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via PlanetF1FIA confirms Mercedes findings after ‘extensive’ George Russell inspectionThe FIA confirmed that George Russell's Mercedes passed an extensive inspection following the Spanish Grand Prix, where he finished in fifth place. The inspection was part of routine checks for top ten finishers, focusing on various components of the car's front suspension and sensor compliance with the 2026 regulations.
Despite the successful inspection, Russell is significantly behind his teammate Kimi Antonelli in the championship standings, trailing by 81 points. He acknowledged that he is unlikely to compete for the Drivers' title but remains focused on contributing to Mercedes' efforts in the Constructors' Championship.
Wed 23 Sep · 05:47 UTC
via Sky Sports F1Ferrari set Baku target as Rosberg pinpoints team's repeat flawFerrari's recent performance has been disappointing, with only one podium finish in the last five races, which has hindered their championship aspirations. Team principal Frederic Vasseur highlighted the importance of executing race weekends effectively, especially ahead of the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where confidence and precision are crucial due to the challenging street circuit.
Nico Rosberg pointed out that Ferrari's pace is competitive, but their execution during races has consistently let them down. He noted that the team's strategy and communication issues remain significant weaknesses, which have prevented them from capitalising on their potential. With the Constructors' Championship slipping further away, Ferrari faces pressure to improve their performance in the remaining races.
Wed 23 Sep · 05:08 UTC
via gpfans.comJenson Button's wife defends Charles Leclerc's actionsJenson Button's wife has come to the defence of Charles Leclerc following criticism from David Coulthard regarding Leclerc's behaviour off the track. The Ferrari driver has faced scrutiny for prioritising family commitments, prompting support from Button's wife.
+ 1 moreTue 22 Sep · 21:27 UTC
via RaceFansJoshua Duerksen completes first F1 test with MercedesJoshua Duerksen has completed his first Formula 1 test with Mercedes, driving the team's 2025 car at the Portimão circuit. The Paraguayan driver covered 187 laps over two days, marking a significant milestone in his career.
+ 1 moreTue 22 Sep · 17:53 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFerrari fear ‘complex’ Baku issue could add to Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s woesFerrari is apprehensive about the upcoming 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, particularly regarding potential tyre graining issues that could affect both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. Despite having a strong qualifying record in Baku, the team has never secured a victory at this circuit, and they are aware that finding the right car setup will be crucial for success.
The team is also concerned about the grip levels on Baku's city streets, which are rated low by Pirelli. With the softest tyre compounds being used for the race, Ferrari understands that managing tyre performance will be essential. Previous races have shown that any issues with tyre graining could further complicate their chances, especially given their struggles with straight-line speed compared to competitors like Mercedes.
Tue 22 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via AutosportLeclerc confirms commitment to Ferrari amid interestCharles Leclerc has reaffirmed his commitment to Ferrari after signing a new contract with the team. The announcement comes amid speculation about other opportunities he considered before deciding to stay with Ferrari.
+ 1 moreTue 22 Sep · 15:30 UTC
via Formula1.comWhen is the earliest Antonelli could win the title?Kimi Antonelli is currently leading the Formula 1 drivers' standings with 292 points, significantly ahead of his closest rival, George Russell, by 81 points. With nine races left in the 2026 season, including a Sprint weekend, the maximum points available is 233. Antonelli's position is strong, but eight other drivers remain mathematically in contention for the championship.
For Antonelli to win the World Championship as early as Round 17 in Singapore, he must win the upcoming Azerbaijan and Bahrain Grands Prix, as well as both the Grand Prix and Sprint in Singapore, while Russell scores no points. If this scenario does not unfold, Antonelli could still clinch the title by Round 19 in Mexico, depending on their average race finishes.
Tue 22 Sep · 15:16 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJolyon Palmer has worked out just how many points Lewis Hamilton has lost at Ferrari this yearLewis Hamilton is currently 101 points behind Kimi Antonelli in the Drivers' Championship, with Jolyon Palmer attributing part of this deficit to Ferrari's strategic decisions. Despite outscoring teammate Charles Leclerc, Hamilton's hopes for an eighth World Championship in 2026 appear slim due to Ferrari's lack of pace and ineffective race strategies.
Palmer analysed Hamilton's performance and suggested that with five optimal race weekends, Hamilton could have gained an additional 39 points, reducing his gap to 62 points behind Antonelli. The ongoing tension between Hamilton and Leclerc, coupled with Vasseur's reluctance to implement team orders, complicates Ferrari's internal dynamics as they navigate their championship aspirations.Tue 22 Sep · 15:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Haas deny 'Ferrari concern' over F1 2027 driver line-upHaas F1 Team principal Ayao Komatsu has dismissed any concerns regarding the potential of fielding two Ferrari junior drivers in the 2027 season. While Oliver Bearman is likely to remain with the team, the identity of his teammate is still uncertain, with Esteban Ocon reportedly at risk of losing his seat to Rafael Camara, another Ferrari junior.
Komatsu highlighted the importance of having two competitive drivers to enhance the team's performance, stating that the team's motivation relies on having the best possible driver line-up. He expressed that the team's focus is on performance rather than the affiliations of the drivers, indicating that the priority is to select the fastest drivers available.
Tue 22 Sep · 14:35 UTC
via thejudge13.comEsteban Ocon confirms free agency ahead of 2027 seasonEsteban Ocon has stated he is a 'free agent' for the 2027 Formula 1 season, indicating he will leave Haas at the end of the current season. Haas principal Ayao Komatsu is expected to announce the team's driver line-up soon, with Formula 2 star Rafael Camara emerging as a leading candidate to replace Ocon.
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via racer.comWilliams introduces significant upgrade for BakuAlex Albon stated that Williams' upgrade for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix includes a substantial weight saving that should improve lap times. However, doubts have been raised about the effectiveness of this upgrade given the team's struggles in the 2026 season.
via RacingNews365Toto Wolff warns Mercedes of challenging times aheadToto Wolff has cautioned that despite Mercedes' strong position in the Formula 1 championships, the team faces a 'demanding period' ahead. Wolff emphasised the importance of maintaining focus and not becoming complacent as the season progresses.+ 1 moreTue 22 Sep · 12:45 UTC.webp)
via Formula1.comFerrari’s aerodynamic edge that Mercedes tried to emulateMercedes attempted to implement Ferrari's flick tail mode exhaust during the recent event in Madrid, but ultimately decided to revert to their previous configuration used at Monza. This change was made after a brief trial period, indicating the challenges in adapting Ferrari's innovation to their own car.
Ferrari's flick tail mode exhaust has been a part of their design since pre-season testing and is known to provide an aerodynamic advantage. By partially blocking the exhaust outlet, it enhances airflow dynamics, which helps improve the performance of the car's rear wing and diffuser.Tue 22 Sep · 11:38 UTC
via CrashSteiner predicts strong 2026 season for Norris and VerstappenGuenther Steiner has made predictions regarding the outcomes of the 2026 Formula 1 season, specifically highlighting Lando Norris and Max Verstappen. Steiner believes both drivers will perform exceptionally well in the latter half of the season.
+ 2 moreTue 22 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via F1iMcLaren introduces major upgrade for Azerbaijan Grand PrixMcLaren has reintroduced its significant aerodynamic upgrade package for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, including the 'Macarena' wing. Despite recent successes in qualifying, the team faced challenges during the weekend in Baku.
+ 4 moreTue 22 Sep · 09:34 UTC
via f1oversteer.com‘Angry’ Fernando Alonso has been taunting Honda staff about joining ‘Toyota’ insteadFernando Alonso has been openly critical of Honda's performance this season, recalling his successful stint with Toyota in the World Endurance Championship. He has reportedly taunted Honda staff by suggesting that to win, he would need to race with Toyota, highlighting the intense rivalry between the two manufacturers.
Alonso's current season with Aston Martin has been disappointing, with only three points scored, marking his worst performance since his rookie year in 2001. Despite being the lead driver in qualifying, he has struggled to advance past Q2. Alonso's future in Formula 1 remains uncertain, as he weighs the impact of upcoming regulations against Honda's competitiveness.Tue 22 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comDoriane Pin shares powerful advice to young girls hoping to reach motorsportDoriane Pin, the 2025 F1 Academy champion and a development driver for Mercedes, has shared empowering advice for young girls aspiring to enter motorsport. In a recent interview, she emphasised the importance of believing in oneself and pursuing racing ambitions with confidence.
Reflecting on her own journey, Pin encouraged girls to trust their instincts and dreams, stating that self-belief is crucial for achieving their goals. She highlighted her experiences in karting and various racing championships, illustrating that success is attainable with determination and self-trust.
Tue 22 Sep · 08:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comCarlos Sainz labels 2026 Williams 'the worst car I've ever had' because it has 'no strengths'Carlos Sainz has expressed his frustration with the 2026 Williams FW48, calling it the worst car he has ever driven in his career. He highlighted the car's lack of strengths and numerous weaknesses, which have contributed to Williams' struggles this season, currently sitting in P9 in the constructors' standings with only 11 points.
Despite his dissatisfaction, Sainz remains hopeful for improvements with an upcoming upgrade for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He emphasized the importance of verifying the effectiveness of the new upgrade and its correlation with the team's future car developments, as he aims to compete more effectively in the coming seasons.Tue 22 Sep · 08:00 UTC
via gpfans.comFerrari's Fred Vasseur faces scrutiny over 'Plan B'Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur is currently under significant scrutiny, as reported by Italian journalist Giorgio Teruzzi. Teruzzi highlighted concerns regarding the team's contingency plan should Vasseur exit his role.+ 1 moreTue 22 Sep · 07:58 UTCBarrichello still driven by ‘speed and smell of gasoline’Rubens Barrichello, at the age of 54, showcased his enduring passion for racing by participating in the KZ2 Masters final at Le Mans, where he finished 15th. Competing with Birelart, he expressed pride in the Barrichello Kart project and emphasized his love for the sport, stating, "I'm driven by speed and the smell of gasoline."
Reflecting on his time at Ferrari, Barrichello highlighted the collaborative nature of his success with Michael Schumacher, asserting that both played crucial roles in the team's achievements. Despite facing significant health challenges, including a stroke in 2018, Barrichello maintains a positive outlook on life and racing, likening himself to a cat with multiple lives.Page 7 of 61
