grand Prix, and Bottas noted that the team has been out-developed by competitors, leading to concerns about reliability and performance issues with their MAC-26 car.
In light of these challenges, Cadillac's CEO Dan Towriss has made a significant change by replacing team principal Graeme Lowdon with Marcin Budkowski, who brings a wealth of technical experience. Bottas supports this decision and stresses the importance of aiming for improvement rather than settling for mediocrity, highlighting the need for the team to progress in order to achieve better results in the future.
Wed 2 Sep · 17:15 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRalf Schumacher says Lewis Hamilton’s rumoured contract extension shows F1 isn’t what it ‘used to be’Lewis Hamilton is rumored to have extended his contract with Ferrari for the 2027 season, which would mark his 21st consecutive year in Formula 1. At 42 years old, Hamilton remains competitive, currently tied on points with teammate George Russell and significantly behind Kimi Antonelli in the standings. Ralf Schumacher commented on the implications of Hamilton's longevity in the sport, suggesting that the evolving nature of F1 has made it less physically demanding for older drivers to compete effectively.
Schumacher's remarks highlight a broader trend in the sport, where drivers like Fernando Alonso and Nico Hulkenberg are also approaching or surpassing 40 years of age. He expressed concern that the current regulations, which emphasize battery and tire management, may diminish the sport's intensity and challenge, potentially affecting the development of younger talent in Formula 1.
Wed 2 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via RaceFansFeatured Comment: Ferrari commemorate one of their less memorable cars | BriefThe article discusses the history and significance of the Formula 1 championship, which began in 1950 and will reach its 75th season in 2025. It highlights the achievements of notable drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher, emphasizing their records and championships. Additionally, it mentions the competitive landscape of the sport, including the number of teams and their requirements for car design and construction.
Ferrari's long-standing dominance in the constructors' championship is noted, as they have secured 16 titles and are the only team to participate in every season since the championship's inception. The article reflects on the legacy of the sport and its evolution over the decades.
Wed 2 Sep · 16:07 UTC
via f1oversteer.comToto Wolff believes Kimi Antonelli is proving Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen were right all alongKimi Antonelli, a promising young driver in Formula 1, has been making waves in the 2026 season, showcasing his talent with six wins and a strong lead in the standings. His selection by Toto Wolff to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes reflects the team's confidence in his abilities, despite a challenging rookie season where he finished seventh in the championship. Wolff acknowledges that both Hamilton and Max Verstappen recognized Antonelli's potential early on, which has now been validated by his impressive performance this year.
The 19-year-old has matured significantly since his debut, overcoming early struggles and adapting well to new regulations. With guidance from seasoned champions like Hamilton and Verstappen, Antonelli is focused on maintaining his momentum as he aims to become the youngest champion in F1 history and the first Italian to win the title in over seven decades.Wed 2 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via gpfans.comRed Bull confirm driver replacement for Italian Grand Prix as F1 star ruled out with injuryRed Bull Racing has announced that Liam Lawson will drive alongside Max Verstappen at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, as Isack Hadjar is still recovering from a wrist injury. Hadjar was initially thought to be on track for a quick return, but the team has decided to prioritize his health and safety by keeping him out of the race this weekend. Lawson had previously stepped in for Hadjar at the Dutch Grand Prix, where he finished in seventh place.
In addition to Lawson's promotion, Yuki Tsunoda will take the opportunity to race for Racing Bulls after Lawson's move to Red Bull. Tsunoda, who finished 11th in the Dutch Grand Prix, is looking to make a strong impression at Monza, although his future in Formula 1 remains uncertain. Red Bull is committed to closely monitoring Hadjar's recovery process to ensure he returns to competition only when fully fit.Wed 2 Sep · 15:45 UTC
via f1oversteer.comHelmut Marko insists Red Bull didn’t make a mistake letting Adrian Newey leaveHelmut Marko has expressed confidence in Red Bull's technical department following Adrian Newey's departure, asserting that the team can succeed without him. Newey, who resigned in 2024 after nearly two decades with Red Bull, designed eight championship-winning cars during his tenure and has since joined Aston Martin, which is struggling in the current season. Marko emphasized that the team has proven its capabilities even without Newey's influence, particularly after narrowly missing the championship in 2024.
Despite concerns about Red Bull's power unit, which has been deemed the benchmark and is currently not allowed upgrades, the team remains competitive. Marko's comments come amid a challenging transition period for Red Bull, with Pierre Wache stepping in as technical director. Meanwhile, Newey's new role at Aston Martin has not yielded immediate success, highlighting the difficulties faced by teams adapting to new regulations and designs.Wed 2 Sep · 15:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comMercedes delays engine upgrade until OctoberMercedes has confirmed that the ADUO engine upgrade will not be available for the Italian Grand Prix. Kimi Antonelli will receive a new power unit but will incur a back-of-grid penalty as the upgrade is expected to arrive in October.
+ 1 moreWed 2 Sep · 14:43 UTC
via Sky Sports F1Isack Hadjar to miss Italian Grand Prix due to injuryIsack Hadjar will not participate in the upcoming Italian Grand Prix as he continues to recover from a wrist injury. Liam Lawson will step in as his replacement for the second consecutive race.
+ 1 moreWed 2 Sep · 14:38 UTC
via Formula1.com10 of the best recovery drives after starting at the backThe article highlights ten remarkable recovery drives in Formula 1 history, focusing on drivers who started at the back of the grid and achieved impressive finishes. Kimi Antonelli is set to face a grid penalty at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, prompting a look back at past drivers who overcame similar challenges, including Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Sebastian Vettel, among others.
Each featured driver faced unique obstacles, such as penalties, disqualifications, and challenging weather conditions, yet they managed to climb through the ranks to secure podium finishes or victories. The article emphasizes the skill and determination required to execute such recovery drives, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement of Formula 1 racing.
Wed 2 Sep · 13:23 UTC
via F1iFerrari confirms power boost for Monza 2026Ferrari has announced an engine update for the SF-26 ahead of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Ralf Schumacher believes this improvement addresses a key weakness, potentially enhancing the team's competitiveness during the race.+ 1 moreWed 2 Sep · 13:09 UTC
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton Signs Extension with Ferrari Amid Ongoing F1 ChangesLewis Hamilton has reportedly signed a contract extension with Ferrari as the 2026 Formula 1 season progresses. This development comes amidst ongoing discussions about potential team changes within the sport.Wed 2 Sep · 12:57 UTC
via Motorsport.comFerrari to debut engine upgrade at Italian Grand PrixFerrari will debut an upgraded power unit at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix. This upgrade is made possible through the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities system in Formula 1.+ 1 moreWed 2 Sep · 12:52 UTC
via RacingNews365Juan Pablo Montoya praises McLaren's strong formFormer F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has noted that McLaren is becoming increasingly competitive as Lando Norris aims for the 2026 championship. Despite this momentum, Norris still trails behind Kimi Antonelli in the title standings.+ 1 moreWed 2 Sep · 12:45 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFred Vasseur reveals how Carlos Sainz caused his ‘first big shock’ as Ferrari team principalFred Vasseur, who took over as Ferrari's team principal in December 2022, experienced a significant moment during the 2023 Italian Grand Prix when Carlos Sainz secured pole position. This achievement, which Vasseur described as his 'first big shock,' highlighted the passionate support of the Tifosi, as he was moved by the crowd's reaction at Monza. Despite Sainz's strong performance, he finished third in the race, while Red Bull dominated the season with 21 wins out of 22 races.
Sainz's pole position at Monza remains notable as it was the only pole he achieved at the track throughout his career. In contrast, Charles Leclerc later won the Italian GP in 2024, becoming one of the most successful Ferrari drivers at Monza. Vasseur's reflections on these events emphasize the unique atmosphere of Ferrari's home race and the emotional connection between the team and its fans.Wed 2 Sep · 12:00 UTC
via f1technical.netMercedes identifies key weaknesses to address after Zandvoort defeatMercedes is analyzing its performance after a challenging race at the Dutch Grand Prix, where they secured a second and third place finish but struggled to match the pace of Lando Norris and McLaren. Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin highlighted specific weaknesses in high-speed corners, particularly at Turns 7, 8, and 9, and noted that the performance drop varied between their drivers during different tire stints.
As they prepare for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Mercedes faces the task of understanding whether the issues at Zandvoort were unique to that circuit or indicative of a larger problem with their car. The team is also investigating the contrasting handling characteristics reported by their drivers, which adds complexity to their analysis ahead of the next race.
Wed 2 Sep · 12:00 UTC.webp)
via Formula1.comJean Alesi on his admiration for Ferrari great Gilles VilleneuveJean Alesi, a former Formula 1 driver, shares his deep admiration for the legendary Gilles Villeneuve, highlighting how Villeneuve's spectacular driving during the 1981 Monaco Grand Prix left a lasting impression on him. Alesi recalls his childhood experiences with motor racing, particularly the limited exposure to F1 at the time, yet he vividly remembers the excitement of Villeneuve's win, which sparked his passion for the sport.
Alesi also reflects on his own career, including racing for Ferrari with the number 27, which was famously associated with Villeneuve. He recounts a poignant encounter with Jacques Villeneuve, Gilles' son, expressing his frustration over Jacques' comments about his father's legacy. Alesi's respect for Villeneuve's talent and the impact of his tragic death further underscore the significance of Villeneuve's legacy in the world of Formula 1.Wed 2 Sep · 11:39 UTC
via f1oversteer.comHelmut Marko says Red Bull made ‘financially difficult’ decision that’s holding Max Verstappen backHelmut Marko has expressed concerns regarding Red Bull's decision-making in the development of the RB22, suggesting that the team has made mistakes that are hindering both Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar. The formation of Red Bull Powertrains and the partnership with Ford were significant steps, but the team has struggled to keep pace with competitors due to restrictions on engine upgrades and development missteps. Marko highlighted that these issues are compounded by the financial constraints of the cost-cap regulations.
As a result of these challenges, Verstappen's performance has suffered, leading to his lowest points tally since 2018 and a sixth-place standing in the championship. Both he and Hadjar have voiced frustrations about the car's performance, particularly its grip and balance, which have affected their competitiveness this season. The inability to upgrade their power unit mid-season further complicates Red Bull's situation as they seek to improve their standing in the championship.Wed 2 Sep · 11:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comTop Ferrari power unit engineer leaves the team after they were outclassed by MercedesThierry Baritaud, Ferrari's leading energy recovery specialist, has departed from the team following a disappointing performance in the first year of the new regulations. His exit comes amid concerns about Ferrari's power unit, which has been identified as a critical issue by team principal Fred Vasseur. Enrico Gualtieri will temporarily assume Baritaud's responsibilities as the team prepares for the introduction of their 2026 power unit at the Italian Grand Prix.
The article highlights that Ferrari is currently lagging behind Mercedes by at least four percent in performance, as indicated by the FIA's ADUO rankings. Vasseur acknowledged that compromises made for aerodynamic improvements have affected engine performance, with Lewis Hamilton pointing out significant time losses for Ferrari on straights. The team has experienced several high-profile departures recently, raising questions about their future engine development and overall competitiveness.Wed 2 Sep · 10:00 UTCPage 48 of 101
