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via f1oversteer.comIsack Hadjar has realised Liam Lawson was right about Max Verstappen after joining Red BullIsack Hadjar has expressed his admiration for Max Verstappen after joining Red Bull Racing, echoing Liam Lawson's sentiments about the four-time world champion. Hadjar feels fortunate to be racing alongside Verstappen, describing him as a kind and supportive teammate who provides invaluable guidance early in his career.
Despite the challenges of competing against Verstappen, Hadjar is grateful for the opportunity and acknowledges the difficulty of the current Formula 1 landscape. Red Bull has confirmed that Hadjar will remain with the team for the 2027 season, making him only the second driver since 2018 to spend two or more seasons alongside Verstappen.
via thejudge13.comAston Martin quietly explores Mercedes engine return as Honda concerns growAston Martin is reportedly considering a return to Mercedes engines as team owner Lawrence Stroll has made discreet inquiries about the possibility. This comes amid a challenging 2026 season where Aston Martin has struggled with its Honda-powered package, currently sitting tenth in the constructors' championship with only three points.
Former driver Christian Danner highlighted the performance issues with Honda, particularly in integrating the combustion engine with the electrical components under the new regulations. While Aston Martin remains committed to Honda for now, the potential design provisions for a Mercedes power unit in their next car suggest serious consideration of alternatives as concerns about their current partnership grow.
via f1technical.netRed Bull drivers report performance boost from upgradesMax Verstappen and Isack Hadjar from Red Bull Racing noted a significant improvement in performance following the team's recent upgrades at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The upgrades, which included a five-part package focused on enhancing aerodynamic efficiency, contributed to their competitive edge during the race.
via Motorsport.comGuenther Steiner jokes Christian Horner Ferrari talk is good book publicityGuenther Steiner, the former Haas Formula 1 team principal, has commented on Christian Horner's recent remarks about potentially working with Ferrari. Horner described a leadership role at Ferrari as a 'dream' but Steiner believes this is part of Horner's strategy to return to the championship, suggesting it might also serve as publicity for Horner's upcoming book.
Steiner further dismissed the idea of Horner and Frederic Vasseur working together at Ferrari, stating that Vasseur is a successful figure in his own right and implying that there is no room for both of them in the team. He expressed uncertainty about Vasseur's willingness to leave Ferrari, noting that contracts in Formula 1 may not hold significant value.
via Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli has "spooked himself" amid F1 title pressure, says Naomi SchiffNaomi Schiff has expressed concerns about Kimi Antonelli's mental state as he leads the Formula 1 championship. She noted that Antonelli seems to be feeling the pressure, which was evident during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix where he finished fifth after starting from 16th, while his teammate George Russell won the race.
Schiff highlighted that Antonelli needs to overcome this psychological hurdle to avoid jeopardising his championship lead. Despite a challenging race, he still maintains a 66-point advantage over Russell, but Schiff warns that if Antonelli continues to feel 'spooked,' it could affect his performance in the remaining races.
via f1oversteer.comFerrari told Christian Horner is just desperate for 'any job' after a year out of Formula 1Christian Horner has shown interest in the Ferrari team principal position, describing it as a 'dream' move. This comes after he was dismissed from Red Bull, where he spent two decades. Despite his aspirations, Ferrari has reaffirmed its support for Fred Vasseur amid mounting pressure following a disappointing performance in the 2026 championship.
James Hinchcliffe commented on Horner's situation, suggesting that he would be open to any team principal role in Formula 1. There are speculations that Horner's remarks about Ferrari could be a strategic move to position himself for a role at Williams, where current principal James Vowles is under scrutiny. Additionally, Alpine and new teams like Audi and Cadillac may also be considering Horner for leadership roles.
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell details F1 drivers' Langkawi boys' trip ahead of Bahrain GP in MalaysiaGeorge Russell, a driver for Mercedes, has shared insights about a recent trip to Langkawi, Malaysia, which he took with six other Formula 1 drivers ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. The trip featured activities such as go-karting and sightseeing, with Russell expressing his admiration for the island's beauty and the friendliness of its people. He noted that the itinerary was influenced by Mercedes' title partner, Petronas.
In addition to Russell, Kimi Antonelli, his teammate, arrived in Malaysia early but chose to explore Kuala Lumpur and visit a water park. Antonelli currently leads the championship standings by 66 points, following Russell's victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The trip served as a unique way for the drivers to bond and prepare for the upcoming race.
via PlanetF1Lance Stroll F1 salary revealed; Alonso engine findings; Ferrari ‘bickering’ – roundupLance Stroll's salary for the 2025 Formula 1 season has been disclosed in Aston Martin's financial accounts, revealing he earned $12.2 million. Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso has raised concerns about issues with his Honda engine, although Honda's chief engineer claims the data shows no problems.
Flavio Briatore has commented on the current situation at Ferrari, suggesting that there is internal conflict between the drivers. This comes amidst speculation regarding team principal Fred Vasseur's future and the overall performance of the Ferrari team.
via gpfans.comFerrari faces internal turmoil over Fred Vasseur's roleDavid Coulthard has stated that Ferrari's issues extend beyond Fred Vasseur's potential dismissal, highlighting deeper problems within the team. Reports indicate that some insiders at Ferrari are questioning Vasseur's position following comments made by Christian Horner.
via RacingNews365Liam Lawson points out Red Bull truth after surprise super-sub appearancesLiam Lawson served as a super-sub for Red Bull during the Dutch, Italian, and Spanish Grands Prix, filling in for the injured Isack Hadjar. In his three races, Lawson managed to score points on two occasions, achieving a best finish of seventh at the Zandvoort circuit, where Red Bull was the fourth-best team.
Despite his strong performances, Lawson clarified that these did not alter his standing within the Red Bull driver ecosystem. He confirmed that he was not slated to drive the RB22 in 2026 and emphasized that his recent races did not change his outlook or opportunities for the upcoming season.
via Motorsport WeekFerrari’s Team Principal or team’s principles? A Maranello mysteryFred Vasseur's position as Team Principal of Ferrari is facing renewed speculation following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where the team had a disappointing performance. Despite a better 2026 season compared to 2025, with two wins and currently second in the Constructors' Championship, concerns remain about Ferrari's competitiveness against rivals like Mercedes, McLaren, and Red Bull.
Christian Horner, currently promoting his autobiography, has stated that being Ferrari's Team Principal is his 'dream' job, raising eyebrows given his previous rejection of the role. Vasseur's relationship with drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc is reportedly under strain, leading to questions about his future. While Antonello Coletta's name has surfaced as a possible successor, it is believed he is not the primary candidate, and Vasseur's leadership remains crucial for Ferrari's aspirations.
via gpfans.comF1 star admits hiding major injury after 'stupid' punchIsack Hadjar, the 22-year-old French driver for Red Bull Racing, has disclosed that he sustained a broken wrist while training, which led to him missing three races in his debut season. He revealed that the injury occurred during a boxing workout when he struck the bag without proper hand protection, describing the incident as a 'stupid' mistake.
After the injury, Hadjar returned to competition at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he achieved a commendable third-place finish behind George Russell and Max Verstappen. He admitted to initially keeping the injury a secret for a day as he contemplated his options before eventually informing his team principal, Laurent Mekies.
via Motorsport WeekFred Vasseur addresses Hamilton's comments on LeclercFred Vasseur stated that Lewis Hamilton's radio messages regarding Charles Leclerc need to stop, highlighting the need for better management of team dynamics. Jolyon Palmer suggested that Vasseur should take a firmer approach to address the tensions between the two drivers.
via f1oversteer.comGuenther Steiner thinks Lawrence Stroll sees a Mercedes engine when he ‘wakes up at night’Guenther Steiner has expressed confusion over Lawrence Stroll and Fernando Alonso's lack of criticism towards Honda's underperformance, particularly after Aston Martin's fifth double DNF this season at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Alonso acknowledged engine issues affecting their speed and called for further investigation, while reports indicate that Honda is significantly underpowered compared to competitors.
Steiner highlighted the irony of Stroll's loyalty to Honda, given the potential benefits of a Mercedes engine, which he believes could have kept Aston Martin competitive. Despite Alonso's commitment to give Honda another chance, the ongoing engine issues are likely to remain a significant challenge for the team moving forward.
via Motorsport WeekRalf Schumacher criticises Christian Horner's commentsRalf Schumacher has labelled Christian Horner's remarks about wanting to lead Ferrari as 'embarrassing'. The former Red Bull team principal's admission has drawn criticism from Schumacher, who described it as 'a disgrace'.
via f1oversteer.comFerrari's wing set-up shows bleak reality of F1 engine performance compared to MercedesFerrari is actively seeking ways to compensate for their engine performance deficit compared to Mercedes and Red Bull this season. The team has been inventive with their wing setups, notably introducing the Macarena wing, which has been emulated by Red Bull. Despite these efforts, Ferrari's engine issues remain a significant challenge, as highlighted by journalist Stefano Nicoli, who noted that Ferrari's power unit does not meet the current regulations' demands.
Looking ahead, Ferrari is planning to introduce an entirely new power unit for the 2027 season, as Fred Vasseur remains committed to making improvements in the current season. He acknowledged that even small gains in engine performance could significantly impact their position on the grid, emphasizing the urgency to catch up with their competitors.
via f1oversteer.comLaurent Mekies relieved that furious Max Verstappen radio wasn’t broadcast at Azerbaijan GPLaurent Mekies, Red Bull's team principal, revealed that Max Verstappen was not pleased during qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he qualified eighth, his lowest position since Japan. Mekies shared data showing Verstappen lost significant time on the straights due to an engine issue, which contributed to his frustration expressed over team radio, although this communication was not broadcasted during the event.
In the race, Verstappen managed to finish second, just a tenth of a second behind George Russell, who had a strong performance. Despite the challenges faced in qualifying, Verstappen's driving earned him the driver of the day award, highlighting his capability to perform under pressure. With eight races remaining in the season, he aims to extend his streak of winning at least one race each year with Red Bull.
via Motorsport.comAlex Brundle questions McLaren F1 upgrade after Azerbaijan GP disappointmentF1 TV pundit Alex Brundle has raised concerns about McLaren's recent upgrade package following a disappointing performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Despite the team arriving with significant upgrades, both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri faced incidents that left them without points, prompting Brundle to question the structural integrity of the new components.
Brundle highlighted that while the zero points finish may not reflect the upgrades' potential, the physical fragility of the parts is alarming. He warned that if the upgrades cannot withstand the rigours of racing, they may end up being discarded, which would be a significant setback for the reigning champions.
via RacingNews365Lando Norris predicts chaos at F1's Sepang returnLando Norris anticipates a chaotic race weekend as Formula 1 returns to the Sepang International Circuit for the first time in nine years. The McLaren driver highlighted the potential for excitement due to the circuit's high-speed straights and demanding layout.
via Motorsport.comMercedes braced for tougher strategy calls as George Russell closes on Kimi AntonelliMercedes Formula 1 team is preparing for more challenging strategy decisions as George Russell narrows the championship gap to his teammate Kimi Antonelli. Following a dominant victory in Baku, Russell has reduced Antonelli's lead from 81 to 66 points, prompting team principal Toto Wolff to emphasise the importance of equitable treatment for both drivers in race strategies.
With eight races remaining in the season, Russell's resurgence has shifted the dynamics within the team. Wolff noted that the team must carefully evaluate strategy calls to ensure both drivers have equal opportunities, especially as they aim to maintain a competitive edge over their rivals. Additionally, Mercedes has introduced a special livery for the W17 to celebrate the return of the Malaysian Grand Prix.Page 5 of 97