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via RacingNews365Exclusive: Toto Wolff counters 'whinging' Ferrari with striking F1 engine claimToto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, has responded to claims from Ferrari regarding engine performance, asserting that while Mercedes has had a successful start to the 2026 season with eight wins, the competition is tightening. He acknowledged that Ferrari is close in performance and highlighted the recent successes of both Ferrari and McLaren in the last five races, indicating a more competitive field than in previous seasons.
Wolff also discussed the FIA's new regulations, which include the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities system aimed at helping manufacturers that are lagging. He noted that while Red Bull's combustion engine is currently rated the strongest, he believes Mercedes has the best overall package, emphasizing that all teams are now closely matched in terms of performance.
Sat 8 Aug · 07:15 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen handed 'reality' check amid Red Bull frustrationMax Verstappen has not been afraid of criticising Red Bull this season, with an ex-F1 driver believing he must have several options on the table.Sat 8 Aug · 04:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comBinotto responds to Sainz and Piastri Audi rumoursMattia Binotto, Audi's Formula 1 project chief, has commented on rumors linking Carlos Sainz and Oscar Piastri to the team. He indicated that the current driver lineup is likely to remain unchanged for the 2027 season.
+ 1 moreFri 7 Aug · 19:06 UTC
via f1technical.netFerrari recruits engineers from Mercedes and Aston MartinFerrari has bolstered its technical department by hiring two engineers from rival teams. Luciano Nicomede joins from Mercedes, while Carlos Sánchez comes from Aston Martin.
Fri 7 Aug · 17:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull Racing to hire Tom McCullough as new engineerRed Bull Racing is reportedly set to appoint Tom McCullough from Aston Martin as its new head of race engineering. This move follows the departure of Gianpiero Lambiase, who is expected to join McLaren.+ 3 moreFri 7 Aug · 14:35 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull Faces Challenges as New Power Unit SupplierRed Bull has encountered various issues in its debut season as a power unit manufacturer. The team is grappling with basic problems that have affected its performance early in this critical chapter.Fri 7 Aug · 10:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Key Mercedes figure sends farewell message ahead of Red Bull switchGwen Lagrue, a key figure in Mercedes' driver development program, recently concluded his tenure with the team after a decade, marking his last race at the Hungarian Grand Prix. He is set to transition to Red Bull, where he will take on the role of director for their Junior Programme starting in 2027, following Helmut Marko's management until the end of 2025.
In his farewell message, Lagrue reflected on his journey with Mercedes, expressing pride in the development of young drivers he worked with, including notable names like George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. He emphasized the significance of teamwork and the relationships built over the years, thanking the Mercedes team for their support and commitment to excellence.Fri 7 Aug · 09:05 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull handed brutal verdict after 'basic problems' onslaughtRed Bull Racing has encountered significant challenges in its inaugural season as a power unit manufacturer, leading to a mid-season performance rating of five out of ten from former Ferrari engineer Rob Smedley. The team has struggled with reliability, resulting in retirements for drivers Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar due to component failures, and Verstappen has faced crashes linked to rear-wing issues.
Despite these setbacks, when the car has functioned reliably, Verstappen has been competitive, achieving podium finishes. However, the team has yet to secure a victory in the 2026 season, prompting Smedley to express disappointment over the frequency of critical problems that have arisen, suggesting that Red Bull should be performing at a higher level.Fri 7 Aug · 08:10 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton overcomes difficult Ferrari periodLewis Hamilton has shown significant improvement in his Formula 1 performance this season after a challenging start with Ferrari. Former F1 drivers have expressed their satisfaction with Hamilton's return to competitive form.Fri 7 Aug · 05:25 UTC
via RacingNews365Isack Hadjar describes Red Bull culture shockIsack Hadjar has shared his experience of moving from the junior Racing Bulls team to the senior Red Bull team, describing it as a 'culture shock.' Despite the challenges, he feels that his time in the junior program has helped ease the transition.+ 1 moreThu 6 Aug · 17:10 UTC
via grandprix.comFerrari wins came from Mercedes failures says WolffToto Wolff has downplayed Ferrari's recent victories in the 2026 season, attributing them to Mercedes' misfortunes rather than Ferrari's outright performance. He noted that Mercedes lost significant points due to reliability issues, including multiple retirements, which allowed Ferrari to close the gap in the constructors' championship standings. Wolff also acknowledged that Mercedes has been outpaced in development by both Ferrari and McLaren in recent races.
Ferrari's technical director, Loic Serra, who previously worked at Mercedes, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the SF-26 and stated that the car's evaluation should be postponed until the end of the season. He emphasized the importance of continuous development in Formula 1, indicating that satisfaction with performance is never fully achieved, and teams must always strive for improvement.
via grandprix.comCamara plays down growing Haas rumoursRafael Camara has addressed rumors linking him to a potential seat at Haas for the 2027 season, suggesting he is a candidate to replace Esteban Ocon. As a member of the Ferrari academy, Camara has had a successful rookie season in Formula 2, securing four poles and two victories, which has fueled speculation about his future in Formula 1.
Despite the growing interest in his career progression, Camara emphasized the importance of concentrating on his current championship. He has previously tested F1 cars for Ferrari and acknowledges the emotional significance of those experiences while maintaining a professional focus on his performance in Formula 2.
via grandprix.comRed Bull paid Marko 8m euros to stay silent?Red Bull has allegedly paid Dr. Helmut Marko 8 million euros as part of a termination agreement that includes a confidentiality clause, preventing him from giving interviews until the end of 2026. This move is seen as a departure from the outspoken culture fostered by the late founder Dietrich Mateschitz, with new management under Oliver Mintzlaff taking a more controlled approach to communication and leadership.
Critics, including journalist Ralf Bach and former driver Ralf Schumacher, have expressed concerns about the team's direction and the impact of Marko's absence. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen's confidence in the team's technical project appears to be diminishing, although he is expected to remain with Red Bull in 2027, primarily due to a lack of viable alternatives in the market.
via RacingNews365Isack Hadjar implores Red Bull to 'dig' deepIsack Hadjar has been performing well in the Formula 1 season, achieving points finishes in seven consecutive races, with his best result being a fourth place at the Monaco Grand Prix. Despite this success, he has yet to secure a podium and is urging Red Bull to enhance their performance to better compete against leading teams like Mercedes and Ferrari as the season progresses.
As the summer break approaches, Hadjar reflects on the progress made by Red Bull, which has improved significantly since the start of the season. He acknowledges that while the team has closed the gap to the front-runners, there is still work to be done to reach the desired level of competitiveness. The next race will be the Dutch Grand Prix at the end of August.Thu 6 Aug · 09:05 UTC
via RacingNews365Damon Hill praises Hamilton's resurgence at FerrariLewis Hamilton's recent performance at Ferrari has garnered positive feedback from former F1 champions. His resurgence is seen as a significant turnaround, positioning him as a contender for the championship in the current season.+ 3 moreThu 6 Aug · 05:25 UTC
via grandprix.comVerstappen criticism can go too far says AlbersChristijan Albers, a former Formula 1 driver, discussed Max Verstappen's aggressive racing style and his recent performance against Lewis Hamilton. While Albers appreciates Verstappen's relentless approach, he also pointed out that the driver's public criticisms of Red Bull can sometimes be excessive and challenging for the team to manage. Albers believes that Verstappen's focus on his own situation may overshadow the competitive nature of the other drivers in the field.
Albers suggested that Verstappen should balance his honesty with a stronger defense of Red Bull, as the team has many people working towards a common goal. He acknowledged the difficulties in creating a competitive car and emphasized the importance of collaboration within the team. As Verstappen considers his future with Red Bull for the 2027 season, his position within the team remains powerful despite the criticisms he has voiced.
via CrashRed Bull outlines challenges for its 2026 F1 carRed Bull Racing has identified several limitations affecting its performance in the 2026 Formula 1 season. Technical Director Pierre Wache highlighted these issues following a difficult race at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
+ 1 moreWed 5 Aug · 14:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Red Bull send emphatic 'don't sign up' message amid F1 resurgenceRed Bull Racing has faced a challenging start to the 2026 Formula 1 season, entering the summer break without a win for the first time since 2015. Team principal Laurent Mekies expressed that the team will not be satisfied until they consistently win races, highlighting the significant improvements made to their car, the RB22, which has narrowed the performance gap to competitors like Mercedes and Ferrari. Max Verstappen, who has struggled to secure victories, has nonetheless achieved four podium finishes since the Canadian Grand Prix, indicating a positive trend in performance.
Mekies acknowledged the hard work of the 2,000 team members who have contributed to the car's development. Despite the progress, he remains firm that the team will not rest until they regain their status as a dominant force in Formula 1. The focus remains on overcoming the challenges faced in the early season and returning to winning form.Wed 5 Aug · 11:50 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen hails Red Bull backing in pursuit of 'other projects'Max Verstappen has expressed gratitude for the support he receives from Red Bull, which has allowed him to engage in various racing activities outside of Formula 1. He has participated in events like the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, and he believes these experiences help him maintain focus on his primary role as an F1 driver. Verstappen highlighted the importance of having a stable home life and the ability to switch off from racing to avoid burnout.
Additionally, Verstappen spoke positively about his working relationship with Laurent Mekies, the new team principal at Red Bull. He noted that their collaboration has been smooth, as they had prior familiarity, and he appreciates Mekies' commitment to enhancing the team's overall structure. This supportive environment contributes to Verstappen's success and well-being as a driver.Wed 5 Aug · 06:20 UTC
via RacingNews365Ferrari handed 'good sign' verdict amid scrutiny from F1 rivalsFerrari has made significant strides in the 2026 Formula 1 season, showcasing a competitive car that has positioned them among the frontrunners. The SF-26, underpinned by bold design choices, has drawn attention from rivals and experts alike, indicating a shift in the team's engineering capabilities. Martin Brundle emphasized that Ferrari's innovative approaches, such as the 'Macarena wing', reflect their leadership in the sport rather than merely following trends set by others.
Lewis Hamilton has also benefited from the new regulations, finding a car that suits his driving style better than previous models. His renewed energy has positively impacted the team, contributing to a more confident race strategy. Overall, the first half of the season has been promising for Ferrari, as they aim to maintain pressure on competitors like Mercedes.Wed 5 Aug · 04:30 UTCPage 62 of 67