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via grandprix.comFerrari unveils bunny ears in latest innovation pushFerrari has introduced a new rear wing design for the Hungarian Grand Prix, featuring distinctive 'bunny ears' and an innovative layout that enhances aerodynamic efficiency. This design allows Ferrari to maintain an active wing function while optimizing airflow, giving them a competitive edge over rivals. Many observers believe Ferrari is a strong contender for the race due to their car's performance characteristics in various corner types.
In contrast, Lewis Hamilton emphasized that Mercedes remains the team to beat, citing their consistent performance across different circuits. He acknowledged the improvements made by Ferrari but maintained that Mercedes' car has not changed significantly since Monaco. Meanwhile, Red Bull has also brought back their own version of the Macarena wing, confident in its performance after addressing earlier mechanical failures. The upcoming race is expected to be competitive, with several teams showcasing their latest innovations.
via AutosportF1 Hungarian GP: Leclerc tops FP1, Stroll suffers suspected suspension failure with upgraded Aston MartinIn the first practice session for the F1 Hungarian Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc of Ferrari set the fastest time, clocking in at 1m19.075s, which was significantly quicker than his competitors. Lance Stroll from Aston Martin faced issues with his car, experiencing a suspected rear suspension failure that led to a red flag during the session. Other teams, including Ferrari and Mercedes, brought updates tailored for the high downforce requirements of the Hungaroring track.
The session also saw several rookie drivers participating, with notable performances from Frederik Vesti and Leonardo Fornaroli. Fernando Alonso managed to secure the 13th fastest time, while Carlos Sainz faced scrutiny from the stewards for his driving during the session. Overall, the practice highlighted the competitive nature of the teams as they prepared for the race weekend.
Fri 24 Jul · 12:45 UTC
via espn.comBelgian Grand Prix: Mercedes' dual sides, Ferrari'...The 2026 Belgian Grand Prix showcased Kimi Antonelli's dominance in the season, as he secured his sixth win and extended his championship lead to 45 points. Despite facing challenges earlier in the season, Antonelli's consistent performance has positioned him as a strong contender for the title, with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc emerging as a notable competitor after a strong showing in the race.
George Russell's race was marred by technical difficulties that hindered his performance and led to a collision with teammate Lewis Hamilton. The article also highlights concerns regarding the impact of the new engine regulations on the racing experience at traditional circuits, suggesting that the excitement of these venues has been diminished.
Thu 23 Jul · 13:47 UTC
via grandprix.comThree Macarena wings set for Hungary debutThe upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix will see Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull debuting their versions of the innovative 'Macarena' rear-wing concept. Ferrari is refining its design to enhance aerodynamic performance, while Red Bull has resolved previous mechanical issues that led to failures during the season. McLaren plans to test its version during Friday practice, with hopes of improving its competitiveness in the latter half of the season through a comprehensive upgrade package, including a new floor and aerodynamic changes.
Team principal Andrea Stella expressed confidence that the upgrades will help McLaren address its cornering deficits and allow driver Oscar Piastri to better utilize the car's potential. The teams are preparing for a competitive race, with Ferrari expected to maintain its edge in speed at the Hungaroring and Zandvoort, while McLaren targets a stronger performance at future high-speed circuits.
via grandprix.comVerstappen faces pressure for 2027 contract decisionMax Verstappen is reportedly under pressure to clarify his future with Red Bull before a contractual deadline. Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar's position at the team for 2027 appears more secure amid ongoing speculation regarding Verstappen's plans.
via grandprix.comRed Bull says no to Abu Dhabi-backed Racing Bulls bidRed Bull has turned down a substantial offer of up to $3 billion for its second Formula 1 team, Racing Bulls, which is backed by investors from Abu Dhabi. The bid was led by Dean Attew and Andrew Herriot, but neither party has confirmed the details of the offer or its rejection publicly.
Racing Bulls plays a crucial role in Red Bull's strategy to nurture young talent in Formula 1. Notable drivers like Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar have previously been part of the team, and the current lineup for 2026 includes Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad. Red Bull has also rejected earlier offers in the range of $2 billion to $2.3 billion for the team.
via BBC SportLagrue leaves Mercedes to join Red Bull's driver programmeRed Bull Racing is set to acquire Mercedes' junior driver program chief, Lagrue. His departure follows the retirement of Dr. Helmut Marko, as Red Bull seeks to revamp its driver development structure.
+ 1 moreSun 19 Jul · 16:48 UTC
via theguardian.comKimi Antonelli wins Belgian Grand Prix, extends leadKimi Antonelli achieved victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, solidifying his lead in the championship standings. His teammate George Russell was involved in a crash on the opening lap, which contributed to Antonelli's 50-point advantage.
+ 1 moreSun 19 Jul · 15:02 UTC
via grandprix.comWolff admits Ferrari will try to sign AntonelliToto Wolff has expressed concern over Ferrari's interest in signing Kimi Antonelli, who has been performing exceptionally well for Mercedes, including achieving pole position at the Belgian GP. Wolff emphasized that Antonelli's success is a result of long-term investment in his development, and he has been with Mercedes since childhood. Despite the team's pride in Antonelli's achievements, they are facing challenges with George Russell's performance, which has not been on par with his teammate's speed.
Russell has acknowledged that he is struggling to compete equally with Antonelli and has ruled out driving style as the cause of his performance issues. Wolff confirmed that the team is still investigating the reasons behind Russell's deficit in speed, particularly in corners and on straights. Both drivers are working towards finding solutions to improve their competitiveness as the season progresses.
via grandprix.comRed Bull names Verstappen's next race engineerRed Bull Racing has announced that Tom Hart will replace Gianpiero Lambiase as Max Verstappen's race engineer, with the transition expected to begin in 2027. Lambiase is leaving for McLaren, and Hart was initially set to join Williams before being persuaded to stay with Red Bull. This change comes amid ongoing speculation about Verstappen's future with the team, particularly regarding potential interest from McLaren.
During the recent qualifying session at Spa, Verstappen achieved a strong P2, largely due to a strategic slipstream from teammate Isack Hadjar. Verstappen acknowledged that without the tow, he would have likely qualified around P6. Meanwhile, Hadjar humorously noted that he did not expect any significant reward for his help, while McLaren's Andrea Stella indicated that any move for Verstappen would require the team to field a third car, a matter that needs higher-level discussions.
via espn.comRed Bull's Future Plans Impact Max Verstappen's Career DecisionsSpeculation surrounding Max Verstappen's future with Red Bull continues as discussions about the team's competitive direction unfold. Laurent Mekies emphasized that the team must provide a strong car to address concerns about Verstappen's loyalty and potential career moves.+ 1 moreSat 18 Jul · 18:16 UTC
via theguardian.comKimi Antonelli secures pole at Belgian Grand PrixKimi Antonelli of Mercedes has achieved pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix, outperforming Max Verstappen. His teammate George Russell will start from fourth, while Lando Norris faces a 10-place grid penalty.+ 1 moreSat 18 Jul · 15:39 UTC
via grandprix.comRed Bull Replaces Rear Wing Ahead of Belgian Grand PrixRed Bull Racing has decided to switch to a conventional rear wing for the Belgian Grand Prix. This change comes after recent performance issues and crashes involving driver Max Verstappen.
via BBC SportRed Bull to change wing after Verstappen crashesThe team had pioneered a new wing design that aimed to enhance straight-line speed by allowing the top flap to rotate more than 180 degrees. However, the aerodynamic issues encountered prompted Red Bull to revert to a more traditional wing configuration. The Belgian Grand Prix will take place from July 17 to 19, 2026, and the team hopes to resolve the issues with the new wing design before its next use.Thu 16 Jul · 12:46 UTC
via grandprix.comMcLaren admits it is months behind rivalsMcLaren has acknowledged that it is currently lagging behind its competitors, specifically Mercedes and Ferrari, by two to three months in the development of its 2026 car. This delay is attributed to the team's commitment to the 2025 season, which resulted in a prolonged focus on their championship-winning vehicle. As a result, they are now required to make corrections to their development strategy to align with the new regulations.
To address these challenges, McLaren is set to debut a new rear wing at the upcoming Belgian GP, although a more ambitious design has been postponed. The team is also receiving an updated Mercedes engine specification. Despite these upgrades, McLaren's leadership has tempered expectations, indicating that significant improvements in competitiveness may not be immediate.
via grandprix.comVerstappen wants to stay at Red Bull, insists managerMax Verstappen's manager has reiterated that the driver intends to remain with Red Bull, despite ongoing speculation about potential moves to other teams. The manager emphasized that Verstappen has a contract until 2028 and downplayed the significance of a performance-related exit clause that exists in his contract. The recent meeting involving Verstappen's family and team members was characterized as a private engagement, further clarifying the context of the discussions that fueled rumors about his future.
Additionally, there are concerns regarding Verstappen's recent rear wing failures, prompting Red Bull to seek closer scrutiny from the FIA on the rear wing design. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has raised questions about the unique nature of these failures, suggesting they may not be mere coincidences. Meanwhile, Gunther Steiner supports the idea that Verstappen's best option is to stay with Red Bull, noting that the team is well-suited to his driving style.
via grandprix.comBearman tipped if Verstappen leaves Red BullRalf Schumacher has suggested that if Max Verstappen were to leave Red Bull, Oliver Bearman would be the team's top choice to replace him. He also mentioned Carlos Sainz as a potential candidate but noted that Sainz has yet to demonstrate championship-winning capabilities. Schumacher expressed confidence in Bearman's potential to succeed in Formula 1 and commented on Oscar Piastri's struggles within his current team, indicating that he is not entirely satisfied with his situation at McLaren.
Schumacher cautioned Verstappen against becoming overly involved in the ongoing transfer rumors and speculated that a recent meeting involving Verstappen's management was more focused on his future rather than a potential return of Dr. Helmut Marko. He believes that Red Bull has transitioned under Laurent Mekies and that Verstappen's camp may not fully appreciate Marko's significant role in the team's success. Overall, the article highlights the uncertainty surrounding Verstappen's future and the potential implications for Red Bull Racing.
via grandprix.comCampos backs Tsolov for F1 amid Racing Bulls rumoursNikola Tsolov, the current leader in the Formula 2 championship, is gaining attention for a potential move to Formula 1, with his team principal, Adrian Campos, advocating for his promotion. Tsolov recently achieved a historic feat by winning three consecutive races, further solidifying his credentials for a spot on the 2027 grid, amid rumors linking him to Red Bull's Racing Bulls team. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding this speculation yet.
Meanwhile, Liam Lawson is also making headlines in 2026, having scored points in seven of the nine races so far. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher commended Lawson's performance, highlighting the positive environment within his team that has contributed to his resurgence. Despite the ongoing discussions about the future, Lawson remains focused on his current performance and has not contemplated his position for the upcoming season.
via espn.com'A close fight now with Ferrari': Mercedes' reliab...Kimi Antonelli faced significant reliability issues during the British Grand Prix, resulting in a disappointing race where he finished without points. His championship lead has drastically decreased from 65 points to 25 points over the last three races, raising concerns about Mercedes' performance and reliability as they compete for the title.
The race highlighted ongoing reliability challenges for Mercedes, including previous battery-related issues that cost the team valuable points. With competitors like Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton in contention, the pressure is mounting on Mercedes to resolve these issues to maintain a competitive edge in the championship race.Thu 9 Jul · 16:21 UTC
via BBC SportRed Bull wing failure 'super-dangerous' - VerstappenMax Verstappen has voiced serious concerns over a rear wing failure on his Red Bull car that led to crashes in consecutive races, labeling the situation as 'super-dangerous'. This failure occurred while he was competing for position during the British Grand Prix, following a similar incident in Austria. Verstappen expressed frustration over the car's reliability, having retired from three races this season and currently sitting seventh in the championship standings, significantly behind the leader, Kimi Antonelli.
Red Bull's team principal, Laurent Mekies, acknowledged the challenges posed by the wing failures and emphasized the team's commitment to resolving these issues. Verstappen's contract with Red Bull extends until 2028, but he has performance clauses that could allow him to leave at the end of the current season. His management is reportedly in discussions with other teams, including Mercedes and McLaren, as they consider the best path forward for his career.Sun 5 Jul · 19:46 UTCPage 66 of 67