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via F1iPerez putting vast F1 network to work for CadillacSergio Perez is playing a crucial role in Cadillac's entry into Formula 1 by utilizing his extensive network to help the team recruit talent. Despite not having the final say in hiring, he is actively recommending individuals he believes could enhance the team's performance as they establish themselves in the competitive landscape of F1. Cadillac's challenge is compounded by the reluctance of established teams to release key personnel, making Perez's connections particularly valuable.
In addition to recruitment, Perez sees potential in leveraging General Motors' vast motorsport experience to gain insights that could benefit Cadillac. He advocates for an open-minded approach to learning from other racing disciplines, which could help the team innovate and build its identity without being constrained by traditional F1 practices. As Cadillac prepares for its inaugural season in 2026, Perez's contributions extend beyond the racetrack, aiming to lay a strong foundation for the team's future success.
via Motorsport.comCarlos Sainz could extend F1 career until 2040Carlos Sainz, currently driving for Williams, has expressed his ambition to extend his Formula 1 career until the age of 45, coinciding with the 2040 season. He draws inspiration from fellow drivers like Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton, who have shown that age does not necessarily limit performance in the sport. Sainz emphasizes the importance of physical fitness and mental motivation in prolonging a racing career.
As he approaches his 32nd birthday, Sainz reflects on his current standing in the drivers' championship and his enjoyment of racing. He acknowledges the challenges of the sport, including travel and media commitments, but remains committed to competing as long as he can. Sainz's passion for racing and his family's competitive spirit further fuel his desire to stay in Formula 1.
via Motorsport.comA year without a win – The ugly statistics of Oscar Piastri's 2026 F1 seasonOscar Piastri has not secured a victory in Formula 1 since his win at the Dutch Grand Prix in August 2025. Despite starting the 2026 season with high hopes, he has faced numerous challenges, including power unit issues that prevented him from competing in Australia and China. His teammate, Lando Norris, has consistently outperformed him, winning several races and achieving a significant lead in qualifying statistics.
Piastri's struggles are attributed to difficulties with the McLaren MCL40's rear axle and his driving style, which has not adapted well to low-grip conditions. While recent upgrades have improved McLaren's competitiveness, Piastri continues to face issues with tire degradation and overall performance in races. His comments indicate a desire for better balance and downforce, highlighting the ongoing challenges he faces in the 2026 season.
via PlanetF1Bottas claims ‘something needed to change’ after shock Lowdon Cadillac F1 axeValtteri Bottas, a driver for Cadillac F1, commented on the recent replacement of team principal Graeme Lowdon, attributing it to ongoing issues, particularly with the brakes. He noted that while changes were necessary, he did not expect such a drastic action as replacing the team boss. Bottas also highlighted the differences in leadership styles between American and European cultures, suggesting that the American approach can be more abrupt in making personnel changes when deemed beneficial for the future.
The announcement of Lowdon's departure came during the summer break, with Marcin Budkowski stepping in as his successor. Bottas expressed admiration for Lowdon's dedication and contributions to the team over the last three years, despite the challenges faced. Cadillac F1 has been struggling to improve its performance and keep pace with rivals, particularly Aston Martin, which has seen marked improvements recently.
via F1iLiam Lawson to Drive for Red Bull at Italian Grand PrixLiam Lawson will continue to drive for Red Bull at the Italian Grand Prix, as Isack Hadjar remains sidelined due to a wrist injury. Lawson has acknowledged the challenges of preparing for the race under these circumstances.
via CrashIsack Hadjar to Miss Italian Grand Prix Due to InjuryIsack Hadjar will not participate in the upcoming Italian Grand Prix as he continues to recover from a wrist injury. Liam Lawson will replace him for the second consecutive race at Red Bull.
via thejudge13.comVerstappen’s Red Bull Deal Isn’t as Simple as It Looks — 2028 Could Change EverythingMax Verstappen has officially signed a contract extension with Red Bull that will keep him with the team until the end of the 2030 season. This decision comes amidst concerns about Red Bull's performance, as they have struggled to maintain their previous dominance and are currently ranked fourth in the competitive order. Verstappen's father has pointed out that Red Bull must meet certain contractual obligations to keep Verstappen happy and committed to the team long-term.
The article also discusses the potential for Verstappen to consider other teams, such as Ferrari, depending on Lewis Hamilton's future with the Scuderia. While Verstappen has expressed his loyalty to Red Bull, the team's ability to produce a championship-winning car by 2028 will be critical for his continued success and satisfaction. The situation remains dynamic, with 2028 being a significant year for both Verstappen and Red Bull's aspirations.
via grandprix.comHadjar hopeful wrist will be ready for MonzaIsack Hadjar is currently recovering from a wrist injury sustained during boxing, which caused him to miss the Dutch Grand Prix. He has expressed optimism about his recovery, noting improvements in mobility and the absence of swelling in his wrist, although Red Bull has not yet confirmed his participation for the upcoming Monza Grand Prix.
Red Bull has already made contingency plans by having Liam Lawson race in Hadjar's place, where Lawson performed well. The team is carefully considering whether Hadjar can handle the physical demands of the Monza circuit without risking further injury, as they have the option to finalize their driver lineup closer to the race weekend.
via RacingNews365Red Bull has 'good chemistry' as Laurent Mekies and Max Verstappen continue rebuildRed Bull Racing is undergoing a significant transition with the departure of several key personnel, including team principal Christian Horner and chief technical officer Adrian Newey. Laurent Mekies has stepped in as the new team principal, bringing a wealth of experience from his previous roles at the FIA and Ferrari. Under his leadership, Max Verstappen narrowly missed the 2025 championship by just two points, and the team successfully launched their in-house engine project in 2026.
Mekies has also secured a long-term contract with Verstappen until 2030, alleviating concerns about the driver's future with the team. David Coulthard highlighted the positive relationship between Mekies and Verstappen, noting that their chemistry is crucial for the team's rebuilding efforts. The hiring of Gwen Lagrue from Mercedes to oversee the junior program further indicates Red Bull's commitment to strengthening their organization during this transitional period.
via f1oversteer.comRed Bull's Power Unit Declared Benchmark Amid ADUO ControversyRed Bull Racing has been recognized for having the top power unit in Formula 1. However, the team's position on the new ADUO ruling has raised concerns about potential disadvantages this season.
via Motorsport.comPoor Red Bull comeback could have ended Liam Lawson's F1 career, says former F1 TV punditLiam Lawson made a significant return to Red Bull during the Dutch Grand Prix, stepping in for Isack Hadjar, who was sidelined due to a wrist injury. Lawson, who had been previously dropped by the team after two races in 2025, faced immense pressure to perform well in this race to secure his future in Formula 1.
During the race weekend, Lawson qualified eighth and finished seventh, showcasing a strong performance that could have saved his career. Commentator Will Buxton emphasized the importance of this comeback, noting that a poor performance could have ended Lawson's time in F1.
via Motorsport.comToto Wolff Reflects on Niki Lauda's Influence on HamiltonDuring a media session at Zandvoort, Toto Wolff discussed the impact of Niki Lauda on Lewis Hamilton's career. He emphasized the importance of maximizing a driver's potential within a Formula 1 team.
via f1oversteer.comHelmut Marko believes Red Bull once made an even bigger signing than Max VerstappenHelmut Marko believes Christian Horner once made a signing for Red Bull Racing who remains a more important capture for the F1 team than Max ...
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen extends staggering F1 streak into second decadeMax Verstappen has achieved an impressive streak in Formula 1, having not finished outside the top 10 in over a decade. His last non-points finish occurred at the 2016 Belgian Grand Prix, and since then, he has consistently scored points in every race he has completed, totaling 183 classified finishes with 70 victories and 128 podiums.
Despite facing challenges, including retirements and difficult seasons, Verstappen has maintained his remarkable consistency. His lowest finish this season was eighth, and he has never failed to score points in a race he completed, showcasing his exceptional performance and reliability as a driver.
via gpfans.comToto Wolff is enjoying life after Christian Horner - 'No bulls*** and lies'Toto Wolff, the Mercedes team principal, has expressed satisfaction with his working relationship with Laurent Mekies, the new Red Bull principal, contrasting it with his previous adversarial dynamic with Christian Horner. Wolff appreciates Mekies' straightforward approach, which he believes fosters a more productive collaboration between the two teams.
Currently, Mercedes leads the constructors' championship by a significant margin of 239 points over Red Bull, who are positioned fourth. Wolff's positive remarks about Mekies highlight a shift in team dynamics and the potential for a more cooperative environment in Formula 1.
via PlanetF1Norris signs new contract, ‘nowhere to hide’ for Red Bull, Madring chaos – roundupLando Norris has officially extended his contract with McLaren, committing to the team until at least the end of the 2030 season, which includes an option for further extension. This announcement follows Max Verstappen's similar commitment to Red Bull, both drivers solidifying their futures in Formula 1. Meanwhile, Cadillac has made a significant leadership change, replacing Graeme Lowdon with Marcin Budkowski as team principal, raising questions about the team's direction in its debut season.
In other news, the Madring circuit is preparing for its first race, having faced numerous red flags during an F3 test. The upcoming Spanish Grand Prix is scheduled for September 13, 2026. Red Bull is currently under scrutiny for its lackluster performance at the Dutch Grand Prix, with team principal Laurent Mekies acknowledging the need for investigation after Verstappen's retirement and Lawson's significant time gap to the leaders.
via Motorsport.comSergio Perez "had conversations" with other F1 teams - but never thought of leaving CadillacSergio Perez has confirmed that he engaged in discussions with other Formula 1 teams about a possible move for the 2027 season, but he remains committed to Cadillac Racing. His management's talks with Williams were cut short when Carlos Sainz renewed his contract, and although there were links to Alpine, they have decided to keep Franco Colapinto for the upcoming season. Perez views his role at Cadillac as part of a long-term project and is eager to contribute to the team's development beyond its inaugural season.
With the recent appointment of Marcin Budkowski as team principal, Perez is optimistic about the future and is focused on improving various operational aspects of the team, including pitstops and race strategy. He believes that closing the performance gap with other teams is crucial for Cadillac's success and is looking forward to seeing tangible progress as they prepare for the next season.
via CrashHow Max Verstappen's new deal has shielded F1 boss from uncomfortable questionsMax Verstappen has extended his contract with Red Bull until 2030, a decision that alleviates pressure on F1's leadership amid criticism of current regulations. His vocal discontent with the new power dynamics and racing style had raised concerns about his future in the sport, but he ultimately chose to remain, citing a belief in potential improvements ahead. This move is viewed as a positive development for F1, especially for CEO Stefano Domenicali, who would have faced significant backlash had Verstappen left the championship.
Despite his ongoing reservations about the regulations, Verstappen's commitment signals a willingness to give F1 a chance to evolve. The sport plans to adjust its power distribution in the coming years, and there is speculation about a return to V8 engines, which Verstappen hopes will enhance the racing experience. However, he remains cautious, indicating that his patience has limits and that he will continue to advocate for necessary changes.
via PlanetF1Red Bull has ‘nowhere to hide’ after RB22 ‘step back’ at Dutch Grand PrixRed Bull Racing is facing scrutiny after a disappointing performance at the Dutch Grand Prix, where their RB22 car appeared to regress in competitiveness. Team principal Laurent Mekies expressed concern over the car's handling and acknowledged that rival teams may have improved their vehicles with upgrades, leaving Red Bull at a disadvantage. Max Verstappen, who crashed out early in the race, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the team's lack of pace compared to competitors.
Prior to the summer break, Red Bull had seen some success, with Verstappen achieving three podium finishes in five races. However, the recent struggles have prompted the team to investigate the reasons behind the dip in performance. As they prepare for upcoming races in Monza and Madrid, Mekies emphasized the need for the team to regroup and address the issues affecting their competitiveness on the track.
via PlanetF1Inside Cadillac’s brake issues, shock leadership change and why Graeme Lowdon had to goCadillac has initiated a significant leadership change, replacing Graeme Lowdon with Marcin Budkowski as team principal. This shift comes as the team prepares to address ongoing technical issues, particularly with reliability, that have hindered their performance since their debut in Formula 1. Lowdon's management style, which was seen as overly business-focused, contributed to his removal as the team aims to enhance its technical capabilities moving forward.
Budkowski, who has a strong technical background and experience in executive roles, has already begun assessing the team's operations and identifying areas for improvement. His recent visit to the new Silverstone facility allowed him to meet with staff and evaluate the team's progress. Budkowski expressed admiration for the team's achievements under Lowdon but acknowledged that some shortcuts taken during the rapid development phase have led to current challenges.Page 8 of 25