Red Bull Wed 30 Sep · 06:58 UTC
via f1technical.netCadillac strengthens technical structure with senior appointments from Red Bull, Mercedes and ...Cadillac has announced the appointment of three senior engineers to strengthen its technical leadership as it prepares for its long-term Formula 1 project. Craig Skinner, Eric Blandin, and Tim Lean will take on key roles in vehicle development, aerodynamics, and aerodynamic modelling, bringing extensive experience from top teams like Red Bull, Mercedes, and McLaren.
Skinner will serve as Chief Development Engineer, while Blandin will lead the aerodynamics department, and Lean will focus on aerodynamic modelling and simulation. These appointments are seen as crucial for Cadillac's technical evolution, aiming to create a more integrated organisation and improve on-track performance.
f1technical.netTue 29 Sep · 22:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen clarifies his comments about F1 becoming ‘easier’ after Liam Lawson disagreedMax Verstappen expressed his views on the 2026 Formula 1 cars, stating they are 'numb' to driver inputs, which he believes makes it easier for drivers to find their limits. This comment came after Liam Lawson, who recently replaced Isack Hadjar, performed impressively in qualifying, being only 0.115 seconds slower than Verstappen. Verstappen's remarks have sparked debate, particularly as Lawson disagreed, arguing that adapting to the new car was not straightforward due to the complexities introduced by new energy management protocols.
Verstappen further elaborated that the current cars favour a cautious driving style, allowing many drivers to achieve similar lap times. He noted that the small gaps in qualifying times this year, with seven out of eleven driver pairings within two-tenths of a second, support his theory that the cars do not reward the fastest drivers as much as before. This marks a significant change from the previous year, where the average gap between teammates was larger.
f1oversteer.comTue 29 Sep · 19:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLaurent Mekies reveals whether Liam Lawson ever had a chance of getting Isack Hadjar’s Red Bull seatIsack Hadjar has officially secured a new contract with Red Bull ahead of his return from injury at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Despite missing three races due to a wrist fracture, Hadjar's strong performance earlier in the season, including a podium finish and a 100% qualifying record, led to the team's confidence in him. Laurent Mekies, Red Bull's team principal, confirmed that Liam Lawson's temporary stint in the car did not affect their decision regarding Hadjar's future.
Mekies emphasized that Hadjar's development and performance were the primary considerations for the team. He noted that Lawson was a strong alternative but that Red Bull was satisfied with Hadjar's progress and improvement alongside Max Verstappen. Hadjar's contract extension positions him as Verstappen's second-longest-serving teammate since Daniel Ricciardo left in 2018, highlighting the team's commitment to his growth in the upcoming season.
