Daily News 19

Tag: Autodromo Nazionale Monza

  • How Ferrari Can “push until the end” With F1 2026 Upgrades

    How Ferrari Can “push until the end” With F1 2026 Upgrades

    Ferrari will continue developing its 2026 Formula 1 car until the end of the season, team principal Fred Vasseur has confirmed, dismissing suggestions that cost-cap restrictions could force the team to reduce its upgrade rate.

    The team has introduced a steady stream of incremental updates for its SF-26, helping Ferrari remain second in the constructors’ championship and enabling both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to win a grand prix this season.

    Ferrari’s development programme will continue at its home race in Monza this weekend. The team is expected to bring smaller aerodynamic improvements, along with its second engine update following the latest ADUO ranking.

    Ferrari maintains its 2026 F1 upgrade plan

    The performance gap between teams has narrowed significantly, particularly at circuits where the 2026 power units have less influence. Mercedes, McLaren and Ferrari were separated by just one tenth of a second in sprint qualifying at Zandvoort, while three tenths has regularly been the difference between pole position and the third row of the grid.

    Teams that can continue adding performance late in the season therefore retain an opportunity to make substantial progress in the championship. However, they must balance wind-tunnel development with cost-cap restrictions and the resources needed for the 2027 car project.

    Speaking exclusively to Motorsport.com, Ferrari chief Vasseur said the Scuderia had no concerns about the cost cap and would continue its aggressive development programme.

    “The strategy is that we will continue to push until the end,” Vasseur said. “We have a plan. We have no issue with the cost cap, we are following the plan and will continue like this.

    “It’s true that you have different strategies. You have McLaren coming each three or four races with a big package on the car, and we are more trying to bring upgrades each race but much smaller. But at the end, in terms of cost, it’s the same.

    “What is challenging, probably, is that we are still developing with 11 races to go, and I think a crash like Max [Verstappen] in Zandvoort is huge in terms of cost cap [for Red Bull]. It’s difficult to anticipate the number of crashes that you could have until the end of the season.”

    Ferrari explains its frequent smaller upgrades

    Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull have all introduced significant updates this season, while Mercedes has fallen behind in development. Mercedes’ next major package is scheduled for October’s Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, with rival teams having closed the gap in recent weeks and months.

    Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said the team “hasn’t got the money to put developments on the car” beyond its current plans. However, he also suggested Ferrari and other rivals could eventually have to slow their development after bringing so many new parts to the track.

    Vasseur declined to assess Mercedes’ strategy without a full understanding of its approach. He did, however, explain how Ferrari has efficiently delivered such a high number of upgrades.

    “I don’t want to speak about Mercedes because I don’t understand, but with McLaren it’s a bit linked to how you develop in the wind tunnel and the capacity of production,” the Frenchman said. “We found our best approach by almost bringing upgrades each race. One week it’s mechanical, one week it’s aero, and we are continuing like this. It’s fitting with our capacity of production, with our wind tunnel capacity, and it’s going well.

    “Now, if McLaren want to do things differently, it’s because they have good reasons to do it. The set-up of the teams is different; the configuration is different. But at the end of the day, over a season we are almost following each other in terms of development.”

  • Ferrari Unveils Michael Schumacher-Inspired F1 Livery for Italian Grand Prix

    Ferrari Unveils Michael Schumacher-Inspired F1 Livery for Italian Grand Prix

    Ferrari will run a special Michael Schumacher tribute livery at its home Formula 1 race in Monza, marking the 30th anniversary of the German driver’s first season with the team.

    The Ferrari SF-26 driven by Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will feature an even redder appearance, with the white section removed from the engine cover. Both drivers’ number decals will use a retro font, while Schumacher’s signature will appear between the numbers and title sponsor HP’s logo.

    The car will also feature gold detailing on the BBS wheel rims and Schumacher’s trademark white stars on its nose. Hamilton, Leclerc and Ferrari’s entire trackside team will wear specially designed clothing for the occasion.

    Ferrari to display Schumacher’s iconic cars at Monza

    The tribute livery draws inspiration from the F310 that Schumacher first raced for Ferrari in 1996. That car will be displayed throughout the Monza weekend alongside his final Ferrari, the 248 F1 from 2006, and the F2002, which became Schumacher’s and Ferrari’s most dominant car.

    Schumacher’s former team-mate Rubens Barrichello and close friend Sebastian Vettel, who also drove for Ferrari, will drive the F2002 around Monza on Saturday and Sunday for a lap of honour celebrating his legacy.

    “Michael’s time at Ferrari was about much more than just wins and titles: his relentless pursuit of perfection, attention to detail, discipline and ability to be a true team player helped create a culture that became one of the defining characteristics of the Scuderia,” the team stated.

    “Thirty years later, that culture remains part of the way Ferrari approaches competition today. Monza is therefore the ideal place to celebrate this legacy, not just by looking back at what was achieved, but by recognising values that remain part of Ferrari today.”

    Schumacher is Ferrari’s most experienced driver, having started 179 races for the team between 1996 and 2006. The 57-year-old German is also Ferrari’s most decorated driver, winning five of his seven world championships with the Maranello-based team between 2000 and 2004.

    During Ferrari’s highly successful era under Jean Todt and Ross Brawn, Schumacher recorded 72 wins and 58 pole positions for the team.

    Source: www.motorsport.com

  • Kimi Antonelli Reveals How He Is Staying Grounded in the 2026 F1 Title Fight

    Kimi Antonelli Reveals How He Is Staying Grounded in the 2026 F1 Title Fight

    Formula 1 championship leader Kimi Antonelli has revealed how he is staying grounded while competing for the 2026 world title.

    In just his second F1 season, Antonelli became the youngest driver to lead the championship standings after consecutive victories in China and Japan. He added four more Grand Prix wins before the summer break, putting the 20-year-old Italian at the centre of the title battle early in his career.

    Antonelli currently leads his Mercedes team-mate George Russell and Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton by 59 points.

    Antonelli remains focused in F1 title fight

    During the summer break, Antonelli said he and his family celebrated his achievements without allowing the championship lead to dominate their lives.

    “We watched some of the races on TV while eating dinner. We still talked about F1, but it was in a nice way, just reminding us what we achieved,” Antonelli told F1.com about his summer break.

    The Mercedes driver said maintaining perspective would be crucial as the season progresses.

    “You need to be happy about it, but at the same time not get carried away from it and still maintain focus. The job is not done yet. We’re only halfway through and there is still so much that needs to happen and so much to be achieved.”

    Tennis star Roger Federer attends the Pirelli Hot Laps event. Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images

    Roger Federer advice helps Antonelli relax

    Antonelli also discussed advice from tennis great Roger Federer, who encouraged him to “always be yourself and be able to enjoy it as well”. The Formula 1 driver said that guidance had helped him adopt a more relaxed approach behind the wheel.

    “When you understand that you also have to enjoy it as well, it makes the difference, because it helps you to, I feel like at least in my case, drive more relaxed, enjoy the driving more, feel more the car, and then the performance just comes much easier,” Antonelli continued.

    He contrasted that mindset with the pressure of forcing performance and explained how finding positives in difficult moments can support his development.

    “Instead of when you’re chasing it, and you’re driving tense, it’s a big difference. But of course, trying to be yourself and always focusing on the goal and always also try to see the positive, even in the bad situations. Even when something goes bad, there’s always a positive. That can be found, and that can help you to grow.”

  • George Russell “has to win” Italian GP to Keep F1 Title Hopes Alive, Says Former Driver

    George Russell “has to win” Italian GP to Keep F1 Title Hopes Alive, Says Former Driver

    George Russell must win the Italian Grand Prix to keep his Formula 1 championship hopes alive, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer has warned.

    Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, Palmer assessed the title battle after a dramatic Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. McLaren’s Lando Norris won in dominant fashion, finishing ahead of Mercedes teammates Kimi Antonelli and Russell.

    Antonelli is set to receive an engine penalty at his home race in Monza, creating an opportunity for Russell to reduce the gap in the championship standings. However, Palmer believes a strong result for Antonelli could put the title beyond Russell’s reach.

    “He could win it because the way that he’s been driving, I think Mercedes are the sure-fire favourites for Monza still,” Palmer said of Antonelli. “But when you reference Max’s comeback wins, that’s largely against Checo, isn’t it? Who was a lot further away from Max’s pace than George is of Kimi’s. And George was better in Zandvoort.

    “I know he still didn’t put the race together. He had two bad first laps that set him apart. And his race pace wasn’t quite as good as Kimi’s either. But I don’t think in a clean race Kimi will come from 10th or 11th to beat George if George is anywhere near form from pole position.

    Palmer expects strategy, safety cars, engine performance and reliability to play important roles at Monza, where Russell will need to capitalize on any advantage created by Antonelli’s grid penalty.

    “With strategy differences, safety car involvements, it’s going to be tough on components across the board. Power units are going to be singing. Reliability’s not going to be easy at Monza.

    “If Kimi wins in Monza with a grid penalty, he is champion. I’ll go as far as saying that. It’ll be such a crushing blow. He will have won his home race with a load of overtaking, huge aplomb, and it will suck the life out of George to not take points out of him in Monza. George has to win this.”

    Antonelli currently leads the Formula 1 standings with 242 points. Russell is second on 183 points, level with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

  • Lewis Hamilton Reveals Ferrari F40 Restoration Project After Selling His Entire Car Collection

    Lewis Hamilton Reveals Ferrari F40 Restoration Project After Selling His Entire Car Collection

    Lewis Hamilton has revealed that he has acquired a rare Ferrari F40, fulfilling a lifelong dream. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion shared the news alongside photos of the classic supercar undergoing what appears to be an engine-out restoration.

    “My very own F40. This is the car of my dreams and has been for as long as I can remember,” Hamilton wrote. “As a kid I dreamt of having one. When I joined Ferrari last year I made sure to have one with me on my first day at Maranello. That’s how much it means to me.

    “These cars are works of art and incredibly rare, so when I found this one, covered in dust after being sat in a garage for over thirty years, I knew I had to bring her home.

    “First to Maranello, where the master engineers and mechanics at the factory worked for weeks to bring her back to life. Massive thank you to everyone who had a hand in this project. This has truly been a dream come true.”

    The Ferrari driver also hinted that he could share a behind-the-scenes look at the restoration process, potentially through his YouTube channel.

    “I can’t wait to share more with you all. Stay tuned…” he teased.

    Hamilton’s post, shared on Monday 31 August, had already received more than 278,000 likes.

    Hamilton had been searching for a Ferrari F40

    The 41-year-old driver confirmed in 2025 that he had sold his entire car collection, although he said at the time that he was still hoping to acquire a Ferrari F40.

    Speaking ahead of the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Hamilton confirmed that he had parted ways with his impressive collection. It was understood to have included a Pagani Zonda 760 LH, a Mercedes-AMG Project One, a Ferrari LaFerrari and a 1966 Shelby Cobra 427, among other cars.

    “I don’t have any cars anymore,” he said at the time. “I don’t have any cars, so I got rid of all my cars. I’m more into art nowadays. If I was going to get a car, it would be the F40. But that’s a nice piece of art.”

  • Lando Norris’s 2026 F1 Title Hopes Face Crucial Monza Test, Says James Hinchcliffe

    Lando Norris’s 2026 F1 Title Hopes Face Crucial Monza Test, Says James Hinchcliffe

    Former IndyCar Series driver and F1 TV analyst James Hinchcliffe believes McLaren’s performance at Monza will determine whether Lando Norris can mount a realistic challenge for the 2026 Formula 1 championship.

    Norris heads to the Italian Grand Prix after consecutive victories at the Hungarian and Dutch Grands Prix. Those wins, combined with a third-place finish in the Dutch sprint race, have reduced his championship deficit to 83 points.

    McLaren’s Monza pace could define Norris’ title hopes

    However, Hinchcliffe has cautioned that McLaren’s recent success came at high-downforce circuits. He believes Monza, with its long straights and low-downforce demands, will provide a crucial test of the team’s competitiveness.

    Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, Hinchcliffe said:

    “We’ve had two sort of similar tracks back-to-back. I really think Monza is going to answer some questions. I think the level of competitiveness we see out of McLaren at Monza is going to really set the table for whether or not they, and Lando specifically, have a shot at this championship,” Hinchcliffe explained.

    Former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer, who joined Hinchcliffe and host Tom Clarkson on the podcast, added:

    “Lando at his worst was 101 points [behind] this year. I actually think he’s driving unbelievably well. He’s in the frame for driver of the season, him and Kimi, for me, have been the two standouts.

    “But he’s still 83 points back. I think Hinch is bang on; I think when you look at the last races – Budapest, Zandvoort – they’re both high-downforce. They are both, if you gave me a list to say who these tracks would suit driver-wise, I’d put Lando’s name right next to both of them.

    “He has a great track record there, McLaren has got a great track record at both, and he’s delivered absolutely brilliant wins, but can they do it at Monza? That’s where I’m not sure.”

    Norris is currently fourth in the drivers’ championship with 159 points. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli leads the standings on 242 points, while George Russell and Lewis Hamilton are tied on 183 points.

    The Italian Grand Prix is scheduled to take place at Monza from 4-6 September.

    Source: www.motorsport.com

  • Guenther Steiner: Lewis Hamilton Can Win an Eighth F1 Title If Ferrari Makes One Key Call

    Guenther Steiner: Lewis Hamilton Can Win an Eighth F1 Title If Ferrari Makes One Key Call

    Guenther Steiner believes Lewis Hamilton has a small but genuine chance of winning a record eighth Formula 1 world championship in 2026. However, the former Haas team principal says Ferrari must fully back Hamilton if the Briton is to overcome championship leader Kimi Antonelli.

    Ferrari may need to prioritise Hamilton

    Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast, Steiner suggested Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur may soon have to introduce clear team orders in Hamilton’s favour over team-mate Charles Leclerc.

    Hamilton has generally had the upper hand over Leclerc this season, making him Ferrari’s most likely challenger to Mercedes driver Antonelli in the title fight.

    “There need to be two things for Lewis to win the championship, the eighth one, and I think that would be a great moment for the sport, somebody winning eight championships. Kimi needs to make some mistakes. If Kimi stays clean, it will be very difficult to do, but Kimi is young and Mercedes has trouble with the car sometimes, mechanical issues.

    “At some stage, Ferrari needs to put everything behind Lewis if they are serious about winning it because he’s in front of Charles, so he should get the support,” Steiner explained.

    Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari. Photo by: Mark Sutton / Formula 1 via Getty Images

    Steiner believes Vasseur will recognise that Ferrari cannot afford to divide its efforts between Hamilton and Leclerc if it wants to challenge Mercedes.

    “I think Fred will be doing that and saying, ‘Hey guys, we need to put our money on one of the guys and not try to have papaya rules here.’ They need the help of Kimi and Mercedes as well. Otherwise, it will be very difficult.”

    Asked whether Hamilton can win his eighth world title this season, Steiner said the possibility remains, but the outcome could depend heavily on Antonelli and Mercedes’ performance during the second half of the campaign.

    “I think there is a small chance that it can happen, yes. For me, the biggest thing is how much Kimi and Mercedes will be struggling in the second half of the season.”

    Antonelli currently leads team-mate George Russell and Hamilton by 59 points, with Russell and Hamilton level on points.

  • Carlos Sainz to Launch First Fifty Five Merchandise Collection Ahead of Madrid F1 Race

    Carlos Sainz to Launch First Fifty Five Merchandise Collection Ahead of Madrid F1 Race

    Carlos Sainz to Launch Fifty Five Merchandise at Spanish Grand Prix

    Carlos Sainz has teased the first merchandise drop from his Fifty Five brand ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid.

    Formula 1 will race through the Spanish capital for the first time in September, giving the Williams driver an opportunity to launch his new collection in front of his home crowd. Sainz addressed fan confusion over his recent cryptic social media posts while reading and responding to comments.

    “I’m seeing a lot of questions – we don’t know what this is, what’s coming – but today is the day,” Sainz said. “I’m going to give you some hints. ‘At this stage, it’s not only clear that everything is completely unclear, but I’m intrigued 100%.’ That’s exactly what we were trying to do. Make it clearly unclear.

    “‘I have gone from cycling equipment to merchandise to clothing to photography, and I’m back to knowing nothing.’ That is the point. We are making you go the whole loop around to see what’s coming.

    “Yes, there is cycling. Yes, there is photography. Yes, there is clothing. Yes, there is merchandise, and yes, there are many other things.”

    Fifty Five merchandise launch planned for Madrid

    Sainz confirmed that the merchandise launch will coincide with the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix.

    “I’m going to use my home grand prix to make sure I launch my first merch drop,”

    the 31-year-old said.

    “I think Madrid is so special, and it needed to be the first time I dropped something like that.”

    According to Carlos Sainz’s official website, the Spanish driver has unveiled separate elements of his wider brand strategy. Team Fifty 5 has been created as a community space for his fans.

    “It brings fan activations and merchandising together in one space,”

    the website confirms.

    Alongside Team Fifty 5, Sainz has introduced Fifty Five as a

    “premium lifestyle brand”.

    Explaining the idea behind the brand in a note on his website, Sainz said:

    “This has been something I’ve thought about for a while. I wanted to create something that felt personal — my own taste, my own perspective, away from racing,” Sainz explained in a note on the website.

    “But I also wanted something for the fans, a space and products that speak to them directly. With this, I feel we’re able to give something to every type of fan, in the way that makes sense for them.”

    Products already listed include a limited-edition signed black-and-white Miami poster, a Fifty Five x Gobik cycling jersey, a signed and numbered black-and-white Miami visor poster, and 2026 British Grand Prix mini helmets.

  • Carlos Sainz Could Extend His F1 Career Through 2040

    Carlos Sainz Could Extend His F1 Career Through 2040

    Williams driver Carlos Sainz believes he could continue racing in Formula 1 until he is 45, meaning he could still be competing when the 2040 season begins.

    Sainz is currently contesting his 12th F1 season. The four-time Grand Prix winner will turn 32 on Tuesday and is the sixth-oldest driver on the grid, behind Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, Nico Hulkenberg, and Cadillac pairing Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez.

    How long can Carlos Sainz remain in Formula 1?

    Sainz remains convinced that he has many years ahead of him. Hamilton recently became the oldest race winner since 1994 at the age of 41, while 45-year-old Alonso is the oldest points scorer since 1974.

    “Looking at what Fernando and Lewis are still capable of doing, and also Nico, who is a few years older than me, it confirms to me that you can maintain a very high level of driving for a long time,” the former Toro Rosso, Renault, McLaren and Ferrari driver told Motorsport.com in an exclusive interview. “I’m fortunate to be in a sport that allows you to remain at this level for many years.

    “I also have an example in my own family… My father Carlos isn’t in Formula 1, but at 63 he’s still competitive, and two years ago he won the Dakar.

    “If you look after your physical condition and maintain strong motivation, you can extend your career for a long time. You need to be in a good place mentally, because you also have to factor in all the travelling, as well as the marketing and media commitments. Putting those aspects aside, I think you can keep going until you’re 45.”

    Sainz still motivated to compete

    Sainz is currently 16th in the drivers’ championship with a struggling Williams team, but he insists that he still has the motivation and desire to remain in Formula 1.

    “Right now, yes,” he replied. “I think I’ll stay in Formula 1 for as long as I can. I don’t understand people who say ‘no’.

    “It’s strange, because my theory is that at 40 you’re not even halfway through your life, and I ask myself what I’m going to do in the second half of it.

    “I enjoy playing golf, cycling, playing padel and challenging myself with business activities, but even if I put all of those things together, they still don’t give me the same enjoyment I get from being where I am today.

    “I’m aware of how fortunate I am to be part of this sport. It’s true that 24 races are a lot and that there are many other commitments around them, but when I go to bed at night, I remind myself that I wouldn’t trade all of this for anything in the world.”

    Source: www.motorsport.com

  • Fred Vesti Delights Fans With Mercedes V8 Demonstration Run in Singapore

    Fred Vesti Delights Fans With Mercedes V8 Demonstration Run in Singapore

    Mercedes Formula 1 reserve driver Fred Vesti completed a live street demonstration run in Singapore on Sunday, 30 August, as the headline attraction at the adidas Orchard Ignition festival.

    The event was organised in partnership with Mercedes-AMG, adidas and global partner BABYMONSTER. Vesti completed three separate runs during Sunday afternoon, driving the Mercedes W04 through Orchard Road and performing doughnuts in front of the crowd.

    Footage of the Danish driver’s demonstration was later shared on social media, where fans praised the sound and spectacle of the V8-powered Formula 1 car.

    “Can’t imagine the atmosphere and adrenaline rush being this close to an F1 car!”

    One fan posted the comment on a video that had been viewed more than 136,000 times at the time of writing.

    “Man, those V8 beasts are meant to be let loose!”

    Another fan wrote, while a third added:

    “Wonder how many phones came out the second that V8 fired up.”

    Fred Vesti welcomes Singapore street demonstration

    Vesti said ahead of the event that driving a Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team car through Orchard Road would be a memorable experience. He also highlighted the opportunity to bring Formula 1 closer to fans in Singapore.

    “Driving a Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team car through the heart of Orchard Road is going to be a special experience,” Vesti said ahead of the event.
    “Demonstration runs are all about bringing fans closer to the sport and giving them a taste of the speed, sound and excitement that make F1 unique.
    “Singapore is already one of the standout events on our calendar, so to be part of the city’s first street demo run in more than a decade is something I’m really looking forward to.
    “Our sport is at its best when it connects with people, and this event does that in a really exciting way. It builds on some of the incredible activations that our team and adidas have already created; once again going beyond motorsport to bring fans of racing, music and culture together in one place.
    “I’m excited to put on a show in the car, but the whole weekend is going to be special. It’s a chance to create a memorable experience for fans and introduce new audiences to our sport.”