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via RacingNews365Max Verstappen hands Red Bull instruction after worst Dutch qualifyingMax Verstappen faced a challenging qualifying session for the Dutch Grand Prix, securing his worst starting position at Zandvoort in seventh place. Despite expectations that the circuit's characteristics would favor the Red Bull RB22, the team struggled, finishing as the fourth-fastest behind McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari. Verstappen, who is currently ill with the flu, expressed frustration over persistent balance issues that have affected the car's performance throughout the season.
Verstappen highlighted that the adjustments made by Red Bull did not yield the desired improvements, and he indicated that the layout of Zandvoort is not ideal for their car. He called for the team to work on resolving these balance issues to enhance competitiveness. The situation marks a significant contrast to last year's performance, where Verstappen was able to dominate, indicating a shift in the team's fortunes this season.
Sat 22 Aug · 16:30 UTC
via Motorsport Week‘Game on’: George Russell hints at Mercedes ‘pressure’ plot for Lando Norris in Dutch GPGeorge Russell is preparing to challenge Lando Norris at the Dutch Grand Prix after qualifying second, just behind Norris, who secured pole position. Russell, who previously won the Sprint race, is optimistic about Mercedes' performance, especially with teammate Kimi Antonelli starting in third, allowing them to strategically pressure Norris during the race.
Russell also commented on the unexpected performance of Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, who qualified fifth and sixth, respectively. He believes that Mercedes' car is better suited for the high tyre degradation expected at Zandvoort, which could play a crucial role in the race outcome.
Sat 22 Aug · 16:26 UTC
via F1iWolff acknowledges Verstappen's Red Bull commitmentToto Wolff acknowledged Max Verstappen's decision to remain with Red Bull as sensible. Despite securing drivers for the coming years, Wolff has not completely dismissed the idea of pursuing Verstappen in the future.
+ 1 moreSat 22 Aug · 16:08 UTC
via RaceFansLawson pleased with “good lap” after qualifying a tenth off Verstappen on return | Formula 1Liam Lawson returned to Red Bull and qualified just one tenth of a second behind teammate Max Verstappen, expressing his satisfaction with the performance. This marks a significant improvement from his previous stint with the team, where he struggled to match Verstappen's pace.
Last year, Lawson was dropped after two races, with his final qualifying time being 0.75 seconds slower than Verstappen's. For the upcoming grand prix, both Red Bull drivers will occupy the fourth row of the starting grid, indicating a competitive position for the team.
Sat 22 Aug · 15:57 UTC
via espn.comNorris: 'Nothing we can do' on struggling McLarenLando Norris expressed disappointment with his McLaren's performance ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, stating it is not competitive enough to contend for the title. Despite finishing third in the sprint race, he highlighted significant struggles in slow-speed corners, which hindered his ability to challenge for a better position. Norris is currently fifth in the championship standings, trailing the leader by 91 points, and acknowledged that while recent upgrades have improved his car, more is needed to be a serious contender for the championship.
Norris's comments reflect a broader concern within McLaren regarding their competitiveness, particularly on circuits with more slow-speed corners. He noted that the Zandvoort track layout has further revealed the limitations of their car. While he remains hopeful for the future, he recognizes the challenges ahead and the need for continued development to improve their standing in the championship race.
Sat 22 Aug · 14:38 UTC
via PlanetF1Bernie Collins: Everything you need to know about Sky F1 punditBernie Collins, a former performance engineer and strategist in Formula 1, has transitioned to a pundit role with Sky F1 for the 2023 season. Originally from Northern Ireland, she pursued mechanical engineering at Queen's University Belfast and began her F1 career with McLaren in 2009. Over the years, she gained significant experience, working with teams like Force India and Aston Martin, where she specialized in race strategy.
Collins is particularly proud of her role in Sergio Perez's victory at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, which showcased her strategic decision-making. After leaving Aston Martin in 2022, she sought a better work-life balance and decided to share her insights through punditry and her published book. Collins maintains a presence on social media, where she engages with her audience.
Sat 22 Aug · 14:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton expecting overhaul after 'subtle' change ruins FerrariLewis Hamilton expressed disappointment after finishing seventh in the Dutch Grand Prix Sprint, attributing his struggles to a subtle change in his Ferrari's setup that occurred after a promising practice session. Despite feeling comfortable initially, the adjustments made before qualifying led to a poor performance in the race, where he could only secure two points and fell further behind in the championship standings.
Hamilton is optimistic about the upcoming opportunity to adjust his car's setup due to the reopening of parc ferme regulations, which would allow him to revert to a configuration that worked well during practice. He aims to capitalize on this chance to improve his performance in the main race and regain competitiveness against championship leader Kimi Antonelli.Sat 22 Aug · 13:30 UTC
via Motorsport WeekCharles Leclerc spies key Lando Norris weakness during Zandvoort SprintIn the recent Dutch Grand Prix Sprint, Charles Leclerc secured second place after overtaking Lando Norris late in the race. Leclerc, who started from third, capitalized on Norris's energy deployment issues to make his move on Lap 18, finishing just two seconds behind pole-sitter George Russell. Leclerc's strategy involved starting on soft tyres, a choice he was surprised worked well throughout the race despite initial concerns about their performance later on.
Leclerc's successful overtake and tyre strategy highlight his tactical approach during the race. He acknowledged the risks associated with his decision to use soft tyres, which ultimately paid off, allowing him to gain a position despite a less-than-ideal start. Meanwhile, Oliver Bearman, who also started on soft tyres, managed to improve his position but finished further down the order in P15.Sat 22 Aug · 13:28 UTC
via f1oversteer.comOscar Piastri ‘surprised’ Jolyon Palmer with what he saw during F1 Sprint at the Dutch Grand PrixJolyon Palmer admits he was “surprised” by how Oscar Piastri performed for McLaren during the F1 Sprint at the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix, after finishing ...
Sat 22 Aug · 13:15 UTC
via Motorsport.com"Either very right or very wrong" – Charles Leclerc explains Ferrari's bold choice for Dutch GP sprintIn the Dutch GP sprint race, Charles Leclerc managed to finish in second place after starting on soft tyres, a choice that raised concerns for him before the race. He successfully overtook Lando Norris on lap 18, showcasing Ferrari's strong race pace despite their ongoing struggles with qualifying performance. Leclerc emphasized that while the team performed well in race conditions, they still need to address their qualifying weaknesses, which he believes are not easily fixed.
Leclerc's decision to use soft tyres was based on data from practice sessions, and he noted that the strategy was a collaborative effort with the team. He acknowledged that overtaking would be challenging at Zandvoort, making qualifying positions crucial for success in the race.
Sat 22 Aug · 13:04 UTC
via grandprix.comAlonso to meet with owner Stroll for contract talksFernando Alonso is preparing for contract discussions with Aston Martin's owner, Lawrence Stroll, as he evaluates his future with the team. The talks come amid challenges faced by Aston Martin's newly introduced Honda-powered package, which encountered drivability issues during the recent Sprint qualifying at Zandvoort, where Alonso finished last. Despite these setbacks, Alonso acknowledges that the new engine represents progress, although it requires further refinement and understanding.
The ongoing discussions about Alonso's contract are particularly significant as Aston Martin has recently altered its ownership structure. Alonso, who had previously suggested a decision would be made in the summer, now states that there is no immediate deadline. He plans to continue discussions with Stroll and potentially with Adrian Newey at the factory, as the team works to address the technical challenges presented by the new power unit.
via Motorsport.com"Nowhere near good enough" - McLaren puzzled by Dutch GP sprint strugglesMcLaren faced significant challenges during the Dutch Grand Prix sprint race, with Lando Norris expressing dissatisfaction over the team's low-speed performance. Despite arriving with a new rear wing and upgrades, the team struggled with rear tyre degradation and was unable to compete effectively against rivals like George Russell and Charles Leclerc, who utilized softer tyres to their advantage. Norris noted that while the car performed well in high-speed corners, it fell short in low-speed situations, making it difficult to maintain pace during the race.
Team principal Andrea Stella highlighted the need to address the issues related to rear tyre management and car set-up to improve performance. Both Norris and Oscar Piastri acknowledged the surprising lack of competitiveness, especially in the latter stages of the sprint. The team is focused on making necessary adjustments ahead of the upcoming qualifying session to enhance their chances in the race.Sat 22 Aug · 12:22 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen spies potential Red Bull strength despite F1 rivals 'driving off'Max Verstappen expressed optimism regarding Red Bull's performance in the Dutch Grand Prix despite finishing sixth in the Sprint race. He observed that while his rivals initially pulled ahead, Red Bull's car showed promise in terms of tyre degradation over longer runs, which could be beneficial in the upcoming main race.
Verstappen mentioned that changes were planned for the car before qualifying, aiming to improve overall performance. He struggled to overtake Oscar Piastri during the Sprint but remained hopeful that adjustments would help close the gap to the leading competitors.Sat 22 Aug · 12:15 UTC
via PlanetF1Lando Norris says McLaren was not quick enough at ZandvoortLando Norris has expressed concerns about McLaren's competitiveness following the Zandvoort Sprint. He noted that the team's current pace is insufficient, as evidenced by his loss of position to Charles Leclerc.+ 2 moreSat 22 Aug · 11:59 UTC
via espn.comRussell converts pole into sprint win in ZandvoortGeorge Russell achieved a significant victory in the Dutch Grand Prix sprint race, marking his third win in this format for the season. He started from pole position and maintained his lead throughout, finishing 1.3 seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc, who managed to secure second place after a strong performance. Russell's win allowed him to cut down Kimi Antonelli's championship lead, positioning him 56 points behind the leader.
The race saw notable performances from other drivers as well, with Lando Norris finishing third and Lewis Hamilton struggling to seventh place. Antonelli, despite a solid effort, could only manage fourth. The sprint race was characterized by limited overtaking, with most action occurring in the final laps. Russell expressed relief at the timing of rain that affected the race's conclusion, emphasizing the importance of tire management for the upcoming main event.Sat 22 Aug · 11:54 UTC
via Motorsport.comJolyon Palmer warns George Russell over F1 title: 'Might be his best-ever shot'Jolyon Palmer has advised George Russell to seize his opportunity in the 2026 Formula 1 championship, emphasizing that he may not get a better chance to win the title. Currently, Russell is trailing Kimi Antonelli by 59 points, with Lewis Hamilton also in contention. Despite a strong start to the season with two wins, Russell has faced challenges, including a series of misfortunes that allowed Antonelli to pull ahead with six victories.
As the F1 season resumes at the Dutch Grand Prix, Russell has begun positively by securing pole position and winning the sprint race. Palmer highlighted the importance of this moment for Russell, suggesting that he needs to perform without excuses to close the gap in the championship standings. The pressure is mounting on Russell as he aims to make a significant impact in the remaining races of the season.Sat 22 Aug · 10:57 UTC
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell wins Dutch Grand Prix sprint raceGeorge Russell achieved a commanding victory in the sprint race at the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix, leading from start to finish. Despite Russell's win, Kimi Antonelli maintained his position at the top of the championship standings.Sat 22 Aug · 10:40 UTC
via Formula1.comPalmowski seizes Zandvoort pole in dramatic QualifyingAlisha Palmowski from Red Bull Racing claimed pole position in a thrilling F1 ACADEMY Qualifying session at Zandvoort, which transitioned from wet to dry conditions. She topped the timesheets with a final lap of 1:40.911, overcoming early challenges including a trip into the gravel and competition from other drivers like Alba Larsen and Ella Lloyd.
Despite leading for parts of the session, Larsen ultimately finished second, while Natalia Granada achieved her best Qualifying result in third. The session concluded with several drivers moving up the ranks due to disqualifications, setting the stage for an exciting Reverse Grid Race scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
Sat 22 Aug · 10:15 UTC
via grandprix.comBottas insists he has Cadillac ticket for 2027Valtteri Bottas has reaffirmed his commitment to Cadillac for the 2027 Formula 1 season, dismissing speculation about a potential replacement by Colton Herta. Despite turning 37 soon, Bottas feels his physical condition and experience are assets that will help him continue his career effectively. He emphasized that he has a secure position and is focused on improving the team's performance, which has yet to score points in its debut season.
Bottas provided a candid assessment of Cadillac's current competitive level, indicating that without resolving reliability issues, the team is likely to finish in the lower ranks of the standings. He also expressed surprise at the mid-season change in team leadership with the appointment of Marcin Budkowski, suggesting that such swift changes are characteristic of American business practices. Bottas remains optimistic about the future, emphasizing the need for consistent race finishes.
via Motorsport.comGuenther Steiner urges Cadillac to abandon 2026 F1 car developmentGuenther Steiner has advised Cadillac to cease development of its 2026 Formula 1 car and redirect efforts towards the 2027 model. This recommendation comes as the team faces significant challenges, including reliability issues, and currently holds the last position in the constructors' standings without any points. Steiner's comments reflect a broader concern about the team's initial expectations upon entering the championship with a lineup featuring experienced drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas.
Following a leadership change with Marcin Budkowski replacing Graeme Lowdon as team principal, Steiner anticipates that the focus will shift entirely to the 2027 car. He criticized the management for underestimating the difficulties of competing in Formula 1, suggesting that they should abandon any further development for the current season and concentrate on future improvements.Sat 22 Aug · 09:58 UTCPage 69 of 101
