Daily News 19

Tag: Formula 1

  • 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

  • Oscar Piastri’s 2026 F1 Season: The Ugly Statistics Behind a Winless Year

    Oscar Piastri’s 2026 F1 Season: The Ugly Statistics Behind a Winless Year

    Oscar Piastri’s struggles at McLaren have continued into the 2026 Formula 1 season, with qualifying pace, rear-tyre management and the MCL40’s aerodynamic characteristics limiting his challenge for race wins.

    Piastri won the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, extending his lead over McLaren teammate Lando Norris to 34 points. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was 104 points adrift and appeared to be out of contention.

    However, Piastri did not win another grand prix during the remainder of the season and eventually dropped to third in the championship. His decline prompted unfounded speculation that McLaren was sabotaging his title bid.

    Piastri trails Norris in 2026

    Beyond podium finishes at Suzuka and Miami in the spring, Piastri has not seriously challenged for victory during a difficult 2026 campaign. More concerning for the Australian is that Norris has outperformed him, winning at the Hungaroring and Zandvoort, as well as the Miami sprint.

    Piastri’s problems have been most apparent in qualifying and have carried into the races. Norris has beaten him 22-7 in qualifying since last season’s Dutch Grand Prix. Piastri has six pole positions, nine fastest laps and nine grand prix victories, but he has not looked likely to add to that total so far this year.

    Why the McLaren MCL40 is challenging for Piastri

    Part of the problem is linked to the McLaren MCL40’s design concept. Piastri has traditionally struggled on low-grip circuits, where his relatively conventional driving style can create spikes in rear-tyre surface temperatures as the tyres slide.

    Norris has shown greater adaptability between the two drivers. By overlapping the brake and throttle while approaching corners on a shallower trajectory, he encourages the front tyres to help rotate the rear of the car as they reach peak lateral grip. That approach requires a strong feel for front-end grip and confidence that the rear axle will respond as expected.

    Piastri’s more linear brake and throttle inputs tend to produce greater rear-end movement when grip levels are low. That weakness has been amplified by this year’s cars, which generate less overall downforce.

    McLaren has also struggled to produce efficient rear downforce because it chose the shortest wheelbase permitted under the regulations. The decision delivered straightforward weight savings but left the team with less floor area for adding strakes and slots to manage airflow.

    Piastri laboured to sixth in Zandvoort as his teammate won.

    Photo by: Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images

    Small losses caused by rear-end slides can accumulate throughout a lap, depending on the circuit layout. Piastri then needs to use more electrical energy than Norris to regain speed, which can leave him with a lower state of charge and cost him top speed on the straights.

    Rear-tyre degradation remains a concern

    Recent upgrades have returned McLaren to race-winning contention after an underwhelming start to the season. Piastri failed even to make the grid in Australia and China because of power-unit problems, but the rear axle’s behaviour remains a concern, particularly during races, when he generally experiences more tyre degradation than Norris.

    The issue was visible at the most recent Dutch Grand Prix. Norris defeated championship leader Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes in a straight fight, while Piastri was held back by a slow pit stop and rear-tyre problems. He finished sixth, 32 seconds behind his teammate.

    “In general I’ve been much happier with the car this weekend, which has been good,” Piastri said in Zandvoort.

    “I feel like it’s been back into the normal kind of rhythm of having strengths in some corners, weaknesses in others, rather than just trying to find time everywhere, which has been nice.

    “We still probably lack a little bit of downforce compared to some of the others, or at least some balance characteristics. I think we rely a lot on the grip from the new tyres to help our balance.

    “Maybe we pay the price a bit more when the tyres get worse, but that’s just a guess.”

  • 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.”

  • Jenson Button Compares Fernando Alonso to Michael Schumacher

    Jenson Button Compares Fernando Alonso to Michael Schumacher

    Jenson Button has compared racing against Fernando Alonso with battling Michael Schumacher, praising the Spaniard’s aggressive but fair approach and ability to adapt to any Formula 1 car.

    Writing in his Jenson’s Journal column for Aston Martin ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, the 2009 F1 world champion reflected on Alonso’s career as speculation continues over whether the Aston Martin driver will remain in the championship beyond the 2026 season.

    “The biggest compliment I can give Fernando is that fighting him was very similar to fighting with Michael Schumacher,” Button wrote. “In my experience against them it would be hard but fair – it was on the limit every time and I loved that. That was part of the challenge.

    “When I won my first grand prix in Hungary, I was fighting against them and that’s what you want as a driver. You want to be fighting against the best, against the greats, to see how you compare.

    “In my career I got to race against the likes of Fernando and Michael, as well as Mika Hakkinen, Kimi Raikkonen, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. I’ve been really lucky to have raced against some of the true legends of the sport.”

    Button also highlighted Alonso’s distinctive driving style and versatility across different cars and set-ups.

    “Fernando drives like no one else. He’s aggressive, he can adapt brilliantly, and it’s been that way all through his career.”

    Jenson Button backs Fernando Alonso to continue in F1

    Alonso, 45, has faced growing questions about his Formula 1 future. Rumours of retirement and a possible move to Alpine have circulated, but the Aston Martin driver has not yet confirmed his plans beyond the 2026 season.

    “Obviously, this year has been tough, but it’s still an exciting time to be at Aston Martin Aramco and to be working with people like Adrian Newey. Any F1 driver would love to race a car designed by him, and to experience first-hand him driving this team forward,” Button added.

    “I know how difficult it is to decide your future, and he’s been there once before. He left the sport and came back, so he obviously left too early. Now, he will make sure that he’s 100 per cent certain that he doesn’t want to be in the sport before he leaves.

    “Fernando’s still got so much more to give in F1. I would love to see him in an Aston Martin fighting for wins. That’s where he should be, and it’s where this team is aiming to be.”

    Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin

    Source: www.motorsport.com

  • Kimi Antonelli Reveals “different mindset” Ahead of F1 Italian Grand Prix Return

    Kimi Antonelli Reveals “different mindset” Ahead of F1 Italian Grand Prix Return

    Kimi Antonelli heads into this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix with a 59-point lead in the Formula 1 drivers’ championship and a very different outlook from his difficult home-race debut at Monza in 2025.

    Antonelli endured a troubled weekend last year. The Mercedes driver received a five-second penalty after colliding with Williams driver Alex Albon and was shown a black-and-white flag for exceeding track limits. He ultimately scored two points with a ninth-place finish.

    Now 20, Antonelli returns to Monza as the championship leader and a six-time grand prix winner this season. Speaking to F1.com before his home race, the Italian said he would approach the weekend with a “different attitude”.

    “I’m very excited. I think it’s going to be a great atmosphere and it’s going to be a lot different compared to last year,” he said. “I’m definitely going in with a different attitude, different mindset, and definitely I feel like I’m going to be able to enjoy the weekend a lot more. I’m really looking forward to be back.”

    Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes. Photo by: Eric Le Galliot

    Antonelli set for minimum 10-place grid penalty at Monza

    Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend that Antonelli would take a grid penalty at his home race because of a planned power unit change.

    The final penalty has not yet been confirmed. Its severity will depend on how many new power unit components Mercedes installs in Antonelli’s car, but it will be at least 10 places.

    “With Kimi, we’re taking the full thing. Our calculations say that that’s the best track to take it,” Wolff explained.

    “Obviously, algorithms don’t take their nationality into consideration. We’re here to fight for a championship and not get the most PR. So yeah, that’s what we’re going to do.”

    The Italian Grand Prix will be held at Monza from 4-6 September.

  • Lando Norris Insists He Has Not Changed Since Winning the F1 Championship

    Lando Norris Insists He Has Not Changed Since Winning the F1 Championship

    Lando Norris says winning the Formula 1 world championship has not changed his personality, although achieving his childhood dream has given him greater calm and confidence away from the pressures of the title fight.

    The McLaren driver discussed his championship success in an interview with Sky Sports, filmed after he announced a contract extension with the Woking-based team through the end of 2030.

    “It hasn’t, which is exactly what I would want,” Norris explained when asked how he thinks winning the championship has changed him. “I don’t want it to change me. I don’t want it to change who I am. I think I just get to go around with a feeling that I’ve accomplished something very few people in the world get to achieve, and I know I’ve achieved my dream as a kid.

    “That’s something, again, not many people get to achieve. So I know how lucky I am. I know how fortunate I’ve been to be with McLaren.”

    Norris remains focused on the Formula 1 title fight

    For the 26-year-old, the biggest change has been in his perspective away from the cockpit rather than in his approach on the track.

    “There’s an element of I know that people have high expectations, and I have high expectations for myself, and that’s where everything starts,” he said about the pressure of the current championship campaign.

    Lando Norris, McLaren
    Lando Norris, McLaren. Photo by: Pirelli

    “But there’s also the element of we had such a tough start to the year. We’ve been very, very unfortunate with a lot of things. We knew we would start on the back foot. [Fighting for the championship] certainly wasn’t the first thought we had. The fact that it’s become a thought is a pretty awesome thing.

    “So I’m very relaxed that I’m in the position of being the chaser, of course. But every time I’m on track, I don’t necessarily feel different because of it. Every time I put my helmet on, I still want to win today. I want to be first today. I want to be on pole. And that’s the same mentality that I’ve always had.

    “It changes my outlook, especially when I’m out of the car. But I wouldn’t say it changes anything when I’m in it, because when I’m in it, it’s always 100%. It’s always go flat out. It’s always, don’t embarrass yourself. I want to be number one, no matter what situation I’m in. 

    “So, yeah, certainly just being off track, being more relaxed, being able to work with the team in an even better way than ever, that’s what’s also helping.”

  • Sergio Perez Trying to Help Cadillac Lure F1 Personnel

    Sergio Perez Trying to Help Cadillac Lure F1 Personnel

    Sergio Perez says he has tried to “influence” some of Cadillac’s recruitment decisions ahead of the team’s first Formula 1 season, offering feedback on potential targets and highlighting personnel he believes could strengthen the new American outfit.

    Cadillac’s arrival as Formula 1’s 11th team has expanded the championship’s employment market, while also intensifying competition for engineers and other staff. That competition was one reason several established teams reacted negatively to the prospect of a new entrant.

    Perez has driven for Sauber, McLaren, Force India/Racing Point and Red Bull, giving him working relationships with a significant portion of the F1 paddock. He therefore has a strong understanding of which potential recruits could provide Cadillac with a substantial boost.

    Perez offers Cadillac recruitment advice

    Speaking on the F1 Beyond the Grid podcast, Perez explained that he does not have the authority to make hiring decisions but has been prepared to make recommendations as interest in Cadillac continues to grow.

    “I mean, I obviously know a lot of good people out there, you know, I’ve been in this paddock for a long time,” Perez said.

    “I’ve been trying to get a few people, of course, but at the end of the day, you have to also know your position. And I am not the one that takes those decisions on who I bring and who I hire.

    “It is not my role. But I obviously try to influence and try to tell the team, I mean, ‘I think this guy will be good if he comes’ and so on. And all I can see is that the appetite for Cadillac around the paddock is rising every time.

    “And that’s something good to have as a Formula 1 team.”

    Sergio Perez, Cadillac

    Perez also believes General Motors’ arrival in Formula 1 has been a major benefit for Cadillac. He pointed to the US automotive giant’s extensive motorsport experience across its various brands as another potential advantage for the team.

    According to Perez, knowledge from other racing series could introduce new ideas and methods to Formula 1. He compared that potential cross-series benefit with the relationship between McLaren’s Formula 1 and IndyCar operations.

    “I do believe [in GM’s operational set-up] because GM, it’s a manufacturer that has done motorsport for their entire career,” Perez said. “And the level of competitiveness in the US, it’s extremely high.

    “I mean, they’ve been very helpful in a lot of ways. We’ve been able to learn stuff from them. I think as a team, we have to be open.

    “You know, there’s a lot we can learn from other series, other ways of doing things. For example, McLaren was able to get advantage from their IndyCar team a few years ago with how they were treating the ride and stuff like that. So there’s always room to improve and learn things.

    “I think as long as you have your mechanism very clear and you are able to deliver the idea quickly to the track, then that’s positive.”