News1518 stories
RSS ↗
via Motorsport.com"A race of upgrades" - How development will decide the 2026 F1 titleThe 2026 Formula 1 season is increasingly defined by the development race among teams, with Mercedes initially dominating but facing strong competition from Ferrari and McLaren. Notably, McLaren's Lando Norris secured victory in Hungary, showcasing the effectiveness of their recent upgrades, which included significant changes to their car's components. This season marks a major regulatory shift, prompting teams to adapt quickly and innovate to stay competitive.
McLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, highlighted the critical role of upgrades in determining the championship outcome, indicating that the fight for performance improvements will continue throughout the season. With the next race in Zandvoort approaching, McLaren is poised to introduce additional enhancements, while the overall competitive landscape remains fluid as teams strive to optimize their cars under the new regulations.
Fri 31 Jul · 08:08 UTC
via CrashCharles Leclerc makes ‘aggressive’ Ferrari demand in key F1 battlegroundCharles Leclerc has called on Ferrari to maintain an aggressive approach in developing their 2026 Formula 1 car, especially after a disappointing performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix where he finished fourth. Despite starting the weekend strong with a 1-2 in practice, the team struggled during the race, with McLaren's Lando Norris taking the victory, showcasing the importance of upgrades in the current competitive landscape.
Leclerc expressed frustration over Ferrari's inconsistent results, noting that they performed better in races where they expected to struggle. He pointed out the need for the team to understand the discrepancies in their performance and to work on achieving greater consistency moving forward. Leclerc's comments reflect a desire for Ferrari to capitalize on development opportunities to stay competitive against rivals like Mercedes and McLaren.
Thu 30 Jul · 15:59 UTC
via grandprix.comMercedes prepares ADUO as reliability crisis deepensMercedes is facing a reliability crisis as it prepares an upgraded ADUO power unit for the upcoming Monza GP. The team has made changes to key components of the power unit, but championship leader Kimi Antonelli will face a grid penalty due to exceeding the allowed number of engines. Meanwhile, Red Bull is in discussions with the FIA regarding the legality of their engine, and Ferrari is also set to introduce upgrades at Monza.
Toto Wolff has expressed concerns about the team's budget and the urgency of implementing upgrades, especially given the reliability issues faced by both Antonelli and George Russell this season. Wolff is considering the possibility of using previously utilized components to mitigate penalties, while emphasizing the need for improvements in performance and reliability as the season progresses.
via AutosportToto Wolff praises McLaren after Hungary Grand Prix winMcLaren achieved a notable victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, showcasing significant improvements in their performance. Mercedes expressed admiration for Lando Norris' success while also focusing on enhancing their own reliability and competitiveness.
+ 1 moreThu 30 Jul · 13:02 UTC
via CrashAston Martin pays tribute to ‘true stalwart’ after death of F1 team memberAston Martin has mourned the loss of Mick 'Biscuit' Fern, a long-serving team member who passed away on Wednesday. With 35 years of experience in Formula 1, Fern was a respected tyre technician who rejoined the team in 2015. His absence was felt deeply, especially during the Hungarian Grand Prix, where the team acknowledged he was battling health issues.
Tributes poured in from the F1 community, including heartfelt messages from current drivers and analysts. Esteban Ocon and Bernie Collins highlighted Fern's kindness and the impact he had on those around him. Aston Martin's tribute emphasized his loyalty and the warmth he brought to the team, marking a significant loss for the organization and the wider F1 community.Thu 30 Jul · 08:15 UTC
via Crash'We shouldn't be racing them' - Aston Martin rival's 'pain' over its F1 car gainsAston Martin made a notable leap in performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix with a significant upgrade package, allowing drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll to finish in 13th and 14th places. This improvement caught the attention of rival teams, particularly Haas, whose driver Ollie Bearman expressed his frustration over being overtaken by a team that had previously been considered a backmarker. Bearman highlighted the challenges Haas faces in keeping pace with competitors, especially given their struggles with car performance and consistency this season.
The Hungarian Grand Prix showcased the impact of track characteristics on team performance, with Bearman acknowledging that the layout suited Aston Martin's upgrades. As Haas continues to grapple with performance issues, they are also operating below the cost cap, which has hindered their ability to develop their car. Looking ahead, Aston Martin is set to introduce a revised Honda power unit at the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix, which could further enhance their competitiveness in the midfield battle.Wed 29 Jul · 15:00 UTC
via CrashToto Wolff issues Kimi Antonelli and George Russell a harsh ultimatum in F1 title battleToto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, has issued a stern warning to drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell regarding their championship battle, stating he would take drastic measures if tensions escalate similar to the past rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. This season marks a significant competition within the team, with Antonelli currently leading the championship standings by a considerable margin, although Russell's performance has been hampered by reliability issues.
Wolff emphasized the importance of maintaining team harmony and learning from previous experiences, expressing his dissatisfaction with recent performance issues, particularly during the race in Hungary. He also criticized the communication failures from other teams that affected race conditions. Overall, Wolff is focused on ensuring a strong performance from Mercedes as they head into the summer break.Wed 29 Jul · 08:43 UTC
via AutosportHow F1 2026 has been a season of two halves for Ferrari so farThe 2026 Formula 1 season has presented a mixed performance for Ferrari, which has maintained second place in the constructors' championship while increasingly challenging Mercedes. After a slow start, Ferrari has improved its performance, particularly in the races following the Spanish Grand Prix, where they began to outscore Mercedes. Team principal Fred Vasseur noted the need for enhancements in engine performance and execution as they move forward in the season.
As the season progresses, both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have acknowledged the significance of ongoing development. Hamilton believes Ferrari could close the gap to Mercedes with future upgrades, while Leclerc emphasized the necessity of staying aggressive with their development strategy. With 12 races left, Ferrari aims to capitalize on their recent improvements and continue to challenge for podium finishes.Wed 29 Jul · 08:18 UTC
via Crash“We’re in the mix now” - Fernando Alonso’s bullish Aston Martin F1 claimFernando Alonso has expressed optimism about Aston Martin's performance following a substantial upgrade to their car, which included 16 new components. This upgrade allowed Alonso to reach Q2 for the first time this season and finish 14th in the Hungarian Grand Prix, while teammate Lance Stroll achieved his best finish in 13th place. Both drivers acknowledged the need for improved engine performance from Honda to enhance their competitiveness in the second half of the season.
The upgraded Honda power unit is set to make its debut at the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix, with a testing session scheduled beforehand. Team owner Lawrence Stroll conveyed satisfaction with the recent developments, highlighting the team's progress and the potential for further improvements. Alonso's comments reflect a renewed sense of competitiveness for Aston Martin in the midfield battle of Formula 1.Tue 28 Jul · 14:35 UTC
via grandprix.comHonda feels pressure after Aston chassis breakthroughAston Martin has made significant strides with its chassis, prompting Fernando Alonso to highlight the pressure on Honda to enhance their power unit. The team plans to test an upgraded engine that is expected to deliver an additional 50 horsepower during a filming day at the Hungaroring, with a race debut set for Zandvoort after the summer break. Alonso noted the importance of collaboration between Aston Martin and Honda to address previous weaknesses and improve performance.
Honda's lead engineer confirmed the pressure to keep pace with Aston Martin's advancements, while also addressing past issues with engine vibrations that were resolved during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend. Despite the optimism surrounding the chassis improvements, Aston Martin's chief rejected claims of having the best chassis in the midfield, indicating that performance will be clearer in upcoming races.
via AutosportIs McLaren now a legitimate threat to Mercedes and Ferrari in F1 2026?McLaren achieved its first victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season at the Hungarian Grand Prix, with Lando Norris taking pole position and winning the race. The team introduced a significant floor upgrade that proved effective on the high-downforce circuit, allowing them to outperform their competitors, including Ferrari and Mercedes, who faced various challenges during the weekend. Ferrari's performance was marred by execution errors, while Mercedes struggled with setup issues and missed practice time, impacting their race strategy.
The article highlights the ongoing development war in Formula 1, with teams continuously bringing upgrades to improve their performance. While McLaren's win raises questions about their competitiveness against established teams like Mercedes and Ferrari, it also emphasizes the importance of track-specific strengths and execution in determining race outcomes. As teams prepare for upcoming races, including significant upgrades planned for Zandvoort and Monza, the season remains unpredictable and competitive.Tue 28 Jul · 08:24 UTC
via theguardian.comF1 summer report card: from top of the class Mercedes to the team that must do betterAs the Formula 1 season reaches its mid-point, Mercedes has established itself as the dominant team, securing eight victories and leading the constructors' championship by a significant margin. Kimi Antonelli, a promising young driver, has excelled, winning five consecutive races and holding a substantial lead in the drivers' standings. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton has shown a resurgence, claiming his first win in nearly two years at the Spanish Grand Prix, highlighting his competitive spirit at 41 years old.
In contrast, Aston Martin has faced numerous challenges, including a lack of performance and multiple retirements, leading to a disappointing season thus far. Despite a recent overhaul of their car, the team is still striving for improvements, with hopes of achieving better results in the second half of the season. The dynamics among the teams and drivers suggest an intriguing battle as the season progresses.
Tue 28 Jul · 07:00 UTC
via BBC SportDavid Croft criticises Lewis Hamilton's recent errorsLewis Hamilton has been criticized for making several 'careless mistakes' that have resulted in penalties during recent races. Ferrari's performance issues and errors have also contributed to the team's struggles, particularly highlighted during the Hungarian Grand Prix.
+ 2 moreTue 28 Jul · 06:42 UTC
via AutosportGeorge Russell Faces Engine Issues Ahead of Hungarian Grand PrixGeorge Russell experienced an engine software problem that affected his start during the Hungarian Grand Prix. Despite this, he will receive a new V6 engine after a water leak in qualifying but will retain his seventh position on the grid.Mon 27 Jul · 15:15 UTC
via CrashMercedes not sure if George Russell’s ‘cracked’ F1 engine can be repairedMercedes is currently assessing whether George Russell's damaged engine from the Hungarian Grand Prix can be repaired. The engine suffered a crack that led to a water leak during qualifying, forcing Russell to switch to his fourth power unit of the season, which is the last in the penalty-free allocation. If another change is needed, it would result in an automatic grid penalty for future races.
In the race, Russell finished seventh, further diminishing his chances in the championship as he now trails Andrea Kimi Antonelli by 59 points. Despite the setbacks, Russell is attempting to maintain a positive outlook, acknowledging the strong pace of his car while dealing with ongoing reliability issues that have plagued his season.Mon 27 Jul · 15:00 UTC
via AutosportGwen Lagrue joins Red Bull as junior programme directorGwen Lagrue will join Red Bull Racing as the junior driver chief starting in 2027. His appointment follows his departure from Mercedes, where he led their junior programme.+ 1 moreMon 27 Jul · 12:29 UTC
via theguardian.comMcLaren’s team principal hails ‘great trajectory’ of Lando Norris after winLando Norris achieved a significant victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, marking McLaren's first win of the season. His performance showcased not only his driving skills but also a notable improvement in his psychological approach, as highlighted by team principal Andrea Stella. Norris's ability to remain composed after initially dropping a position to teammate Oscar Piastri was crucial in regaining the lead and securing the win against strong competitors like Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli.
Meanwhile, George Russell faced challenges during the race, finishing seventh after a slow start due to technical issues. His frustrations with the season's repeated problems were evident, as he expressed a sense of resignation regarding his performance. Despite these setbacks, the focus remained on Norris's development and the promising trajectory of his career within the team.Mon 27 Jul · 10:30 UTC
via AutosportHow Ferrari's Hungarian GP meltdown cost a shot at the F1 podiumFerrari faced a disappointing outcome at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc failed to reach the podium despite expectations of strong performance. Hamilton started from P5 due to a penalty, while Leclerc began in P2 but struggled to maintain position, ultimately finishing fifth behind Hamilton. The team's challenges were compounded by tire issues and execution mistakes during the race, leading to a lack of consistency in performance.
The race highlighted the unpredictability of Ferrari's SF-26, which did not deliver as anticipated on a track where it was expected to excel. Both drivers noted that their pace was not competitive enough, and the team acknowledged that errors in strategy and execution played a significant role in their inability to capitalize on their potential. As a result, Ferrari's hopes for a podium finish were dashed, with McLaren's Norris taking the victory.Mon 27 Jul · 07:13 UTC
via theguardian.com‘Pretty bad’: Lewis Hamilton hits out at Ferrari after dropping points in F1 title raceLewis Hamilton faced disappointment at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he finished fifth after a penalty for speeding in the pit lane. This result has left him trailing Kimi Antonelli by 50 points in the championship standings. Hamilton criticized his team's strategy, particularly the late pit stop that cost him valuable track position and points. He expressed a desire to improve and avoid further penalties in the upcoming races.
Lando Norris celebrated his first win of the season, showcasing strong performance and confidence in his driving. He feels he is performing at a higher level compared to the previous season, despite the challenges posed by the car's handling. Both Hamilton and Norris are looking forward to the second half of the season, hoping to capitalize on their potential and make significant gains in the championship.Sun 26 Jul · 19:51 UTC
via BBC SportNorris and McLaren almost perfect as Ferrari flounderLando Norris achieved a significant victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, marking his first win of the season. After a challenging start, Norris capitalized on a strategic pit stop that allowed him to take the lead from teammate Oscar Piastri, who later retired due to a gearbox failure. Despite an early mistake that cost him the lead, Norris maintained a strong pace and confidence throughout the race, ultimately securing the win for McLaren.
Ferrari, initially seen as the favorites, struggled with performance and made critical errors, leading to disappointment for the team. Norris' win positions him 98 points behind the championship leader, Kimi Antonelli, as he looks forward to the upcoming races while remaining cautious about future expectations.Sun 26 Jul · 19:19 UTCPage 73 of 76