Daily News 19

Tag: Formula 1

  • On This Day: Michael Schumacher Wins and Stuns Tifosi with F1 Retirement

    On This Day: Michael Schumacher Wins and Stuns Tifosi with F1 Retirement

    September 10, 2006, stands as one of the most consequential days in Formula 1 history. At Monza, seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher announced his retirement moments after claiming a dominant victory at the Italian Grand Prix.

    Schumacher Dominates at Monza Before Shock Announcement

    The Ferrari driver qualified just 0.002 seconds behind McLaren’s Kimi Raikkonen in front of the passionate tifosi, though Schumacher was running a heavier fuel load. He pitted two laps later, emerged in the lead, and was never challenged, crossing the finish line eight seconds ahead of the Finn. Teammate Felipe Massa finished a distant ninth.

    The win marked Schumacher’s 11th victory on Italian soil—counting races at both Monza and Imola—and would prove to be his last triumph in Italy. With all eyes on him in the post-race press conference, he delivered the highly scrutinized news.

    “There has been a lot of discussion for a lot of time, what concerns my future and so on, and I think all the fans, all the motorsport-interested people have a right to be explained what’s going to happen,” the German said.
    “I am sorry it may [have taken] longer than some of you wanted, but you have to find the right moment, and we feel this is the right moment.
    “To make it short, in a way, this is going to be my last Monza race I’m going to do. At the end of this year, I have decided together with the team that I am going to retire from racing.”

    Context Behind the Decision: Raikkonen Signed, Massa’s Future at Stake

    The timing surprised many. At 37, Schumacher was still performing at a remarkable level, battling Fernando Alonso for a record-extending eighth world title. However, months earlier, Raikkonen had already signed with Ferrari for 2007, leaving Schumacher with two options: stay at the expense of the young Massa, or step aside.

    “It has been such a good time for all this time and there is no point to just hang in and may take away a future of a young talented driver like Felipe,” he went on to explain. “Obviously my replacement [i.e. Raikkonen] I was aware of this for quite a long time and for Felipe it was around Indianapolis that his future had to be decided, and I did not see a reason to just hang in and take away his opportunity. I think he is a talented and great person.”

    Schumacher finalized his decision around the United States Grand Prix weekend (June 30 – July 2), well ahead of the traditional Monza announcement—a choice that proved bittersweet for Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo.

    “Truth be told, I was hoping he’d do perhaps one more year,” Fiat chairman Luca di Montezemolo said of his superstar. “He told me a few weeks ago. In the month of August I worked a lot on the organisation and on the future of Ferrari, independently from the drivers. He was sad but very, very determined.
    “Then there was all the talk – do we announce it at Monza, or at the end of the year? It was becoming too big. It’s better now that it’s been announced.

    “Since he’s made his decision, which we have accepted, I think Ferrari have two strong, young, determined drivers, who for different reasons are hungry of victories.
    “Michael has known for many, many months, or I should say for one year, that the choice was to partner him with Raikkonen. We obviously spoke to him like we did when it was time to choose other drivers because the team must agree on things.
    “Massa today had an unhappy start and that influenced his race. If he had a better start it would have ended differently. But he’s giving us lots of satisfaction both as a driver and as a member of the team. If we are leading the constructors’ championship, we owe him a lot as well.”

    Schumacher himself said he was “pleased” with Ferrari’s decision to sign Raikkonen, though the emotion of the moment remained raw.

    An Emotional Farewell and Tributes from Rivals

    Asked what he would miss most about F1, the typically impassive German fell silent for several seconds, took a deep breath, and uttered:

    “Excuse me.”

    That day, Schumacher’s controversial yet glittering career was near-universally celebrated. Three-time world champion Niki Lauda called him “unique,” while rival David Coulthard remarked:

    “Irrespective of whether people are believers in Michael’s race ethics or not, you have to recognise he’s been a great champion and it’s the end of an era.”

    Unmoved by plaudits, Schumacher offered a characteristically grounded response when asked how he wanted to be remembered:

    “Honestly? It doesn’t matter. Some people will want to see me like this and others like that.
    “What’s important is that I know what I am, who I am and where I am. And if people see me the way I am – then I’m happy. But I can’t control how everyone sees me. I can only be proud of myself and happy with what I achieved.”

    A Temporary Retirement and a New Era Begins

    Schumacher’s retirement proved temporary. A neck injury from a motorcycle crash prevented him from substituting for an injured Massa in 2009. He returned with Mercedes from 2010 to 2012 but never recaptured his peak form. A devastating skiing accident in December 2013 left him out of the public eye permanently.

    Yet Schumacher wasn’t the only reason September 10, 2006, was pivotal. As one legend stepped aside, another quietly began his journey. Lewis Hamilton recently revealed that his “Welcome to F1” moment occurred that same weekend.

    “My [‘Welcome to F1’] moment was Monza 2006,” Lewis Hamilton recently revealed. “Just won the GP2 championship. It’s on the grid, Kimi was on pole and I had the privilege of going onto the grid, and I was standing in front of Kimi’s car, and Ron [Dennis] put his arm around me and he told me, looking up to Turn 1, he says, ‘I’m going to give you a chance.’ That was the moment.
    “In the moment, I couldn’t quite believe it and I didn’t know what it was going to be a chance at. But obviously that was the moment that he had decided that he was going to give me a chance for 2007.”

    Hamilton would go on to match Schumacher’s seven world titles and surpass his record of 91 victories, writing new chapters in F1 history and redefining the benchmarks Schumacher set.

    Michael Schumacher’s Full Post-Race Speech at Monza 2006

    “It’s been a very special day, and to finish it in this style as we have been doing today, looking at the championship as well, but much more at what’s going to happen somehow in the future…
    “There has been a lot of discussion for a lot of time, what concerns my future and so on, and I think all the fans, all the motorsport-interested people have a right to be explained what’s going to happen.
    “I am sorry it may took longer than some of you wanted, but you have to find the right moment, and we feel this is the right moment.
    “To make it short, in a way, this is going to be my last Monza race I’m going to do. At the end of this year, I have decided together with the team that I’m going to retire from racing.
    “It has been an exceptional, really exceptional time, what motorsport in more than 30 years has given to me. I really loved every single moment of the good and the bad ones – those ones make life so special.
    “In particular, I should thank my family, starting with my dad, my passed-away mum, and my wife and my kids who at all times supported what I was doing. Without their support, without their strengths, to survive in this business and this sport and to perform, I think it would have been impossible.
    “I can’t be thankful enough to my family, but as well to all my mates at the Benetton time and especially at the Ferrari days, when I’ve made so many friends, I have so many great guys in that team, and it has been a really tough decision to decide to not work together at this level with all my friends, my engineers and everybody. I mean, they’re just so great.
    “But one day, the day has to come, and I felt a point that this is the moment.

    “In terms of timing the decision, I thought that it was fair to find that moment that Felipe has a chance to decide his future, because I think he is a very great guy. He’s been doing a very good job to the team, a very supportive, really great team-mate. There was a moment for him to decide for his future, and there was no point for me to take my decision any later than his decision had to be taken, and this was the conclusion.
    “In a way, my future replacement, it’s a driver – at some stage the team will tell. But I was pleased – and I know a long time ago – to hear that he was the person.
    “And now, I’d just like to concentrate on these last three wins and finish it in style, and hopefully with the championship. We have done a big step today for that, and I really look forward to it.
    “I want to thank everybody who has been on my way or supporting me at all stages – there have been a lot of people. Thank you very much.”

    Though Schumacher ultimately fell short of an eighth title in 2006, he bowed out—at least initially—in commanding style, closing a chapter that reshaped Formula 1 and inadvertently opening the door for its next defining superstar.

  • Madring Circuit Unveiled Ahead of Inaugural Grand Prix

    Madring Circuit Unveiled Ahead of Inaugural Grand Prix

    Excitement is building as Madrid prepares to host Formula 1 for the first time in over four decades, with fresh images revealing the brand-new Madring circuit ahead of the inaugural race weekend.

    A Unique Street-Permanent Hybrid Layout

    The circuit combines permanent track sections with public roads, creating a twisty layout that presents a distinctive challenge for drivers. This hybrid design sets Madring apart from traditional venues on the calendar.

    Home Hero Carlos Sainz Leads Local Anticipation

    Few are more enthusiastic than track ambassador Carlos Sainz, who was born in the Spanish capital. The Ferrari driver previously experienced the venue earlier this season, as did his team during a dedicated filming session. However, the dynamics will shift significantly when all 22 competitors take to the circuit simultaneously for the first time this weekend.

    First Look at the Madring Circuit

    View the latest images from the Madring in the gallery above for a detailed preview of Formula 1’s newest destination.

  • Five Things to Watch at the F1 Spanish Grand Prix

    Five Things to Watch at the F1 Spanish Grand Prix

    Formula 1 Debuts at Madrid’s Madring Circuit for 2026 Spanish Grand Prix

    Formula 1 arrives at a new venue this weekend as the Madring circuit hosts the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix on the outskirts of Madrid. The event replaces Barcelona, which held the Spanish GP earlier in June under a revised calendar slot won by Lewis Hamilton. This marks the first time Madrid has featured on the F1 calendar since the Jarama circuit hosted a round in 1981.

    Logistical Teething Problems Expected at New Venue

    New circuits often face operational growing pains. The inaugural Miami Grand Prix struggled with catering logistics, while established venues like Monza and Abu Dhabi still contend with access bottlenecks. Early reports from the Madring suggest similar challenges: media personnel, including Pedro de la Rosa and Kimi Antonelli, were seen navigating confusion between the media centre and paddock. With this round forming the second leg of a double-header, teams face compressed setup schedules amid the disarray.

    Track surface condition adds another variable. Fresh asphalt can behave unpredictably, though organizers have pressure-washed the circuit to remove oily residues. Recent theft of wiring for signage systems compounds the uncertainty.

    Kimi Antonelli Extends Championship Lead After Monza Dominance

    Andrea Kimi Antonelli strengthened his title grip with victory at the Italian Grand Prix, expanding his advantage to 66 points over team-mate George Russell with ten rounds remaining. Russell conceded the championship is effectively decided:

    “Yeah, Kimi’s definitely in control of it and he’s deserving to be in control of it,” he said. “I’m not even thinking about a fight or a comeback or anything. I’m just focused on taking it race by race and trying to maximise every single weekend. “He’s performing incredibly well. It’s going to be exceptionally challenging to overcome that gap, so I’m just sort of accepting that is what it is. I’m just going to enjoy it from here on in and try and win as many races as possible.”

    Antonelli’s Monza win came from 19th on the grid, underscoring his pace advantage. Russell, who opened the season with victory in Melbourne, has seen his challenge undone by misfortune and the rookie’s consistency. Madrid represents another step toward Antonelli’s maiden title.

    Yuki Tsunoda’s Extended Racing Bulls Stint Continues

    Initially expected as a one-off replacement at Zandvoort, Yuki Tsunoda will make his third consecutive start for Racing Bulls in Madrid. The opportunity arises from Isack Hadjar‘s ongoing recovery from a wrist injury sustained during the August break. Hadjar has now missed Zandvoort, Monza, and the upcoming Spanish GP.

    The situation benefits both Racing Bulls drivers. Liam Lawson, subbing at Red Bull, has impressed with consistent points finishes. Tsunoda, without a confirmed 2026 seat and linked to an IndyCar move, uses these outings to rebuild reputation after a difficult 2025 Red Bull tenure. He scored points at Monza and could challenge for another top-ten result given Racing Bulls’ midfield form.

    Red Flag Risk Looms Over Madring Debut

    An F3 test at the Madring last month produced 19 red flags, including several heavy impacts. The circuit’s hybrid layout—blending public roads with high-speed bespoke sections and limited run-off—raises concerns for F1’s first competitive running.

    Focus centers on Turn 12 (La Monumental), a steeply banked corner with varying radii and elevation changes. The sequences preceding and following it feature unforgiving exit walls that encroach onto the racing line. Carlos Sainz, serving as event ambassador, warned of the challenge:

    “I think definitely with the way they’ve put the barriers and the design of the track, it’s going to be one of the biggest challenges in Formula 1 recently,” said Carlos Sainz. “The track reminds me a lot of Jeddah, reminds me a lot of Baku, even reminds me a bit of Macau in some ways. So having that in an F1 car with 1,000 horsepower is going to be quite an interesting challenge.”

    Sainz referenced the F3 test incidents and anticipates a chaotic qualifying session:

    “I’ve been looking at the track and hearing of what happened in the F3 test,” he added. “I think we are all expecting safety cars and red flags and yellow flags in qualifying and things like this. “It’s been a tendency of Formula 1 to go to these kinds of tracks like Jeddah and Baku recently, that are closer to the city, Miami, but they have more walls and we haven’t had any issues with it.”

    Ferrari Internal Tensions Under Scrutiny After Monza Clash

    Ferrari arrives under scrutiny following the Lewis Hamilton–Charles Leclerc collision at Monza’s opening chicane. Hamilton attempted an inside pass at Turn 1; Leclerc held the line into Turn 2, forcing Hamilton into the gravel and dropping him down the order. Hamilton criticized the team’s lack of clear engagement rules, referencing his Mercedes tenure:

    “there are no rules” at Maranello.

    Ferrari conducted a filming day at the Madring in July, potentially offering a data advantage. However, resolving the driver dynamic remains the immediate priority as the team navigates an unpredictable weekend.

  • ‘One of the best moments we’ve had’ – Pedro de la Rosa on how Aston Martin’s risky upgrade strategy paid off

    ‘One of the best moments we’ve had’ – Pedro de la Rosa on how Aston Martin’s risky upgrade strategy paid off

    Pedro de la Rosa has reflected on “one of the best moments we’ve had so far” during the latest episode of the official F1 podcast Beyond The Grid. The Aston Martin Team Representative detailed the tension surrounding the squad’s concentrated upgrade schedule, revealing he was “very nervous” as the heavily revised AMR26 hit the track in Hungary.

    ‘Everything worked as planned’

    The Silverstone-based outfit endured a difficult start to the 2026 campaign, grappling with reliability gremlins and a performance deficit. Instead of drip-feeding updates across multiple weekends like their rivals, Aston Martin opted for a bold B-spec launch at Round 11. The gamble paid immediate dividends: the revised machinery vaulted ahead of Cadillac and Williams in qualifying, with further momentum arriving via a new Honda power unit in the Netherlands.

    De la Rosa conceded the performance gain was never guaranteed, but Fernando Alonso delivered an instant verdict after the installation lap.

    “I would lie if I said I was not very nervous because you are expecting, you are hoping, you’ve been waiting a long time, and then the car just starts,” he said. “I looked at the car and the side pods were so small, the radiators look the smallest I’ve ever seen in my life.

    “And I thought ‘OK, the aero numbers are promising, but maybe the cooling is not enough.’ Or you start thinking about many other scenarios where I’ve been, because I’ve been in most of the most unwanted scenarios in F1. But everything worked as planned.

    “Then after the installation lap, you looked around and the people were relieved because everything was working as expected. With Fernando, I know him so much that we look at the eyes. I always try to be at the front of the car when he comes in after a run. He looks at me, I look at him, and I know exactly what he’s thinking.

    “I don’t even need to listen to the radio. And his eyes look like, ‘yes, it’s working.’ Sometimes we’ve had upgrades in the past and I look at him and he immediately doesn’t want to look at my eyes. When he tries to refuse the eye contact, I know we are in trouble. But that time he looked and he was just like, ‘yeah, it’s there, it’s there.’”

    “It was a very exciting moment. You always have to focus on things you can change, you can do, you can improve. That was, OK, not where we wanted to be, I repeat again, but it was one of the best moments we’ve had so far this season.”

    Upgrades not a factor in Alonso’s future

    With persistent speculation surrounding Alonso’s future in the sport, his visible satisfaction provided a timely morale boost. However, De la Rosa insisted the upgrade timeline was never designed to influence the Spaniard’s contract decision.

    “I think that decision was never based [on] if we lost anyone or anything. I think that Fernando, whatever his decision will be, you have to believe in a project, you know, not if the car is quick on the next race.

    “I think Fernando is so wise, he’s learned so much, that it’s either you believe in the project or you don’t. It’s not whether we managed to improve the car for the summer break as we were expecting.”

    ‘in good hands’ with Adrian Newey

    The team’s early struggles surprised many observers given the high-profile arrival of Adrian Newey last season. Widely regarded as one of the most successful designers in Formula 1 history, Newey’s move from Red Bull was expected to deliver immediate front-running pace. While that transformation remains a work in progress, De la Rosa praised how seamlessly the Briton has integrated into the operation, offering a modern interpretation of the Team Principal role.

    “I must say that Team Principal is a title,” he explained. “It’s not a job description. Adrian has said it many times. We are fortunate in the team having Mike Krack as well, an experienced Team Principal, now chief track operations.

    “But when Adrian is not at the racetrack, Mike acts like a Team Principal. I think we have a very luxurious situation where we have people working in different areas covering for when Adrian is not here. Other teams have different structures.

    “It’s quite ambiguous now what a Team Principal job description really is. In my time, you had a Team Principal that was taking all the decisions. But now you have a Team Principal and normally you also have a CEO on top of them. I think that we have a very good structure. As long as Adrian feels comfortable and competitive, we’re in good hands.”

    Taking steps towards where they want to be

    Aston Martin has been clear that scraping points—achieved twice in 2026 with Alonso—falls well short of their ultimate ambition. The gap to the frontrunners remains significant, but De la Rosa expressed confidence in the current trajectory.

    “I think that we are in the upward trend,” he concluded. “I’ve said it in Australia this year, when we started this, we were nowhere. But all we need to do is improve and never stop improving.

    “Obviously, our strategy was different. We didn’t improve until the summer, but we’ve made a big step. We are now in a position we cannot stop. It’s just a race of time. The people have done a better job than us. That’s why they’re winning. We just have to slowly chip away all this difference. That’s where we are.

    “Everyone has to feel accountable for the results. Everyone has to feel super motivated. We have an amazing partner in Honda that we’ve managed to survive very difficult times together. We can’t stop and we won’t stop.

    “We can do it. It’s just a matter of never stop the development path that we are in right now. The only teams that do win are the ones that make the right investments. I believe I’m in the right team that is definitely making the right investments.”

    To listen to this week’s episode of Beyond The Grid, simply hit go on the audio player above or click here to listen via your preferred podcasting platform.

    You can also check out a huge selection of previous episodes—spanning every decade of F1—in our dedicated Beyond The Grid library.

    You can also watch the podcast on the F1 YouTube channel.

  • Race Week: 5 Storylines to Watch Ahead of the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix

    Race Week: 5 Storylines to Watch Ahead of the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix

    Formula 1 Arrives at Madrid’s New Madring Circuit for Spanish Grand Prix

    The European leg of the Formula 1 season concludes with a historic debut as the championship visits the brand-new Madring circuit in Madrid. Following Kimi Antonelli’s stunning victory at Monza, drivers and teams face a completely different challenge at the 3.365-mile venue located at the IFEMA Exhibition Centre northeast of the city center.

    A Unique Hybrid Circuit Layout

    The Madring combines street-circuit characteristics with permanent facility sections, creating a distinctive test unlike the high-speed temple of Monza. The layout features tight, twisting complexes, flowing high-speed sections, and the heavily banked La Monumental corner where cars turn through more than 180 degrees with fans lining both sides of the track.

    Proximity to walls throughout the circuit means mistakes will be severely punished. The track places a premium on slow-speed corner performance, traction, and a car’s ability to handle bumps and kerbs. Teams face a steep learning curve from the moment Free Practice 1 begins on Friday.

    Antonelli Extends Championship Lead After Monza Masterclass

    Kimi Antonelli arrived at Monza already in a commanding championship position, but his remarkable win from 19th on the grid—while serving a power unit penalty—has dramatically expanded his advantage. The Italian now leads George Russell by 66 points, Lewis Hamilton by 76, and Lando Norris by 96 with ten rounds remaining.

    While Antonelli’s drive was exceptional, the season has demonstrated how quickly reliability issues or race circumstances can swing points totals. Russell has shown more consistent form since the summer break but must extract additional performance to pressure his teammate regularly. The chasing pack will aim for an immediate response in Madrid.

    McLaren Target Return to Winning Ways

    Given recent form, Lando Norris represents the most significant threat over the coming races. The McLaren has proven most competitive on higher-downforce circuits like the Hungaroring and Zandvoort, where Norris secured victories. The Madring layout should suit the MCL38 better than Monza’s low-downforce demands.

    Despite tempered expectations before Italy, both McLaren cars contested podium positions until the closing stages. Oscar Piastri delivered a strong weekend, outqualifying Norris for the first time since Monaco and battling his teammate to the flag. While Mercedes dominated spells at Monza, McLaren anticipates stronger relative performance at this venue type and will target a return to the top step.

    Red Bull and VCARB Driver Situations

    Isack Hadjar continues his recovery from a wrist injury sustained in training after the summer break. The Frenchman missed the Dutch Grand Prix, and Red Bull elected not to rush his return at Monza. Despite positive progress reports, the team confirmed an unchanged lineup for Madrid rather than risk Hadjar’s comeback on a demanding street circuit.

    This grants Liam Lawson another opportunity alongside Max Verstappen after a difficult Monza weekend. Lawson’s power unit penalty relegated him to the back, and damage necessitated an extra pit stop that ended his points hopes. He did score at Zandvoort and will target a repeat in Madrid.

    Yuki Tsunoda has also found form since returning to VCARB, finishing just outside the points at Zandvoort before securing tenth place at Monza to deliver a double-points finish for the Faenza-based squad.

    Formula 3 Title Decider Headlines Support Bill

    While Formula 1 ends its European swing, the entire 2026 Formula 3 championship concludes at the Madring this weekend. The postponement of the Bahrain Grand Prix earlier this year created a compressed schedule featuring back-to-back Qualifying sessions on Friday, a Sprint Race Saturday morning, the first Feature Race Saturday evening after F1 Qualifying, and the decisive final round Sunday morning.

    Audi-backed rookie Freddie Slater arrives with a 15-point lead over American Ugo Ugochukwu after a season-long battle. Slater appeared poised to extend his advantage at Monza after starting the Feature Race from pole while Ugochukwu languished at the rear following a grid penalty, but a dramatic reversal saw Slater retire while Ugochukwu recovered to eighth.

    A maximum of 67 points remains available across the weekend—25 for a Feature win, 10 for the Sprint, plus fastest lap points in each race and two points for pole position per Feature. Ernesto Rivera and Theophile Nael remain mathematically eligible but require highly improbable result combinations. The championship will likely be decided between Slater and second-year driver Ugochukwu, with the winner joining Rafael Camara, Oscar Piastri, and Gabriel Bortoleto as Formula 3 champions.

  • How to Stream the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix on F1 TV Premium

    How to Stream the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix on F1 TV Premium

    Formula 1 Debuts at Madring Circuit for 2026 Spanish Grand Prix: Complete Viewing Guide

    Formula 1 reaches Round 14 of the 2026 championship this weekend as the series makes its historic debut at the Madring circuit for the Spanish Grand Prix. Teams and drivers will tackle a brand-new layout featuring technical twisty sectors and a spectacular banked turn named La Monumental, creating an entirely unknown challenge for the paddock.

    How to Watch Every Session Live on F1 TV

    Comprehensive coverage of all track activity is available exclusively on F1 TV Pro. The service puts fans closer to the action with onboard cameras on all 22 cars, plus dedicated Pre-Race and Post-Race shows for every session.

    Supported Streaming Devices

    F1 TV Pro streams natively on all major platforms:

    • Apple TV
    • Chromecast (Generation 2 and newer)
    • Android TV
    • Google TV
    • Amazon Fire TV
    • Roku

    Major Changes for U.S. Viewers: Apple TV Partnership

    American fans will see a streamlined access model this season. Apple, now Formula 1’s Official U.S. Broadcaster, includes F1 TV free within its Apple TV subscription. The existing F1 TV broadcast team will front Apple TV’s English-language coverage, bringing their established expertise to a wider domestic audience.

    F1 TV Premium: The Ultimate Viewing Experience

    For viewers seeking maximum immersion, F1 TV Premium delivers:

    • 4K Ultra HD/HDR streaming on up to six simultaneous devices
    • Personalized Multiview with 26 selectable feeds on supported devices
    • Live coverage of every Grand Prix, Sprint, Qualifying, and practice session
    • Full access to F2, F3, F1 Academy, and Porsche Supercup races

    Exclusive On-Demand Programming

    Beyond live sessions, the platform features deep-dive series including Tech Talk Retro, exploring iconic car designs from Formula 1 history, and F1 Icons, chronicling the careers of legendary drivers.

    Expanded Payment Options and Availability

    Global access improves with additional payment methods, including American Express. F1 TV Pro and Premium remain available in selected territories only. For regional broadcaster details, subscription information, and the complete Spanish Grand Prix schedule, visit the official F1 TV website.

  • Max Verstappen Interview: Red Bull Driver Discusses McLaren Talks, ‘numb’ Cars, and Why He Speaks His Mind

    Max Verstappen Interview: Red Bull Driver Discusses McLaren Talks, ‘numb’ Cars, and Why He Speaks His Mind

    Max Verstappen sat down for an exclusive interview with BBC Sport on the eve of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, offering his most uncompromising assessment yet of Red Bull’s 2026 campaign and his decision to extend his contract with the team.

    Contract extension offers stability but no guarantees

    The four-time world champion signed a two-year extension earlier this year that theoretically runs through 2030, though performance clauses remain in place. The deal keeps Verstappen at Red Bull but leaves the door open for a departure if the team cannot return to championship contention next season.

    Verstappen arrived for the interview in sweltering conditions, with temperatures in the mid-30s Celsius and the team’s hospitality unit struggling to cope. “It’s too hot in here,” he said, briefly adjusting a fan before dismissing the need for a break. “No, no. I’m good. It was just that it was super-hot in the corner when I was doing the print [media].”

    Season assessment: learning for 2026

    When asked where his head is at regarding the season so far, Verstappen was blunt. “Of course it’s not where I want to be, but as a team we’re trying to just learn and understand a lot of things for next year. We are not in a title fight. We are just trying to find more performance.”

    He emphasized that fundamental changes are needed for next year’s car. “Changes need to happen to the car for next year. We will not be able to change that for this year, but we just need to try and get a lot of learnings to do better next year.”

    On the specific deficiencies, Verstappen pointed to inconsistent balance through corners. “Overall we’re just lacking a bit of performance. The car is not where I want it to be feeling-wise, and the through-corner balance is too hit and miss between entry, mid and exit.” He added, “It’s just fundamentally something in the car that we need to try and work on for the next year.”

    Recurring issues across regulation changes

    The Dutchman acknowledged this has been a theme extending beyond the current season. “That’s exactly that. There’s also things that we talk about within the team, like how can that happen, how can we fix it? That’s basically what we are doing now and trying to do now.”

    Personnel changes are part of the response. “Some people have left, new people have come in. With the new people, we are discussing what we can do about it. Is that just some changes, a different philosophy? All these kind of things.”

    Why he stayed: family, belief, and broader projects

    On his decision to extend, Verstappen cited emotional and practical factors. “It comes down to also feeling well within a team. This is like a second family to me.”

    He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to rebuild. “The belief that you can turn things around, you can build towards hopefully a better future with other people, new people. And at the end of the day, it’s not only Formula 1 for me. There are a lot of things that I’m doing next year that Red Bull is involved in as well.”

    “I feel good here. So this, for me, is the right place to be.”

    No hard sell required

    Verstappen said the decision did not require extensive persuasion. “I always said to them: ‘Don’t stress about it, just work on the car.’ Because the faster the car goes, the easier the decision is anyway.”

    He acknowledged the team’s anxiety but remained focused on his own role. “I can understand, of course, maybe sometimes they were a little bit worried. But at the same time, for me, I was just worried about here, what was going on.” Outside commitments also limited his engagement with other options. “At the same time, I was very busy with my stuff also outside of Formula 1. So I never really spent a lot of time talking or doing different things or trying to go somewhere else.”

    Loyalty over convenience

    Addressing the perception that Red Bull had little leverage, Verstappen framed his stance as a matter of principle. “I don’t mind the challenge also. I don’t have that desire or need to show in another car that I can win it, or whatever.”

    He rejected the idea of chasing the fastest machinery. “It’s easy to run to the fastest car and then do it all again. But it’s not how I am. You cannot be the captain of the ship and as soon as there is something not working, you jump off the ship.”

    Verstappen even welcomed the rebuilding process. “It’s been a bit downwards from the dominant years, but I don’t mind also rebuilding it. It’s another challenge as well.”

    Talks with Mercedes and McLaren

    Verstappen confirmed discussions with rival teams but downplayed their significance. “Of course, any kind of chat you take seriously. They’re all very respectful chats. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

    His decision ultimately came down to instinct. “I felt that staying was, for me, the right choice. You have to follow your heart. I could have run away very early on in my Red Bull career and gone somewhere else to try and win. If you have a little bit of patience, you do end up winning. I feel like that’s my approach now as well.”

    Highlight of the year: Nürburgring 24 Hours

    Asked about his most enjoyable race this season, Verstappen pointed to his endurance debut. “Probably the Nordschleife [Nurburgring 24 Hours]. It was super-cool to be able to do an endurance event with my team-mates, the guys that won with the car throughout the main season.”

    Despite a mechanical retirement, the experience stood out. “We knew that we were going to be really strong. We peaked at the right time, but unfortunately the car retired. It was an incredible experience. And pure. Pure motorsport.”

    Simulator preparation paid off

    Verstappen’s opening stint, where he climbed from tenth to first in treacherous conditions, drew particular praise. He credited extensive simulator work. “I was enjoying it. Not easy conditions. It started to drizzle. The track was slippery. Crashes. Code 60s [when a stretch of track is limited to 60km/h after an incident].”

    He dismissed suggestions he might be out of his depth. “Some people were like: ‘Let’s see how he will do in the race under pressure with all these kinds of scenarios that he has never done before.’” Instead, “But I have done them a million times on the simulator. I have done so many laps and 24-hour races on the simulator. I never felt out of depth or whatever. I was fully zoned in. I just had a great time.”

    The intensity of the race brought a familiar focus. “Once I was in the race, you switch to another level. I was just in a zone. It’s really enjoyable.”

    Endurance ambitions on his own terms

    Verstappen confirmed a desire to return to the Nürburgring and pursue other endurance events, including the Hypercar class in the World Endurance Championship. “All the endurance races. Eventually, of course also Hypercar [the world endurance championship]. I don’t want to rush it. I want to do it in the right environment. On my terms. And competitive.”

  • Kimi Antonelli’s Brilliant Monza Victory Marks Defining Moment of 2026 Season

    Kimi Antonelli’s Brilliant Monza Victory Marks Defining Moment of 2026 Season

    Kimi Antonelli Produces Monza Masterclass to Win from 19th on Grid

    Kimi Antonelli delivered what will surely rank among the great drives of recent Formula 1 history on Sunday, storming from 19th on the grid to victory at the Italian Grand Prix. The win at his home circuit represents a crowning moment in the young Italian’s burgeoning career.

    Championship Leader Turns Penalty into Opportunity

    Arriving at Monza with a commanding 59-point lead in the championship standings, Antonelli faced a significant setback in the form of a grid penalty that relegated him to the back of the field. The punishment appeared to hand his rivals a golden opportunity to slash his points advantage.

    Instead, the Mercedes driver produced a recovery drive of extraordinary quality, slicing through the field with precision and pace that left the opposition helpless. By the time the chequered flag fell, Antonelli had not only preserved his championship buffer but likely extended it in decisive fashion.

    Russell Left to Contemplate Title Hopes

    The result deals a heavy blow to George Russell’s title aspirations. As Antonelli celebrated on Sunday evening — famously eating pasta from his winner’s trophy — his teammate will be left licking his wounds and confronting the reality that the 2025 championship may have slipped beyond his reach for good.

    The contrast in fortunes between the two Mercedes drivers could hardly be starker. While Antonelli’s star continues to rise with a signature victory, Russell faces an increasingly uphill battle with each passing race weekend.

    Monza Magic Cements Rookie Status

    Winning at Monza — the spiritual home of Italian motorsport — from such a lowly grid position marks Antonelli out as a special talent. The circuit’s high-speed nature and the pressure of a home crowd make recovery drives exceptionally difficult, yet the rookie made it appear almost routine.

    With the championship lead intact and momentum firmly on his side, Antonelli heads to the next round as the undisputed favourite. For Russell and the rest of the grid, the message is clear: the Italian’s title charge shows no signs of slowing down.

  • Toto Wolff Likens Kimi Antonelli to “AI agent” That Keeps Improving

    Toto Wolff Likens Kimi Antonelli to “AI agent” That Keeps Improving

    Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has admitted that even he has been caught off guard by the meteoric rise of Kimi Antonelli during the 2026 Formula 1 season, comparing the young Italian’s development curve to an “AI agent” that continuously self‑improves.

    From Rookie Struggles to Title Contention

    The 20‑year‑old is contesting only his second full F1 campaign after being fast‑tracked into the Silver Arrows seat vacated by Lewis Hamilton ahead of the 2025 season. His debut year was a roller‑coaster: flashes of brilliance were interrupted by a nine‑race point‑less streak that included a difficult weekend at Spa‑Francorchamps. Critics questioned Wolff’s faith in the rookie, but the Austrian remained steadfast.

    “Last year was according to plan,” Wolff said. “I’ve said there are going to be moments of brilliance, difficult moments. I think he started the season at a time when he found himself like a deer in the headlights. In his zone, in the car, extraordinary performances already, but not continuous. Then he had this negative spell where he made over nine races without scoring points. I remember Spa was terrible for him and he was feeling down. Monza was the point where I for the first time said to him, ‘listen, you’ve got to wake up here’. But never doubting. That’s why we gave him the opportunity.”

    Winter Break Sparks Transformation

    The narrative flipped after the off‑season. Mercedes returned to the front of the grid under the new technical regulations, and Antonelli’s form surged in lockstep. He now heads the Drivers’ Championship with a 66‑point cushion over seasoned teammate George Russell—a gap Wolff concedes nobody anticipated.

    “He came out after the winter, out of the blocks in a way that no one saw coming,” Wolff explained. “The ability, how he processed last year. He’s been at all the races. He’s seen the pressure of the media, the attention that he gets. It’s in a way that the system has been processed and saved. And that’s why [he’s had] the results that we’ve seen afterwards.

    “But it is still surprising and amazing to see how quickly he develops. For me, it’s like an AI agent that continuously self-improves and learns. That’s the speed. Also his age is for sure beneficial. The ability cognitively, intellectually to constantly become better.”

    Antonelli Stays Grounded Despite Lead

    Despite a standout victory at Monza—where he charged from 19th on the grid after taking an engine penalty—Antonelli refuses to look beyond the next session. After the Italian Grand Prix he told Sky Sports he is simply taking the championship race by race.

    “I just take race by race because you never know what can happen,” Antonelli said. “Today went well, we had a massive opportunity and we took it, but of course next week we have Madrid and it’s going to be a new challenge. We will have to be on top of the game because it’s a new track for everyone and it’s going to be important to be on point in order to maximise the track time and everything. I’m going to enjoy this moment and then focus on the next one and then focus on the next one again until the end of the season.”

    Next Stop: Madrid’s Madring Circuit

    Formula 1 resumes this weekend with the Spanish Grand Prix, which moves from Barcelona’s Circuit de Barcelona‑Catalunya to the brand‑new Madring layout. The unfamiliar venue presents another test for Antonelli as he bids to extend his championship advantage in what is shaping up to be a breakthrough sophomore campaign.

  • Power Rankings: Who Impressed Judges at the 2026 Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix

    Power Rankings: Who Impressed Judges at the 2026 Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix

    F1 Power Rankings: Antonelli’s Historic Monza Masterclass Tops Latest Standings

    Kimi Antonelli delivered one of the most remarkable victories in recent Formula 1 history at the Italian Grand Prix, earning a perfect 10 in the latest Power Rankings after charging from 19th on the grid to win at Monza.

    Antonelli’s Drive for the Ages Secures Perfect Score

    Starting from P19 following power unit penalties, the Mercedes rookie was expected to merely limit damage to his championship lead. Instead, he produced an all-time great performance, slicing through the field to battle teammate George Russell for the lead before the halfway mark. A perfectly timed pit stop under the Virtual Safety Car put Antonelli on fresher medium tyres, allowing him to hunt down Russell and pass his title rival with four laps remaining. The victory made him the first Italian driver to win his home Grand Prix in 60 years.

    Gasly’s Qualifying Mastery Earns High Marks

    Pierre Gasly’s Saturday heroics nearly matched Antonelli’s Sunday brilliance. The Alpine driver maximized the Mercedes power unit to top both Q1 and Q3, securing his maiden Formula 1 pole position. Though race pace proved insufficient to hold the lead over 53 laps — Gasly finished seventh — he remained comfortably the best of the rest at a circuit where he claimed his only F1 victory six years ago.

    Verstappen Continues Podium Consistency

    Despite a straight-line speed deficit to the Mercedes-powered cars, Max Verstappen again proved a formidable opponent. The Red Bull driver surged from fifth to second early on, even leading for three laps before being overtaken by both Mercedes drivers. A VSC pit stop mirrored Antonelli’s strategy, and Verstappen charged back to third for his third podium in four races.

    Lindblad’s Quiet Consistency Lifts Racing Bulls

    Arvid Lindblad continued his under-the-radar excellence with an eighth-place finish. Starting ninth, the Racing Bulls rookie benefited from Charles Leclerc’s crash and Franco Colapinto’s off-track excursion at the Lesmos. The result extends Lindblad’s scoring streak to seven points finishes in the last eight races, keeping Racing Bulls ahead of Alpine in the constructors’ standings.

    Russell’s Opportunity Slips Away

    George Russell arrived at Monza facing a 59-point championship deficit to Antonelli, with his teammate’s grid penalty presenting a golden opportunity. The Briton qualified second — his final Q3 lap slightly compromised by Verstappen — and led the race comfortably until the VSC period. Battery management and slipstream effects prevented Russell from building a buffer, while his hard tyre stint ruled out a VSC pit stop. Despite a flawless weekend, Russell leaves Monza seven points further behind in the standings.

    Piastri Rebounds as McLaren Struggles for Race Pace

    Oscar Piastri returned to form after a difficult Zandvoort weekend, qualifying third before a three-place grid penalty for impeding Liam Lawson. The Australian recovered strongly, passing Lewis Hamilton for fourth and pressuring teammate Lando Norris in the closing laps. Norris, the reigning champion, could only manage eighth in qualifying as McLaren lacked race-winning pace despite the Mercedes power unit. He recovered to fifth, passing Piastri on the final lap at the Ascari chicane.

    Bortoleto So Close, Tsunoda Back in Points

    Gabriel Bortoleto missed Q3 by a mere 0.001 seconds for Audi, though Antonelli’s penalty promoted him into the top 10 start. The Brazilian finished 11th, seven seconds shy of points. Yuki Tsunoda, in his second race back with Racing Bulls, climbed from 15th to tenth, potentially strengthening his case for a 2025 seat. Red Bull confirmed Liam Lawson will remain with the senior team in Madrid, replacing the injured Isack Hadjar.

    Sainz Leads Williams Charge

    Williams anticipated difficulties at Monza but Carlos Sainz salvaged 13th, finishing ahead of Lawson’s Red Bull and both upgraded Haas cars, just 16 seconds from the points.

    Just Missing the Top 10

    Franco Colapinto and Ollie Bearman narrowly missed the Power Rankings top 10. Colapinto ran as high as third for Alpine before an off-track moment dropped him to ninth, while Bearman utilized Haas upgrades to finish 15th.