News2024 stories
RSS ↗
via grandprix.comHorner rumours linger as much better Aston runsSpeculation surrounding Christian Horner's potential involvement with Aston Martin was addressed by Newey, who emphasized satisfaction with the current management team. Alonso confirmed his commitment to the team with a contract for 2027, and Newey acknowledged the value of Alonso's experience and feedback, suggesting a strong ongoing partnership.
via AutosportF1 Hungarian GP: Norris beats Hamilton to top final practiceMcLaren driver Lando Norris has led a three-team fight to top final practice at Formula 1's Hungarian Grand Prix, setting up an intriguing qualifying session in Budapest. Norris' late 1m18.939s flyer was just over a tenth quicker than Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes' championship leader Kimi Antonelli on the twisty Hungaroring. FP3's opening phase was quiet as drivers kept their powder dry for ... Keep reading
Sat 25 Jul · 11:40 UTC
via BBC SportHamilton fastest as new Aston Martin makes encouraging debutDuring the first practice session of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time, followed closely by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and McLaren's Lando Norris. Kimi Antonelli, the championship leader, struggled with pace, finishing 13th, while Fernando Alonso showed improvement with Aston Martin's new upgrade despite finishing 19th. Alonso's teammate, Lance Stroll, faced a suspension issue that prevented him from participating in the second session.
The session highlighted challenges for several teams, particularly with track conditions affecting performance. Hamilton's strong showing was noted, but Leclerc cautioned against overconfidence, anticipating a competitive qualifying session. Overall, the practice session set the stage for a tightly contested weekend ahead, with teams looking to capitalize on their performance improvements.
Fri 24 Jul · 18:03 UTC
via AutosportF1 Hungarian GP: Hamilton leads Ferrari 1-2 in FP2, Colapinto crashes for AlpineIn the second practice session for the Hungarian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton led the field, finishing ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. Hamilton's fastest lap was 1m18.729s, while Leclerc followed closely with a time of 1m18.877s. Lando Norris from McLaren took third place, while Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing rounded out the top four.
The session was marked by challenging track conditions, with drivers struggling to find balance due to cooler temperatures and wind. Colapinto's crash brought out a red flag, interrupting the session. Other notable performances included George Russell in fifth and Liam Lawson in seventh, while Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso faced difficulties, finishing 19th.Fri 24 Jul · 16:14 UTC
via grandprix.comVerstappen cools exit talk as Red Bull form improvesMax Verstappen has addressed ongoing speculation about his future with Red Bull, emphasizing that there are no current plans for him to leave the team. He expressed satisfaction with his current situation and described Red Bull as a second family, while also acknowledging the challenges they face with the RB22 car. Despite some recent successes, he noted the need for consistent performance improvements as they continue to learn about the car's capabilities.
Verstappen also commented on the current regulations in Formula 1, stating that while he finds them frustrating, he enjoys racing and is not considering retirement at this stage. He believes that his criticisms are becoming more widely understood and that the team's performance is on an upward trend. Additionally, Red Bull is set to reintroduce a problematic rear wing at the upcoming Hungarian GP, with hopes that previous issues have been resolved.
via grandprix.comFerrari unveils bunny ears in latest innovation pushFerrari has introduced a new rear wing design for the Hungarian Grand Prix, featuring distinctive 'bunny ears' and an innovative layout that enhances aerodynamic efficiency. This design allows Ferrari to maintain an active wing function while optimizing airflow, giving them a competitive edge over rivals. Many observers believe Ferrari is a strong contender for the race due to their car's performance characteristics in various corner types.
In contrast, Lewis Hamilton emphasized that Mercedes remains the team to beat, citing their consistent performance across different circuits. He acknowledged the improvements made by Ferrari but maintained that Mercedes' car has not changed significantly since Monaco. Meanwhile, Red Bull has also brought back their own version of the Macarena wing, confident in its performance after addressing earlier mechanical failures. The upcoming race is expected to be competitive, with several teams showcasing their latest innovations.
via grandprix.comHerta's Cadillac hopes fade as Bottas fears Aston leapColton Herta is set to drive for Cadillac in the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix, stepping in for Valtteri Bottas during FP1. Despite his excitement for the opportunity, Herta's aspirations for a full-time seat in 2027 are in jeopardy due to his current lack of superlicence points, as he needs to finish higher in the Formula 2 standings to qualify for a race seat in Formula 1.
Meanwhile, Bottas is focused on the potential impact of Aston Martin's major upgrades, expressing concern that these changes could significantly improve their performance and leave Cadillac struggling at the back of the grid. He has also dismissed rumors regarding Herta's imminent replacement of him, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the competitive landscape.
via grandprix.comPiastri a passenger as Wolff admits disadvantageIn a recent statement, Oscar Piastri highlighted the challenges faced by Formula 1 drivers in 2026, particularly regarding the influence of AI on performance and the limitations imposed by the current engine formula. He expressed frustration over the lack of control drivers have over electrical deployment, which significantly affects their performance on the track. Meanwhile, Toto Wolff acknowledged that Mercedes-powered customer teams are at a disadvantage due to the integration of power units and chassis development, which gives the works team an edge in the new regulations.
Wolff also addressed the concerns raised by McLaren, stating that their relationship remains intact despite the competitive pressures. He emphasized that while there is a race to catch up, he believes that all teams will eventually reach a similar understanding of the challenges posed by the new regulations. Piastri further noted that the difficulties with McLaren's 2026 car have shifted from manageable power unit issues to aspects beyond the drivers' control, indicating ongoing challenges in adapting to the evolving technology in Formula 1.
via grandprix.comAlonso dismisses 2-second Aston upgrade hypeFernando Alonso has expressed skepticism regarding the impact of Aston Martin's recent car upgrades, emphasizing that no single change can close the significant performance gap they face. The team received a new package at the Hungaroring, but Alonso believes that even with these updates, their performance at the previous Belgian GP would not have changed significantly. Trackside boss Mike Krack acknowledged the late arrival of the components and stated that further development is necessary for the team's future success.
Additionally, the upgraded Honda power unit is expected to make its debut at the upcoming Zandvoort race, with reserve driver Jak Crawford set to conduct initial testing. Honda's spokesman clarified that while there are improvements in the engine, rumors of a substantial horsepower increase are unfounded. Alonso, who has a contract with Aston Martin, indicated that he is focused on enjoying his racing experience and is not considering a move to another team for the 2027 season.
via AutosportAlonso praises Aston Martin's AMR26 upgradesAston Martin has assessed the performance of its upgraded AMR26 car following the Hungarian Grand Prix. While the team expressed satisfaction with the improvements, Lance Stroll faced challenges due to a suspension failure.Fri 24 Jul · 15:16 UTC
via AutosportF1 Hungarian GP: Leclerc tops FP1, Stroll suffers suspected suspension failure with upgraded Aston MartinIn the first practice session for the F1 Hungarian Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc of Ferrari set the fastest time, clocking in at 1m19.075s, which was significantly quicker than his competitors. Lance Stroll from Aston Martin faced issues with his car, experiencing a suspected rear suspension failure that led to a red flag during the session. Other teams, including Ferrari and Mercedes, brought updates tailored for the high downforce requirements of the Hungaroring track.
The session also saw several rookie drivers participating, with notable performances from Frederik Vesti and Leonardo Fornaroli. Fernando Alonso managed to secure the 13th fastest time, while Carlos Sainz faced scrutiny from the stewards for his driving during the session. Overall, the practice highlighted the competitive nature of the teams as they prepared for the race weekend.Fri 24 Jul · 12:45 UTC
via Autosport‘If you're not ready to adapt, you're not good enough’ - Norris addresses changing driving styles in F1 2026 Lando Norris has highlighted the importance of adaptability for Formula 1 drivers as they navigate the challenges posed by the 2026 generation of cars. He noted that drivers must adjust their driving styles regularly, as the complexities of energy deployment and car performance evolve. Norris expressed little sympathy for George Russell's struggles with the 2026 Mercedes, emphasizing that adapting to different cars is a fundamental part of a driver's job in F1.
Norris also addressed the impact of reduced downforce levels on cornering challenges, suggesting that while some aspects of driving have become more difficult, there are still opportunities for skilled drivers to excel. He disagreed with the notion that drivers have less influence on performance due to technological complexities, asserting that a good driver can still find ways to gain an advantage on the track.Fri 24 Jul · 08:32 UTC
via theguardian.comMercedes Addresses Engine Issues Affecting George Russell's PerformanceGeorge Russell is optimistic after Mercedes identified a software issue with his power unit that impacted his recent races. The team aims to resolve these problems before the upcoming Italian Grand Prix.
Thu 23 Jul · 16:32 UTC
via AutosportRussell: Data shows software calibration behind recent F1 struggles, not driving styleGeorge Russell has pinpointed software calibration issues as the reason behind his recent performance struggles in Formula 1, rather than his driving style. After a disappointing race at Spa-Francorchamps, where he faced difficulties with battery deployment and finished significantly behind his teammate, Russell analyzed the data and concluded that the problems were linked to calibration rather than hardware faults.
Russell expressed relief at discovering the root cause, stating that it allows him to focus on driving naturally rather than adjusting his technique. He believes that with the calibration issues addressed, he can perform better in upcoming races, emphasizing the importance of simplicity in driving for optimal performance.Thu 23 Jul · 16:08 UTC
via AutosportMercedes identifies Russell's F1 power unit software issueMercedes has pinpointed a software issue in George Russell's power unit that impacted his performance during races from Silverstone to Spa. The team ruled out power loss and top speed deficits, instead finding that the software was deploying electrical energy too early, leading to an imbalance in energy distribution throughout the lap.
The team has already made a correction at their Brixworth facility, but the true effectiveness of this fix will only be confirmed during the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The conditions at the Hungaroring and Zandvoort are not suitable for testing the fix, leaving Russell to focus on the race weekend without the pressure of performance concerns related to the software issue.Thu 23 Jul · 15:08 UTC
via BBC SportAlonso optimistic about Aston Martin upgrade - will it decide his future?Fernando Alonso expressed optimism regarding a significant upgrade for Aston Martin at the Hungarian Grand Prix, which includes a new chassis and aerodynamic improvements. This upgrade marks the team's first major change of the season, as they have struggled with performance issues since the start of the year. Alonso noted that the team chose to implement all upgrades at once to maximize efficiency under the budget cap, despite falling behind competitors who opted for gradual improvements.
Alonso, who has only scored one point in the current championship, is weighing his future in Formula 1 as his contract with Aston Martin ends this season. He emphasized that his decision will not solely depend on the upgrade's success but also on whether he finds the current driving experience enjoyable. The Honda engine will remain unchanged for this race, with plans for a development engine at the next event.Thu 23 Jul · 14:35 UTC
via espn.comBelgian Grand Prix: Mercedes' dual sides, Ferrari'...The 2026 Belgian Grand Prix showcased Kimi Antonelli's dominance in the season, as he secured his sixth win and extended his championship lead to 45 points. Despite facing challenges earlier in the season, Antonelli's consistent performance has positioned him as a strong contender for the title, with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc emerging as a notable competitor after a strong showing in the race.
George Russell's race was marred by technical difficulties that hindered his performance and led to a collision with teammate Lewis Hamilton. The article also highlights concerns regarding the impact of the new engine regulations on the racing experience at traditional circuits, suggesting that the excitement of these venues has been diminished.
Thu 23 Jul · 13:47 UTC
via grandprix.comRussell dismisses claims Antonelli is Wolff's favouriteGeorge Russell has publicly refuted claims that Kimi Antonelli is favored by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, labeling such narratives as fabricated by the media. He expressed frustration over his recent retirement at the Belgian GP and addressed comments about his performance under pressure, asserting that he and Antonelli maintain a strong working relationship without favoritism within the team.
Despite Antonelli's significant lead in the championship standings, Russell remains focused on his own title ambitions, highlighting his competitive speed this season. He also dismissed rumors regarding his future with Mercedes, confirming his contract for 2027 and reiterating his commitment to the team. Russell's comments reflect a desire for transparency and collaboration as they navigate the challenges of the new generation of Formula 1 cars.
via grandprix.comAlonso praises Aston Martin's upgrades after Hungarian GPFernando Alonso expressed optimism regarding the performance of Aston Martin's upgraded AMR26 during the Hungarian Grand Prix. The team aims to build on this momentum despite challenges faced by teammate Lance Stroll.
via grandprix.comThree Macarena wings set for Hungary debutThe upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix will see Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull debuting their versions of the innovative 'Macarena' rear-wing concept. Ferrari is refining its design to enhance aerodynamic performance, while Red Bull has resolved previous mechanical issues that led to failures during the season. McLaren plans to test its version during Friday practice, with hopes of improving its competitiveness in the latter half of the season through a comprehensive upgrade package, including a new floor and aerodynamic changes.
Team principal Andrea Stella expressed confidence that the upgrades will help McLaren address its cornering deficits and allow driver Oscar Piastri to better utilize the car's potential. The teams are preparing for a competitive race, with Ferrari expected to maintain its edge in speed at the Hungaroring and Zandvoort, while McLaren targets a stronger performance at future high-speed circuits.Page 99 of 102
