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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 PlanetF1Alonso praises Newey in rare Aston Martin radio exchangeFernando Alonso expressed appreciation for Adrian Newey during a rare radio exchange, highlighting the significance of Aston Martin's 2026 upgrade. Technical director Enrico Cardile noted that Alonso's positive feedback reflects the team's commitment to progress.
+ 1 moreSun 20 Sep · 05:02 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 f1oversteer.comFernando Alonso hints at potential retirement from F1Fernando Alonso has suggested that he may retire from Formula 1 at the end of the 2026 season, with a possible move to the World Endurance Championship. His recent behaviour during the race at the Madrid circuit has raised speculation about his future in the sport.
+ 1 moreSat 19 Sep · 11:00 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 gpfans.comFernando Alonso reveals 'shock' after finding out Aston Martin truthFernando Alonso revealed his shock at Aston Martin's performance at the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season, expressing disappointment over the team's competitiveness. Despite high expectations with Adrian Newey's car design and Honda's return, the team struggled with a rushed chassis and engine reliability issues, leaving them near the back of the grid.
In a podcast interview, Alonso shared his thoughts on the team's situation, acknowledging the initial optimism but recognizing the need for improvement. He highlighted the upgrades introduced during the season and expressed hope for better results in the future, emphasizing the talent and motivation within the team to become contenders.Sat 19 Sep · 07:16 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFernando Alonso drops fresh hint on F1 future with 'optimistic' verdict on Aston Martin's 2027 carFernando Alonso has indicated that he plans to continue his Formula 1 career with Aston Martin beyond the 2026 season, expressing optimism about the team's future. During an interview, he shared that the team is excited about their plans for 2027 and that they have identified the necessary direction to improve their competitiveness. Alonso emphasized the talent within the team and the motivation to become contenders in the future, despite a challenging start to the season.
Alonso's comments come amid speculation about his retirement, but he appears determined to leave the sport on a high note. With support from FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and a commitment to Aston Martin, Alonso is looking forward to the next chapter of his career. His focus remains on achieving a successful season before potentially retiring, as he seeks to secure one last victory in Formula 1.Sat 19 Sep · 06:00 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.comNico Rosberg reveals the Lance Stroll problem Aston Martin have with Fernando Alonso decisionNico Rosberg has pointed out a significant issue within Aston Martin's driver lineup, which features Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. The duo has been together for four seasons, with Alonso being the clear lead driver. However, the team is struggling this season, having only accumulated three points, which has raised concerns about their competitiveness. New team principal Adrian Newey and the switch to Honda as a power unit supplier have not yielded positive results so far, leading to calls for a revamp within the team.
Despite these challenges, Rosberg believes that the current pairing of Alonso and Stroll is acceptable for the time being. He noted that while Alonso consistently outperforms Stroll, the team faces a dilemma in finding a younger driver to partner with Alonso, as Stroll's position is secure due to his father's ownership of the team. Alonso's future remains uncertain as he is out of contract at the end of the season and has expressed thoughts about retirement, particularly in light of the team's performance and new regulations in Formula 1.Fri 18 Sep · 20:44 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 f1oversteer.comAston Martin man issues 'very lucky' verdict on Lance Stroll's seat at the F1 teamPedro de la Rosa, an ambassador for Aston Martin, expressed that the team is fortunate to have both Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso in their lineup. He highlighted Stroll's insightful feedback, which is crucial for the engineers, and noted that the two drivers work well together. De la Rosa praised Alonso's experience and ability to prioritize improvements during practice sessions, showcasing why he is a two-time world champion.
Despite facing criticism regarding his position in F1, Stroll has demonstrated his capability on the track, achieving notable results including three podium finishes. His near victory at the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix is a highlight of his career, although he has faced challenges, including speculation about his future in the sport after the 2023 season.Fri 18 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via Motorsport WeekDe la Rosa praises Newey for uniting Aston MartinPedro de la Rosa, an ambassador for Aston Martin, highlighted the importance of Adrian Newey's leadership in maintaining team unity. His guidance has been pivotal in helping the team improve its performance throughout the season.
+ 1 moreFri 18 Sep · 16:00 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 40
