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via Motorsport.comF1 fans declare 'silly season now serious season' after Franco Colapinto dealFranco Colapinto has officially extended his contract with Alpine, ensuring his place in Formula 1 through the 2027 season. This decision follows his impressive performance since stepping in as a driver in 2025, where he has consistently shown his capabilities alongside teammate Pierre Gasly. Currently, Colapinto ranks 12th in the drivers' championship, while Gasly is in 10th place. The news of his extension has garnered positive reactions from fans, who appreciate his growth and contributions to the team.
The recent contract extensions for several drivers, including Max Verstappen and those at Williams, have led to a decrease in rumors regarding potential driver changes. Fans have expressed their support for Colapinto, highlighting his performance and the sponsorship benefits he brings to Alpine. Overall, the current state of driver contracts has shifted the narrative from speculation to stability within the F1 paddock.
via gpfans.comCadillac F1 team eye Red Bull star as 'concrete talks' revealedCadillac is actively pursuing Craig Skinner, a former chief designer for Red Bull, as they expand their Formula 1 team. Skinner, who has a long history with Red Bull, was instrumental during their successful years, including Max Verstappen's championship wins. He was released from Red Bull in February 2026 and is currently on gardening leave, making him available for a new role.
In addition to Skinner, Cadillac is reportedly interested in Red Bull's chief engineer, Paul Monaghan, although his potential transfer remains uncertain. The talks with Skinner indicate Cadillac's serious intentions to strengthen their team as they enter the competitive F1 landscape.
via Motorsport.comWilliams collapses in F1 pecking order: ‘Aston is a different league right now’The Williams Formula 1 team is experiencing a significant decline in performance, now only outperforming Cadillac. After a promising start to the 2026 season, where they scored 11 points and placed eighth in the constructors' standings, the team has struggled to achieve better than 15th place in recent races, leading to frustrations among drivers Carlos Sainz Jr. and Alexander Albon. Albon highlighted the frequent blue flags they encounter, which hinder their racing efforts and contribute to their poor results.
Despite some optimism about the upcoming Monza and Baku races, both drivers remain skeptical about their chances of scoring points. Sainz pointed out issues with car setup consistency, while Albon noted that the characteristics of Monza could suit their car. Currently, Williams sits ninth in the standings, trailing Audi and Aston Martin, indicating a challenging season ahead for the team.
via the-race.comWill this big upgrade swing a key F1 fight? Gary Anderson's takeAlpine Racing has introduced a significant upgrade kit at the Zandvoort circuit, which they believe could enhance their performance by two to three tenths of a second. The upgrade was only fitted to Pierre Gasly's car, and during the weekend, he consistently outperformed his teammate Franco Colapinto in practice and qualifying sessions, although the gap closed as the weekend progressed. The changes included modifications to the sidepod and radiator intakes, aimed at optimizing airflow and improving the car's overall performance.
Despite these upgrades, Gary Anderson expressed doubts about Alpine's ability to surpass their competitors, particularly the Racing Bulls. He noted that many of the developments merely bring Alpine in line with what other teams have already implemented. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of budget cap management in the current season, suggesting that teams must balance development with financial constraints.
via Motorsport WeekAlpine Confirms Driver Line-Up for 2027 Formula 1 SeasonAlpine has officially announced its driver line-up for the 2027 Formula 1 season, featuring Franco Colapinto alongside Pierre Gasly. This confirmation leaves only seven open driver seats remaining for the upcoming season.
via f1chronicle.comSergio Perez Says Cadillac’s Pace Was ‘Very Strong’ at the Dutch Grand Prix as Valtteri Bottas Suffers a Sixth DNF in 12 RacesSergio Perez expressed optimism about Cadillac's performance at the Dutch Grand Prix, despite the team finishing without points. He noted that the car's pace was strong, particularly when not in traffic, although the team still needs to improve to compete with the midfield. Perez finished 15th, while teammate Valtteri Bottas faced another setback, retiring with a hydraulic issue, marking his sixth DNF this season.
Cadillac remains without points in their inaugural season and is currently trailing Aston Martin in the constructors' standings. Both drivers are focused on learning from their experiences and hope to translate their improvements into points at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix in Monza. The team is still adjusting to the challenges of being a new constructor in Formula 1.
via gpfans.comCadillac F1 owners come out fighting with stunning new statementTWG Global, the owner of the Cadillac F1 team, has publicly defended itself against ongoing speculation and a federal investigation concerning its founder, Mark Walter. The investigation is linked to Walter's insurance companies and follows his recent sale of the Los Angeles Lakers for a record price. TWG has issued a statement asserting that there has been no fraud and that they are committed to resolving any regulatory inquiries while maintaining the integrity of their business operations.
In addition to addressing the investigation, TWG emphasized that it is not considering selling its sports assets, including the Cadillac F1 team, at discounted prices. The company has replaced its team principal and continues to focus on its operations in Formula 1, despite not having scored any points in their debut season. TWG's statement aims to clarify misconceptions and reinforce their commitment to stakeholders.
via RacingNews365Sergio Perez spies twin Cadillac promise after 'massive trial'Sergio Perez had a challenging experience during the Dutch Grand Prix, finishing in 15th place after starting from the pit-lane due to technical issues. Despite the difficulties, he observed some positive developments for the Cadillac team, particularly during the second stint of the race, where he felt the car's pace improved significantly. Perez's performance was marked by a strategic overtake of teammate Valtteri Bottas, who secured the team's best result of 13th earlier in the season.
The article highlights the recent leadership change at Cadillac, with Marcin Budkowski taking over as team principal. Perez praised Budkowski's efforts and leadership style, indicating that he is making a positive impact on the team's direction. As Cadillac continues to seek its first points in the 2026 season, Perez remains optimistic about the potential for improvement moving forward.
via Formula1.comPerez and Bottas reflect on Cadillac's Dutch Grand PrixSergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, drivers for Cadillac, reflected on their experiences from the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix, where the team continues to struggle in their first season without scoring any points. Despite Perez finishing in P15, he noted improvements in the car's performance and expressed optimism about their pace when not in traffic. Bottas, however, faced another setback, retiring from the race due to a hydraulic issue, marking his sixth DNF this season.
The Cadillac team is still working to enhance their competitiveness, as they fell further behind Aston Martin in the standings after Alonso's points finish. Both drivers are focused on learning from their experiences and making necessary adjustments to improve their performance in future races.
via grandprix.comGasly says Racing Bulls used Lindblad to obstruct AlpinePierre Gasly has claimed that Racing Bulls strategically used Arvid Lindblad to hinder his performance during a recent race, which he believes affected his finishing position. Despite Lindblad's own race being compromised due to a penalty, he continued to defend against Gasly, allowing his teammate to pass while impeding the Alpine driver. This incident has heightened tensions between the two teams as they compete for fifth place in the constructors' championship.
Gasly's frustration stems from the competitive nature of Formula 1, where teams often employ tactics to gain an advantage. With only three points separating Racing Bulls and Alpine, the upcoming race is expected to be highly competitive, and both teams are likely to remember this incident as they continue their fight in the championship standings.
via f1technical.netHow did Budkowski assess his first race as Cadillac's team boss?Cadillac faced challenges during the Dutch Grand Prix, with Sergio Perez finishing in 15th place after starting from the pit lane. Valtteri Bottas was unable to complete the race due to a hydraulic issue, marking his sixth DNF this season. Despite these setbacks, Perez managed to show competitive pace and finished ahead of a rival team, Williams. Team Principal Marcin Budkowski noted the eventful nature of his debut race and highlighted the need for improvements in both pace and reliability moving forward.
Budkowski expressed appreciation for the team's efforts throughout the weekend and acknowledged the strategic difficulties posed by changing conditions. He praised Perez's performance while also expressing disappointment over Bottas' retirement. The team aims to analyze their performance and focus on enhancements as they prepare for the next race.
via f1technical.netWhat left Alpine "frustrated" at Zandvoort despite a points-scoring finish?At the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, Pierre Gasly managed to secure a points finish by placing 10th, despite facing challenges from competitors, particularly the Racing Bulls. His teammate, Franco Colapinto, struggled significantly due to two penalties, ultimately finishing 14th after starting from the same position. Gasly's performance was bolstered by Alpine's recent upgrades, which he found encouraging for future races.
Alpine's Executive Advisor, Flavio Briatore, expressed a mix of frustration and optimism following the race. While the team gained points against their rivals, he acknowledged the need for further development of their car to maintain competitiveness. Both drivers are looking forward to the next race in Monza, where Colapinto will also benefit from the upgrades that aided Gasly's performance.
via thejudge13.comThe $10 Billion Cadillac F1 Deal Raising New Questions About Mark WalterThe article discusses the scrutiny surrounding Cadillac Formula 1's financial backing, particularly involving TWG Global, Mubadala Capital, and Palantir Technologies. Barbara Bessolo, a technology entrepreneur, has filed a lawsuit alleging intellectual-property theft against several parties, including Michael Andretti, which adds complexity to the situation. The lawsuit's claims remain unproven, but they highlight potential issues within the organizational structure of Cadillac F1 and its connections to broader financial dealings.
Additionally, the article notes that TWG Global has secured a significant $10 billion investment from Mubadala Capital, which has raised questions about the financial stability of Cadillac F1. Despite these concerns, TWG has publicly stated that its motorsport properties are not for sale, and Cadillac's leadership insists that the team's future is secure. The intertwining of Bessolo's lawsuit with the operations of TWG and Andretti Global suggests that the developments surrounding Cadillac F1 will continue to evolve.
via Motorsport.comGasly Criticizes Racing Bulls for Impact on Dutch Grand PrixPierre Gasly expressed frustration over his performance at the Dutch Grand Prix, attributing it to the tactics employed by Racing Bulls. The Alpine driver emphasized that he would remember their actions that affected his race.
via RaceFansGasly Praises Alpine's Progress Amid Colapinto's Penalty ControversyPierre Gasly acknowledged the improvements made by Alpine after scoring points at the Dutch Grand Prix. Meanwhile, teammate Franco Colapinto expressed his dissatisfaction with a penalty received for overtaking during yellow flag conditions.
via Formula1.comNorris wins dramatic Dutch Grand Prix as Verstappen crashesLando Norris claimed victory at the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix, marking his second consecutive win of the season. He started from pole position but faced early competition from Kimi Antonelli, who took the lead after a red flag incident caused by Max Verstappen's crash on the first lap. Despite Antonelli's strong performance, Norris regained the lead and maintained it until the finish, crossing the line with a significant margin.
The race featured a dramatic turn of events, including a late Virtual Safety Car that influenced pit strategies. George Russell completed the podium in third place, while Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc followed in fourth and fifth. Several drivers faced penalties and retirements, including Verstappen, who was unable to finish the race due to his crash.
via f1technical.netF1TECH: Alpine bring huge upgrade package to Zandvoort as Gasly gets first useAlpine has rolled out a significant upgrade package for the A526 ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, emphasizing improvements in aerodynamic performance, particularly at the rear and underside of the car. The updates include extensive modifications to various components such as the floor, diffuser, and rear wing, aimed at enhancing airflow management and local aerodynamic loading.
Only Pierre Gasly will benefit from the full suite of upgrades during this race, while his teammate Franco Colapinto will have to wait until the next race in Monza to access these enhancements. This strategic move highlights Alpine's commitment to improving their car's performance as the season progresses.
via grandprix.comBottas insists he has Cadillac ticket for 2027Valtteri Bottas has reaffirmed his commitment to Cadillac for the 2027 Formula 1 season, dismissing speculation about a potential replacement by Colton Herta. Despite turning 37 soon, Bottas feels his physical condition and experience are assets that will help him continue his career effectively. He emphasized that he has a secure position and is focused on improving the team's performance, which has yet to score points in its debut season.
Bottas provided a candid assessment of Cadillac's current competitive level, indicating that without resolving reliability issues, the team is likely to finish in the lower ranks of the standings. He also expressed surprise at the mid-season change in team leadership with the appointment of Marcin Budkowski, suggesting that such swift changes are characteristic of American business practices. Bottas remains optimistic about the future, emphasizing the need for consistent race finishes.
via Motorsport.comGuenther Steiner urges Cadillac to abandon 2026 F1 car developmentGuenther Steiner has advised Cadillac to cease development of its 2026 Formula 1 car and redirect efforts towards the 2027 model. This recommendation comes as the team faces significant challenges, including reliability issues, and currently holds the last position in the constructors' standings without any points. Steiner's comments reflect a broader concern about the team's initial expectations upon entering the championship with a lineup featuring experienced drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas.
Following a leadership change with Marcin Budkowski replacing Graeme Lowdon as team principal, Steiner anticipates that the focus will shift entirely to the 2027 car. He criticized the management for underestimating the difficulties of competing in Formula 1, suggesting that they should abandon any further development for the current season and concentrate on future improvements.
via Formula1.comHow Alpine's upgrades put Gasly into the midfield battleAlpine's Pierre Gasly showcased a strong performance by qualifying P8 for the Sprint at the Dutch Grand Prix, aided by significant upgrades to the car. These enhancements, which include a revised floor and rear wing, were crucial for Alpine as they aim to regain their position in the Constructors' Championship, having recently fallen behind Racing Bulls. Gasly expressed optimism about the upgrades, noting improvements in grip and overall car response during practice sessions.
Gasly's performance in the Sprint Qualifying positions him as a key contender in the midfield battle. He acknowledged the challenges faced earlier in the season but remains focused on the potential for further development. With his teammate Colapinto set to receive the upgrades in the next race, Alpine is looking to build on this momentum and secure valuable points in the upcoming races.Page 5 of 10