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via grandprix.comRumours Williams offer Sainz 30m euros amid Piastri furyCarlos Sainz is reportedly being offered a lucrative contract by Williams worth 30 million euros annually, despite facing backlash for a collision with Oscar Piastri during the Hungarian Grand Prix. Sainz has delayed his decision regarding his future, citing the need for a calm assessment during the summer break, while also claiming he did not see Piastri due to inadequate blue-flag warnings, a statement contradicted by video evidence of his car passing blue panels. Williams confirmed a malfunction in the warning system on Sainz's steering wheel, which added to the controversy surrounding the incident.
Piastri expressed his frustration with Sainz's actions, labeling them as unacceptable, while Sainz refused to take responsibility or apologize, suggesting that Piastri should have been more cautious. Williams team principal James Vowles defended Sainz, admitting the team could have better communicated with him during the race. Despite the ongoing issues, Vowles is committed to retaining both Sainz and Alex Albon for the future, acknowledging the team's need to improve their performance and support their drivers in achieving better results.
via grandprix.comRed Bull already weighing early switch to 2027 carRed Bull Racing is contemplating an early transition to its 2027 car due to ongoing performance issues with the current model, which Max Verstappen has openly criticized. Despite his ability to secure podium finishes, Verstappen's dissatisfaction with the car's competitiveness has led to discussions within the team about balancing development efforts between the current season and the next. Team principal Laurent Mekies indicated that the team may need to shift focus sooner than in previous years, especially given the challenges posed by the car's narrow operating window and the pressure to improve performance.
The team has implemented numerous upgrades in an attempt to enhance the car's performance, but Mekies admitted that maintaining the current development pace may not be sustainable. Verstappen's unique sensitivity to the car's behavior has been highlighted as a significant asset, although he remains focused on winning rather than merely finishing on the podium. Teammate Isack Hadjar also expressed frustration with the car's handling and the strategic decisions made during races, indicating a broader concern within the team about their competitive standing.
via AutosportIs McLaren now a legitimate threat to Mercedes and Ferrari in F1 2026?McLaren achieved its first victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season at the Hungarian Grand Prix, with Lando Norris taking pole position and winning the race. The team introduced a significant floor upgrade that proved effective on the high-downforce circuit, allowing them to outperform their competitors, including Ferrari and Mercedes, who faced various challenges during the weekend. Ferrari's performance was marred by execution errors, while Mercedes struggled with setup issues and missed practice time, impacting their race strategy.
The article highlights the ongoing development war in Formula 1, with teams continuously bringing upgrades to improve their performance. While McLaren's win raises questions about their competitiveness against established teams like Mercedes and Ferrari, it also emphasizes the importance of track-specific strengths and execution in determining race outcomes. As teams prepare for upcoming races, including significant upgrades planned for Zandvoort and Monza, the season remains unpredictable and competitive.
Tue 28 Jul · 08:24 UTC
via theguardian.comF1 summer report card: from top of the class Mercedes to the team that must do betterAs the Formula 1 season reaches its mid-point, Mercedes has established itself as the dominant team, securing eight victories and leading the constructors' championship by a significant margin. Kimi Antonelli, a promising young driver, has excelled, winning five consecutive races and holding a substantial lead in the drivers' standings. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton has shown a resurgence, claiming his first win in nearly two years at the Spanish Grand Prix, highlighting his competitive spirit at 41 years old.
In contrast, Aston Martin has faced numerous challenges, including a lack of performance and multiple retirements, leading to a disappointing season thus far. Despite a recent overhaul of their car, the team is still striving for improvements, with hopes of achieving better results in the second half of the season. The dynamics among the teams and drivers suggest an intriguing battle as the season progresses.
Tue 28 Jul · 07:00 UTC
via grandprix.comHadjar staying, Verstappen offered richer dealRed Bull Racing has proposed a more lucrative contract to Max Verstappen, aiming to extend his tenure until after the 2029 season and eliminate his release clause. Verstappen's current salary of around 65 million euros per year is expected to increase, and both parties are engaged in ongoing discussions about the future of their collaboration. Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar is likely to continue as Verstappen's teammate after a solid performance at the Hungarian GP, where he finished P6.
Toto Wolff of Mercedes indicated that there will be no immediate changes to their driver lineup, citing the need for car stability rather than driver changes. He acknowledged the potential appeal of a Verstappen-Antonelli pairing but emphasized satisfaction with the current dynamic between their drivers. Mekies reiterated that the team's focus remains on optimizing the car for Verstappen to ensure competitive performance.
via grandprix.comSainz to calmly decide future during summer breakCarlos Sainz is taking the summer break to evaluate his future in Formula 1, particularly in light of Williams' disappointing performance this season. After a challenging race in Hungary, where he qualified P18 and had an incident with Oscar Piastri, Sainz criticized the team's overall performance and acknowledged the need for significant improvements to the car's downforce.
Despite the struggles of the Williams team, Sainz feels he has adapted well to the new regulations and is performing at a high level personally. With his contract situation still uncertain, he plans to calmly assess his options during the break, while remaining cautious about the impact of the team's upcoming upgrades.
via AutosportGwen Lagrue joins Red Bull as junior programme directorGwen Lagrue will join Red Bull Racing as the junior driver chief starting in 2027. His appointment follows his departure from Mercedes, where he led their junior programme.+ 1 moreMon 27 Jul · 12:29 UTC
via theguardian.comMcLaren’s team principal hails ‘great trajectory’ of Lando Norris after winLando Norris achieved a significant victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, marking McLaren's first win of the season. His performance showcased not only his driving skills but also a notable improvement in his psychological approach, as highlighted by team principal Andrea Stella. Norris's ability to remain composed after initially dropping a position to teammate Oscar Piastri was crucial in regaining the lead and securing the win against strong competitors like Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli.
Meanwhile, George Russell faced challenges during the race, finishing seventh after a slow start due to technical issues. His frustrations with the season's repeated problems were evident, as he expressed a sense of resignation regarding his performance. Despite these setbacks, the focus remained on Norris's development and the promising trajectory of his career within the team.Mon 27 Jul · 10:30 UTC
via theguardian.comOscar Piastri swore at his McLaren crew in frustration in Hungary, but any Formula One revival is up to himOscar Piastri faced a challenging Hungarian Grand Prix, where he expressed frustration towards his McLaren team after a pit stop strategy led to him losing his lead and ultimately retiring due to a gearbox failure. Despite appearing poised for a potential victory, everything went wrong for him during the race, highlighting the difficulties he has faced this season.
Currently sitting seventh in the driver standings, Piastri's performance has been overshadowed by teammate Lando Norris, who won the race. Piastri's struggles have raised questions about his future and ability to adapt to the new era of Formula One, especially as he has been consistently outperformed by Norris and other emerging drivers.Mon 27 Jul · 02:53 UTC
via theguardian.com‘Pretty bad’: Lewis Hamilton hits out at Ferrari after dropping points in F1 title raceLewis Hamilton faced disappointment at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he finished fifth after a penalty for speeding in the pit lane. This result has left him trailing Kimi Antonelli by 50 points in the championship standings. Hamilton criticized his team's strategy, particularly the late pit stop that cost him valuable track position and points. He expressed a desire to improve and avoid further penalties in the upcoming races.
Lando Norris celebrated his first win of the season, showcasing strong performance and confidence in his driving. He feels he is performing at a higher level compared to the previous season, despite the challenges posed by the car's handling. Both Hamilton and Norris are looking forward to the second half of the season, hoping to capitalize on their potential and make significant gains in the championship.Sun 26 Jul · 19:51 UTC
via BBC SportNorris and McLaren almost perfect as Ferrari flounderLando Norris achieved a significant victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, marking his first win of the season. After a challenging start, Norris capitalized on a strategic pit stop that allowed him to take the lead from teammate Oscar Piastri, who later retired due to a gearbox failure. Despite an early mistake that cost him the lead, Norris maintained a strong pace and confidence throughout the race, ultimately securing the win for McLaren.
Ferrari, initially seen as the favorites, struggled with performance and made critical errors, leading to disappointment for the team. Norris' win positions him 98 points behind the championship leader, Kimi Antonelli, as he looks forward to the upcoming races while remaining cautious about future expectations.
Sun 26 Jul · 19:19 UTC
via AutosportWhat McLaren thought of Piastri's explosive F1 Hungarian GP radio outburstDuring the Hungarian Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri expressed frustration over a radio outburst after a collision with backmarker Carlos Sainz, which affected his race strategy. McLaren's team principal Andrea Stella defended the team's decision to pit Piastri, emphasizing that it was necessary to counter Lewis Hamilton's threat and that Piastri had earned his lead fairly by overtaking Norris at the start.
After the race, Piastri acknowledged his emotional response and accepted the team's strategy, despite his disappointment. He ultimately retired from the race due to a gearbox failure, while Stella noted that both drivers had shown impressive pace, and the team had considered various strategies to maximize their points.Sun 26 Jul · 18:49 UTC
via AutosportPiastri slams "unacceptable" Sainz blue-flag incident, accepts McLaren strategy in Hungarian GPOscar Piastri expressed his frustration over an incident with Carlos Sainz during the Hungarian Grand Prix, where Sainz ignored blue flags and collided with Piastri, costing him the lead. Piastri deemed Sainz's actions as 'unacceptable' and suggested he should reflect on his driving decisions, especially since Sainz was engaged in a battle for position with Fernando Alonso at the time.
Despite his anger towards Sainz, Piastri later acknowledged that McLaren's pit strategy was sound, as it was aimed at covering Lewis Hamilton's pit stop. However, he felt that the collision with Sainz was a significant setback, leading to his eventual retirement from the race due to a gearbox failure.Sun 26 Jul · 16:31 UTC
via AutosportSchumacher criticises Sainz's penalty after Piastri clashCarlos Sainz was penalized with a five-second time penalty for his collision with Oscar Piastri during the Hungarian Grand Prix. The stewards explained their decision to impose a lenient penalty despite the incident occurring while Sainz was being lapped.+ 1 moreSun 26 Jul · 16:04 UTC
via AutosportLando Norris claims first victory of 2026 in HungaryLando Norris achieved his first victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season at the Hungarian Grand Prix. His teammate Oscar Piastri faced a gearbox failure, leading to his retirement from the race.+ 2 moreSun 26 Jul · 14:57 UTC
via grandprix.comRed Bull cuts Verstappen media as car criticism eruptsMax Verstappen expressed significant dissatisfaction with the performance of the 2026 Red Bull car, describing it as aerodynamically broken and undriveable. Following his qualifying session in Hungary, Red Bull restricted his media interactions, which raised eyebrows as his teammate continued to engage with the press. Verstappen's comments highlighted ongoing issues with the car's balance and reliability, suggesting a deeper problem that needs addressing before the race.
In addition to the car concerns, Verstappen played a role in persuading Tom Hart to remain with Red Bull, where he is expected to succeed Gianpiero Lambiase as Verstappen's race engineer. This decision came after Hart was initially slated to join Williams. The situation reflects both the challenges Verstappen faces with the current car and the strategic moves within the Red Bull team regarding engineering personnel.
via grandprix.comWilliams must copy Aston's big leap says SainzCarlos Sainz emphasized the need for Williams to replicate the significant advancements made by Aston Martin, particularly after their recent performance boost at the Hungaroring with a new 'B' car. He noted that while Williams has a lighter specification coming for the Baku race, it may not be enough to compete effectively this season, suggesting that the team should focus on next year's car for more substantial improvements.
Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso highlighted that their new chassis has resolved previous correlation issues, allowing for better performance and clarity on future enhancements. He acknowledged the need for increased engine power from Honda, which is expected to be tested soon. Overall, both Sainz and Alonso see potential for growth and improvement within their respective teams.
via AutosportVerstappen on latest Red Bull woes: "Desperate? I'm already past that stage"Max Verstappen faced significant challenges during qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he will start from fourth position. He expressed frustration over the car's performance, describing it as 'undriveable' due to ongoing aerodynamic issues that have plagued Red Bull throughout the season. Verstappen's teammate Isack Hadjar will start from eighth, highlighting the team's struggles during the weekend. Despite these setbacks, Verstappen stated that he has moved beyond feelings of desperation regarding the team's problems, indicating a focus on improvement rather than dwelling on difficulties.
Verstappen's comments reflect a broader concern within the team, as they have encountered different issues each race weekend, complicating their ability to achieve consistent performance. The team principal had hoped for a better showing at the Hungaroring, but the reality proved challenging. Verstappen's candid remarks about the car's balance and performance underscore the difficulties Red Bull is currently facing as they work to resolve these issues ahead of the race.Sat 25 Jul · 16:46 UTC
via AutosportHamilton and Antonelli receive grid penalties in HungaryLewis Hamilton and Kimi Antonelli have both been issued three-place grid penalties ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix. Antonelli's penalty was due to a yellow flag infringement during qualifying.+ 1 moreSat 25 Jul · 15:58 UTC
via AutosportHamilton receives grid drop for impeding PiastriLewis Hamilton has been penalized with a three-place grid drop for impeding Oscar Piastri during the qualifying session for the Hungarian Grand Prix. The incident occurred in the final stages of Q3, prompting an investigation by the FIA stewards.Sat 25 Jul · 15:53 UTCPage 54 of 56