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via grandprix.comFerrari plans new engine development for 2027 seasonFerrari is making strategic moves to enhance its engine division in preparation for the 2027 season. Team principal Fred Vasseur indicated that while incremental upgrades are expected for 2026, a completely new engine design is in the works for 2027.
via PlanetF1Honda raises concerns over FIA engine interventionHonda has expressed concerns following comments from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem regarding potential further assistance for Formula 1 engines. Toto Wolff of Mercedes has supported the idea of FIA intervention, stating that teams require additional help.
+ 2 moreSun 20 Sep · 10:52 UTC
via Motorsport.comRob Smedley calls for new stewarding group in F1Former Formula 1 engineer Rob Smedley has proposed the creation of an 'augmented steward group' to enhance the speed of decision-making during races. Smedley believes this initiative could help address straightforward incidents more efficiently.
+ 1 moreSun 20 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via the-race.comFerrari's title ambitions fade as competition increasesFerrari has received new instructions as their hopes for the Formula 1 title diminish, having struggled to keep pace with Mercedes. The team's aspirations for a competitive 2026 season have also been hindered, leading to a reassessment of their strategy.
+ 1 moreSun 20 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via gpfans.comAston Martin beat Mercedes for rare 2026 winAston Martin faced off against Mercedes in a pair of charity football matches on September 19, 2026, where the men's team lost 3-1 while the women's team won 2-1, resulting in a split of the series. The matches were organized to support the hospice charity Helen & Douglas House and the Movember campaign, continuing a tradition that began in 2022.
Imogen Tait from Mercedes highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams and the significance of using their resources for community good. Following the charity event, both Aston Martin and Mercedes are set to head to Baku for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, marking the continuation of their racing season after the European leg.
Sun 20 Sep · 08:58 UTC
via f1oversteer.comToto Wolff has now changed his mind about giving Aston Martin Mercedes enginesToto Wolff has changed his stance regarding Aston Martin's engine supply, indicating that Mercedes is no longer interested in continuing their partnership. Lawrence Stroll, the owner of Aston Martin, has been in discussions with both Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains as he seeks alternative engine suppliers due to ongoing performance issues with their current Honda engine. Despite Mercedes' past willingness to supply engines, Wolff emphasized that Aston Martin's shift towards becoming a works team with Honda led to the end of their collaboration.
Stroll's efforts to negotiate with other manufacturers have not yielded positive results, as Red Bull has not expressed interest in a deal. Additionally, under current regulations, Audi would be the designated supplier for Aston Martin, but their engine performance is also lacking. In a related development, Honda is making significant changes to its leadership in response to the performance concerns, which could indicate a shift in their approach to F1 engine development.
Sun 20 Sep · 07:30 UTC
via gpfans.comMercedes reserve driver reveals Toto Wolff asked him about F1 driver swap during raceFred Vesti, the reserve driver for Mercedes, has disclosed that his role during races is more interactive than previously thought. He communicates directly with team principal Toto Wolff and other key decision-makers, providing insights based on his experience with the 2026 simulator. This involvement allows him to contribute to strategic discussions, especially regarding driver positioning during races.
During the Canadian Grand Prix, Wolff consulted Vesti about whether to instruct George Russell to let his teammate Kimi Antonelli pass, highlighting Vesti's unique perspective as a driver. Vesti noted that while the competition between Mercedes drivers is exciting for fans, it can be stressful for the team management. His contributions are aimed at enhancing the team's understanding of driver dynamics and race strategies.Sun 20 Sep · 07:28 UTC
via RacingNews365Kimi Antonelli addresses Mercedes team dynamicsKimi Antonelli has responded to suggestions that he has become the team leader at Mercedes, amid speculation about George Russell's recent performance decline. Antonelli is currently in contention for his first Formula 1 title, with Lando Norris praising his impressive results against the more experienced Russell.
+ 1 moreSun 20 Sep · 07:15 UTC
via RacingNews365Toto Wolff signals approval for potential ADUO change amid Fernando Alonso talksToto Wolff has expressed his willingness to consider changes to the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) rules in Formula 1, particularly in light of the challenges faced by Honda and Fernando Alonso. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has proposed modifications to assist Honda, which has struggled with its power unit performance, and believes it is unfair for Alonso to be in such a competitive predicament. This proposal aims to level the playing field among power unit manufacturers.
Wolff's comments highlight the potential for the ADUO to serve as a mechanism for Honda to catch up with competitors. He acknowledged that while there are concerns about the implications of using ADUO for competitive advantage, he sees the need for adjustments to ensure all constructors remain competitive in the sport. Wolff's support for these changes indicates a broader commitment to maintaining a competitive environment in Formula 1.Sun 20 Sep · 05:25 UTC
via Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli shows no signs of championship pressureMercedes Formula 1 driver Kimi Antonelli is demonstrating confidence as he approaches his first championship title, according to former driver Jolyon Palmer. David Coulthard also commended George Russell for acknowledging Antonelli's strong performance in the current season.Sat 19 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via gpfans.comMercedes chief reveals 'secret codes' team changes every weekMercedes' trackside engineering director, Andrew Shovlin, disclosed that the team employs secret codes for communication with their drivers, particularly during critical race moments. This practice is not new in motorsports but is rarely discussed in Formula 1. Shovlin highlighted a specific instance during the Spanish Grand Prix where Kimi Antonelli successfully pitted under a virtual safety car, aided by these codes.
Shovlin explained that the team focuses on being prepared for various race scenarios, including virtual safety cars and safety car situations. He noted that Antonelli was aware of the VSC window and adjusted his speed accordingly to ensure he could pit effectively. The use of these codes is strategic, as they change weekly to prevent other teams from deciphering their communication.Sat 19 Sep · 16:28 UTC
via Motorsport.comRob Smedley explains Peter Bonnington's key role in Kimi Antonelli's F1 successRob Smedley has highlighted the significant role of Peter Bonnington in Kimi Antonelli's impressive performance during the 2026 Formula 1 season. Antonelli, who has become the youngest driver to lead the championship standings, has achieved back-to-back victories at the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix. Currently, he holds an 81-point lead over his Mercedes teammate George Russell, showcasing his dominance in the series. Smedley acknowledges Bonnington's contributions as Antonelli's race engineer, emphasizing that while Bonnington provides crucial support, it is Antonelli who must deliver results on race day.
Antonelli himself has expressed gratitude for working with Bonnington, recognizing the engineer's extensive experience with legendary drivers like Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton. He appreciates the guidance Bonnington offers as he navigates new challenges in his racing career. Smedley and co-host Otmar Szafnauer also discussed the importance of communication between Antonelli and Bonnington, noting that Antonelli's feedback is vital for optimizing performance. Overall, the collaboration between Antonelli and Bonnington is seen as a key factor in Antonelli's successful title charge.Sat 19 Sep · 12:40 UTC
via PlanetF1Mercedes confirms W17 upgrade for Bahrain Grand PrixMercedes has announced that its next major upgrade for the W17 will be deployed at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin stated that the team is aiming to enhance its performance and regain competitiveness in the 2026 season.+ 3 moreSat 19 Sep · 10:27 UTC
via RacingNews365Charles Leclerc wagers Mercedes bet after 'vicious circle' observationCharles Leclerc has highlighted the ongoing challenges Ferrari faces with its engine performance, particularly in comparison to Mercedes. He described a 'vicious circle' where the lack of power from Ferrari's engine limits their ability to deploy power effectively, especially at the end of long straights. Despite this, Ferrari remains a close competitor in the championship as they work to resolve these issues.
Leclerc also mentioned the introduction of an ADUO-boosted engine during the Italian Grand Prix, expressing optimism that it has not sustained critical damage following a crash. However, he acknowledged that if the engine is damaged, he would need to take an engine penalty to introduce new parts into his pool before the season concludes.Sat 19 Sep · 10:20 UTC
via gpfans.comToto Wolff reveals details of Max Verstappen meetingToto Wolff recently addressed the speculation surrounding his meeting with Max Verstappen, which took place in Sardinia. The photos from this meeting led to rumors about Verstappen potentially leaving Red Bull for Mercedes. However, these rumors were put to rest when Red Bull confirmed that Verstappen has signed a contract extension that will keep him with the team until 2030.
In an interview, Wolff mentioned that the social media frenzy surrounding the photos was unintended and highlighted the challenges of privacy in today's digital age. He also confirmed that George Russell's contract with Mercedes has been finalized, although the team has not yet made a formal announcement regarding this.Sat 19 Sep · 08:45 UTC
via Motorsport.comMercedes plans upgrades for Malaysia Grand PrixMercedes is set to introduce significant upgrades to its car at the upcoming Malaysian Grand Prix. The team aims to improve its qualifying performance after experiencing a drought of pole positions in recent races.+ 3 moreSat 19 Sep · 08:05 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLewis Hamilton ‘cherished’ what Ferrari mechanics did for him before he even joined the teamLewis Hamilton expressed his appreciation for the support he received from Ferrari mechanics during the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix, even while he was still a Mercedes driver. After finishing third in the race, he noted the absence of his own team members who were occupied with recovering George Russell's car, leading to Ferrari mechanics celebrating his achievement instead. This moment made Hamilton feel a connection with Ferrari, which he described as feeling like 'his team' for that weekend.
Hamilton signed a contract to race for Ferrari starting in 2025, having always dreamed of driving for the iconic team. His long and successful tenure with Mercedes included 246 races and six world championships, but he felt a move to Ferrari was necessary as Mercedes struggled in the new ground-effect era. Hamilton acknowledged that not racing for Ferrari would have been a significant regret, especially as he approaches retirement.Sat 19 Sep · 08:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen comments on Red Bull-Mercedes gapMax Verstappen has commented on the differences between Red Bull's power unit and that of Mercedes, noting the challenges in understanding the performance gap. He emphasized that the two teams operate under different conditions, leading to varying results.+ 1 moreSat 19 Sep · 05:20 UTC
via gpfans.comToto Wolff reveals huge truth about George Russell contract situation at MercedesToto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, has confirmed that George Russell's contract has already been signed, although the team has not made a public announcement regarding it. This comes amidst ongoing speculation about Russell's future, particularly with rumors of him being replaced by a four-time world champion. Wolff emphasized that the lack of a major statement is unusual but reassured that the contract situation is settled.
The article also touches on the context of the driver market, noting that much of the speculation surrounding Russell's position was fueled by reports of dissatisfaction from Max Verstappen. However, with Verstappen's new long-term contract with Red Bull, which runs through 2030, the dynamics of the driver market may shift, potentially stabilizing Russell's position at Mercedes. Wolff did not provide further details about the length or financial aspects of Russell's contract.Fri 18 Sep · 19:55 UTC
via racer.comNo risk of Antonelli 'losing the plot' despite F1 points advantage - WolffKimi Antonelli currently holds an 81-point lead in the Formula 1 drivers' championship after winning consecutive races in Monza and Madrid. Despite this significant advantage, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff reassures that Antonelli remains focused and grounded, emphasizing his maturity and ability to compartmentalize racing from external pressures. Wolff highlights the importance of maintaining a supportive environment for Antonelli as he navigates the challenges of being a championship leader.
Antonelli himself credits his success to the strong support from his family, particularly his father, who helps keep him grounded. He expresses a desire to continue his straightforward approach to racing, focusing on doing his best without getting distracted by championship standings. Antonelli's mindset reflects a commitment to performance over pressure, aiming to enjoy the racing experience while striving for success.Page 7 of 35
