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via RacingNews365McLaren preach caution ahead of F1 season-defining challengeMcLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, has expressed caution ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, highlighting that the characteristics of their MCL40 car that excelled at previous circuits may not translate well to Monza. Lando Norris arrives with momentum from recent victories but acknowledges the car's limitations, particularly in slow-speed corners, which could impact their performance at the upcoming race.
Stella noted that Monza presents a unique challenge due to its low-drag requirements and heavy braking zones. He emphasized the importance of confirming their improvements at this circuit to maintain optimism for the remainder of the season. The team is focused on maximizing their performance one race at a time as they prepare for the demands of Monza.
Thu 3 Sep · 05:25 UTC
via PlanetF1Italian GP predictions: Antonelli disaster, McLaren surprise, civil war breaks outAs the 13th round of the F1 2026 season approaches, Kimi Antonelli faces a grid penalty that complicates his championship lead. Predictions suggest George Russell will take the win, with McLaren and Ferrari drivers also in contention. The article explores the evolving dynamics within teams, particularly regarding qualifying strategies and potential conflicts among teammates.
Thu 3 Sep · 05:06 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen 'calms whole system down' as Racing Bulls look to crucial decisionMax Verstappen's recent contract extension with Red Bull has been acknowledged by Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer as a stabilizing factor in the F1 driver market. This development allows Racing Bulls to concentrate on their existing drivers and potential candidates without the uncertainty of Verstappen's future affecting their decisions. The team is particularly monitoring F2 championship leader Nikola Tsolov, who will soon test F1 machinery at Imola.
Bayer reiterated that the team is not in a hurry to finalize driver selections, as both Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad are performing admirably. The team is confident in their junior program and will take their time to ensure the best decision is made regarding driver placements, with team principal Alan Permane leading this process.Thu 3 Sep · 04:30 UTC
via newsonf1.comSchumacher says F1 too easy for ageing starsSep.3 (GMM) Ralf Schumacher has criticised the current Formula 1 rules for making it easier for older drivers to prolong their careers, as Lewis Hamilton is linked with a Ferrari extension into 2028. Hamilton would be 43 during that season, while Fernando Alonso is already 45 and could yet continue beyond his current Aston Martin…via newsonf1.comVasseur says ADUO engine a ‘step forward’Sep.3 (GMM) Ferrari has confirmed its first ADUO power-unit upgrade will debut at Monza, with the new specification understood to be worth around 15 horsepower. “It’s a step in the right direction, and as we know, this year it’s all about small improvements,” team boss Frederic Vasseur said in Ferrari’s Italian GP preview. Speaking separately…
via f1technical.netVowles hails the early impact of McLaren's former chief operating office at GroveWilliams team principal James Vowles has praised the early contributions of Piers Thynne, who joined the team as Chief Optimisation and Planning Officer after a long tenure at McLaren. Thynne's experience is seen as crucial for Williams as they work to modernize their operations and improve efficiency in manufacturing and resource management, which are essential for their competitive resurgence in Formula 1.
Thynne's appointment is part of a broader restructuring effort under Vowles aimed at addressing the team's historical weaknesses and underinvestment. With the challenges posed by the 2026 regulation changes, Vowles believes that Thynne's expertise will help accelerate the transformation needed for Williams to return to championship contention, emphasizing that improvements in processes and infrastructure are just as important as technical upgrades.
Thu 3 Sep · 01:00 UTC
via grandprix.comHadjar misses Monza as Tsunoda gets another raceIsack Hadjar is unable to participate in the Italian Grand Prix as he recovers from a wrist injury, which has led to a series of driver substitutions. Liam Lawson will remain in the Red Bull car for another race after finishing seventh in his debut, while Yuki Tsunoda returns to Racing Bulls for a second weekend, having narrowly missed scoring points at Zandvoort. Ayumu Iwasa will also get a chance to drive during the practice session before Verstappen returns to the car.
Red Bull is cautious about Hadjar's return, emphasizing the importance of his recovery. Lawson and Tsunoda are the immediate beneficiaries of this situation, with Lawson gaining valuable experience and Tsunoda seeking to demonstrate his capabilities as he aims for a full-time seat in the future. The team has not set a timeline for Hadjar's comeback, prioritizing his health over rushing his return.
via gpfans.comRed Bull announce Max Verstappen replacement at F1 Italian Grand PrixRed Bull Racing has announced that Ayumu Iwasa will step in for Max Verstappen during the first free practice session at the Italian Grand Prix, allowing Verstappen to rest. This change is part of the FIA's regulations requiring teams to field rookie drivers in practice sessions, and it marks Red Bull's second of four such changes for the 2026 season. Iwasa, a promising talent from the Red Bull junior program, has already gained experience in several F1 sessions and is currently competing in Japan's Super Formula series.
Additionally, Isack Hadjar will be absent from the race due to a wrist injury, with Liam Lawson taking his place. Yuki Tsunoda will also be involved, stepping in for Lawson at Racing Bulls. This reshuffling highlights the ongoing adjustments teams must make throughout the season due to injuries and regulatory requirements.
Wed 2 Sep · 18:45 UTC
via PlanetF1Is Liam Lawson the big winner of Helmut Marko’s Red Bull exit?Liam Lawson has found a silver lining in Helmut Marko's departure from Red Bull, as he no longer faces constant scrutiny from the former motorsport advisor. After a challenging start in 2023 and a brief stint with Red Bull Racing, Lawson has rebuilt his reputation and emerged as a preferred substitute driver for the team, recently scoring points at the Dutch Grand Prix.
As Lawson prepares for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, he will continue to drive the RB22 while Isack Hadjar recovers from injury. Guenther Steiner has noted that Lawson's confidence has improved without Marko's oversight, allowing him to focus on his performance and adapt to the car more effectively.Wed 2 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comSergio Perez admits one moment in his F1 career that was even ‘harder’ than leaving Red BullSergio Perez reflected on his career in Formula 1, highlighting that his departure from McLaren was the most challenging moment he faced, even more so than his exit from Red Bull Racing. After joining Red Bull in 2021 and contributing to their success, he struggled with the car's sensitivity and felt isolated within the team, leading to his release at the end of 2024.
In contrast, his time at McLaren in 2013 was marked by disappointment, as the team failed to secure any podium finishes. Perez had initially been a rising star, attracting interest from top teams after a strong performance with Sauber. However, his decision to join McLaren backfired, and he attributes part of the struggle to immaturity and a lack of teamwork, which ultimately impacted his career trajectory.
Wed 2 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via f1technical.netRacing Bulls joins rotating rear-wing development race with Imola testRacing Bulls has joined the competition to develop a rotating rear-wing concept, testing their version at Imola. This follows Ferrari's initial exploration of the design, which has since been adapted by Red Bull and McLaren, each with unique mechanical solutions. Racing Bulls aims to introduce their interpretation at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, contingent on positive feedback from their recent test.
The rotating rear-wing concept allows teams to adjust aerodynamic performance between high-downforce and low-drag configurations. As teams continue to innovate, Racing Bulls' entry adds a new dimension to this development race, highlighting the significant impact of Ferrari's original design on the aerodynamic strategies of rival teams in Formula 1.Wed 2 Sep · 18:00 UTC
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.
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