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Tag: Max Verstappen

  • Max Verstappen Reveals Laid-Back Approach to 100-Driver Silverstone Challenge

    Max Verstappen Reveals Laid-Back Approach to 100-Driver Silverstone Challenge

    Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has revealed he has done absolutely no preparation for his upcoming 30-lap go-kart challenge against 100 competitors at Silverstone next week. The Red Bull Racing driver will start from the back of the grid and attempt to overtake every participant on the historic circuit.

    Verstappen: “I’ll Just Rock Up and Do My Thing”

    Speaking to media ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, the Dutchman displayed his trademark relaxed confidence when questioned about the unique event. The field includes athletes, streamers, content creators, personalities, and fans.

    “No, I didn’t do anything,” he explained when asked if he has looked up who his competitors would be. “I’ll just rock up and have a good time, to be honest. Let’s see how it goes. But yeah, it’s a lot of people.

    “Starting from the back, it’s going to be challenging, but I hope I can catch them all. But we don’t know yet. I don’t even know the format at the moment. So I will just rock up and do my thing.”

    F1 Rivals Weigh In on the Spectacle

    The challenge has drawn attention from Verstappen’s Formula 1 peers, who offered mixed assessments of his chances during their own press commitments.

    Leclerc Urges Caution for Both Sides

    Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, speaking in Italy, highlighted the potential risks involved with such a large field.

    “I mean, 100 is a lot,” the Monegasque driver explained in Italy. “Honestly, the only advice I’ll give is maybe not to crash into Max, because he’s got a season to finish, and for Max to be careful, because I don’t know how professional those drivers are.

    “But 100 drivers is quite a lot on a track, so I think it will be fun. But obviously, when you’re racing against one of the best drivers in the world, they’ll probably have a tough time.”

    Sainz Predicts Easy Victory Based on Personal Experience

    Williams driver Carlos Sainz provided a more mathematical prediction during the Madrid press conference, drawing on his own recent karting experience.

    “I did a karting race yesterday with my team. Started 20th because we did reverse grid and I was P1 in five laps. So by my calculations, if there are another 20 times five, in 20 laps Max will be P1 for sure. 15-20 laps, or who knows, depends how much overtaking there is. But he will win it easy.”

    The Silverstone event promises to be a unique spectacle, pitting one of motorsport’s greatest current talents against a massive, eclectic grid in identical machinery. With zero preparation and a relaxed mindset, Verstappen appears ready to embrace the chaos.

  • David Croft hails Kimi Antonelli’s maturity as F1 title charge gathers pace

    David Croft hails Kimi Antonelli’s maturity as F1 title charge gathers pace

    Sky Sports Formula 1 lead commentator David Croft has backed Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli to become a younger world champion than Max Verstappen, citing the Italian’s rapid development and exceptional maturity.

    Historic Monza Victory Extends Championship Lead

    Antonelli delivered an incredible performance at last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, driving from 19th on the grid to victory in front of his home crowd. The 20-year-old became the first home driver to win at Monza in 60 years, extending his championship lead over his team-mate George Russell to 66 points ahead of this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.

    Croft Draws Parallels With Verstappen’s Early Career

    During an appearance on the Sky Sports F1 Show, Croft compared Antonelli’s current trajectory to that of Verstappen, who made his F1 debut at 17, won his first race at 18 and his first championship at 24.

    “12 months ago he was at Monza and was just coming out of a very difficult period where, from the podium in Canada, things had started to go wrong and he wasn’t happy,” Croft explained. “He was working really hard with Bono [Peter Bonnington] to try and put things right and then went on a really good run towards the end of the season.

    “It’s almost like he’s growing up with less experience than Max. Max had that experience with Toro Rosso for a season and then a couple of races before he went up to the Red Bull team.

    “He’s doing things earlier than Max. He’s going to be a younger world champion than Max was. He is a younger polesitter. He is a younger grand prix winner. He’s getting everything done very, very early indeed and showing a lot of maturity with it.

    Emotional Control Marks Generational Talent

    Croft emphasized that Antonelli’s emotional control distinguishes him as a generational talent, noting visible improvement in the youngster’s racecraft.

    “I’ve seen and heard signs on the track this year where he’s controlling his emotions. He’s calming down. He’s keeping a lid on things that might have got the better of him 12 months ago.

    “That is why people are saying this man is a generational talent because it’s one thing to have an ability, it’s another to have that controlled ability and to start being very mature at an age where I think all three of us can agree we certainly wouldn’t have been capable of doing anything near what Kimi Antonelli is doing.”

    Record-Breaking Season Underway

    Antonelli took the lead of the standings after back-to-back wins in the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix. He went on to secure four more victories before the summer break and his win in Italy was his seventh F1 win.

    For context, Sebastian Vettel became the youngest F1 champion in history, claiming his first title in 2010 at the age of 23 years and 134 days.

    Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing. Photo by: Steven Tee / LAT Images via Getty Images
  • “I f***ed up quite a lot”: How Yuki Tsunoda Discovered F1 2026 Complexity at Monza

    “I f***ed up quite a lot”: How Yuki Tsunoda Discovered F1 2026 Complexity at Monza

    Tsunoda Faces Steep Learning Curve With 2026 F1 Machinery at Spanish Grand Prix

    Yuki Tsunoda returns to Racing Bulls for a third Formula 1 appearance this season at the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, continuing his stand-in role for Liam Lawson. Lawson has moved to Red Bull Racing to replace the injured Isack Hadjar, giving Tsunoda another opportunity to adapt to the radically different 2026 regulations.

    Mixed Results in First Two Outings

    Tsunoda’s baptism with the new generation of cars began at the Dutch Grand Prix, where he finished just outside the points but ahead of teammate Arvid Lindblad. However, the Italian Grand Prix proved far more challenging. He struggled for pace relative to Lindblad throughout practice and qualifying, then lined up in the wrong grid slot during the race restart. A 10th-place finish remains provisional pending a protest from Audi, which argues Tsunoda should have been penalised for forcing an additional formation lap.

    Complex Energy Management Demands Precision

    The 2026 cars present a steep operational challenge. With a near 50:50 power split between the electrical motor and internal combustion engine, drivers must adopt an often counter-intuitive style that does not always prioritise maximum cornering speed. Active aerodynamics and machine-learning algorithms governing electrical deployment require precise throttle application rather than improvisation.

    Monza compounded these difficulties. Its layout offers minimal energy harvesting opportunities, meaning a competitive lap demanded both a slipstream and mastery of limited electrical power deployment.

    Tsunoda Details Operational Struggles

    Speaking in Madrid, Tsunoda outlined the specific difficulties he encountered at Monza.

    “I tended to forget quite a lot SM [Straightline Mode] last week, especially the Turn 8 to Turn 10,” he explained in Madrid.

    “There’s been more activation points than last year. And also, it’s a lot of work I have to do in the out lap, not to use the energy.

    “But obviously, if you don’t use the energy, the tyres are going to be cold, so you want to be sometimes aggressive in order where you [need] to be.

    “You want to start the lap with 100% battery, but this sacrifice in places, where to do it, where to not, was very complicated – and something that I fucked up quite a lot in qualifying. And the consequence was huge.”

    He also highlighted the increased reliance on steering wheel displays and throttle sensitivity.

    “It’s like you have to [look] on the steering monitor more,” said Tsunoda.

    “Somehow, you have to also be slightly more sensitive on throttle, especially in the out-lap. It is weird, especially in the out-lap, also in qualifying, but I think this is part of the regulation or sport, F1 right now, and you’ve got to deal with it.

    “Somehow, I was underestimating the amount of damage or penalty you’ll get if you don’t do everything right, and I definitely experienced it in qualifying.”

    Verstappen Critique Dismissed

    Max Verstappen recently suggested that the ability of drivers like Lawson and Tsunoda to step into the new cars and be immediately competitive indicates fundamental flaws in the regulations, stating the cars are “numb to your driver inputs.” Tsunoda declined to engage with the assessment.

    “It’s because these cars are numb to your driver inputs,” he said.

    “I’m not really taking anything from his comments,” responded Tsunoda when this was put to him.

    “And, you know, compare to my results, what I showed in two races, it’s a very individual thing.

    “I think I’ve done a good job. And that’s it.”

    As the Madrid weekend unfolds, Tsunoda will aim to translate his growing understanding of the 2026 machinery into a cleaner, more competitive showing on a circuit that offers more conventional energy management cycles than Monza.

  • “We can have a bit of chaos” – Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson Assess Red Bull’s 2026 Spanish Grand Prix Chances

    “We can have a bit of chaos” – Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson Assess Red Bull’s 2026 Spanish Grand Prix Chances

    Verstappen and Lawson Assess Red Bull Prospects at Inaugural Madrid Grand Prix

    Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson have offered their assessments of Red Bull’s chances at this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, where Madrid will host its first-ever Formula 1 race on a high-speed street circuit. The novel layout presents teams and drivers with an unfamiliar challenge that could shuffle the competitive order and create an opportunity for an unexpected result.

    Verstappen Sees Opportunity in Circuit Unknowns

    Red Bull and Verstappen have yet to secure a victory this season. The Dutch driver suggested that the inherent perils of a street circuit, combined with the unknowns of a new venue, could potentially offer his best chance yet to return to the top step of the podium.

    “I think the practice sessions are crucial, and hopefully we just get a good feeling with the car. I think if you have a good feeling with the car, you’re actually a bit more competitive, and hopefully that will put us into a place where we can fight again around a podium,” he said.

    “I always try my best to try and win a race, at least this year, but for sure it’s not going to be easy to win a race. But we’ll see. Maybe, first race here, we can have a bit of chaos. You need to luck in maybe a little bit, but we keep trying.

    “It probably is a car killer [circuit] from what I’ve seen so far. You just need to try and stay out of the wall, try and get the best possible feeling in the car. When you are confident in the car on a street circuit, it helps a lot.

    “It’s difficult to say at the moment how everything is going to go. And, I mean, driver track or not, you still need a good car. That’s the most important thing.”

    Lawson Building Comfort in Red Bull Machinery

    Meanwhile, Lawson will continue to stand in for the injured Isack Hadjar, having already raced for Red Bull at Zandvoort and Monza. The New Zealander narrowly missed out on points in Italy last weekend but believes he is adapting further to the team’s current challenger, a process that will be even more critical at a brand-new venue.

    “This track is quite different to what we’ve been racing on. It’s obviously new for all of us so it’s going to take some time to learn,” he said.

    “For us as drivers, the teams as well with the car, I’m sure it’s going to be challenging but the more time I spend in the car the more I’m going to naturally get a bit more comfortable.

    Lawson added:

    “It’s not my car and obviously in your own car you have many things that are very suited for you, and that’s not something I can do in a couple of races with this car. More time I spend in it, more comfortable I get.”

  • Max Verstappen Dismisses Hype Over Red Bull’s Madrid Surprise

    Max Verstappen Dismisses Hype Over Red Bull’s Madrid Surprise

    Verstappen Confronts Winless Season Reality Ahead of Madrid Grand Prix Debut

    Max Verstappen faces the distinct possibility of completing a Formula 1 season without a victory for the first time since his 2015 debut campaign. The four-time world champion addressed the scenario during the Dutch media session at Monza, offering a candid assessment of Red Bull’s current competitiveness.

    “I’m obviously never going to say that out loud!”

    Verstappen’s refusal to voice the possibility contrasts with his approach in 2023, when a similar admission preceded a dominant second-half run that saw him finish on the podium at every remaining round and narrowly miss a fifth consecutive title. The Dutchman acknowledges the current situation differs fundamentally.

    “Every time I’m in the car, I always go for the maximum. If the opportunity comes to win a race, then of course I’ll go all out for it. But with how things stand at the moment, that chance isn’t very big.”

    Driver Skill vs. Machinery at the Madring

    The inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the IFEMA complex—dubbed the Madring—has sparked discussion about circuits where driver talent can outweigh car performance. Verstappen dismissed the narrative that a demanding layout alone can close the gap to faster rivals.

    “I mean, you can make the story as beautiful as you want, right? Driver’s track or not, at the end of the day you still need a fast car in Formula 1.”

    He extended the point to his season overall, insisting his personal form remains high despite the results.

    “As a driver, I feel good this year, but I’m not winning races. Does that mean I’m a bad driver or not quick enough? I don’t think so. It’s not that suddenly because this is more of a driver’s track than Monza or whatever, you can do a lot better.”

    Madring Safety Concerns Draw Jeddah Comparisons

    Pre-event focus has centered on the circuit’s safety profile after an F3 test produced 19 red flags. Williams team principal James Vowles labeled the venue “a car killer.” Verstappen, asked by Motorsport.com about the danger level, drew a direct parallel to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

    “Well, it could be. In some places, when you have a tiny moment, it can result in a crash. But I mean, Jeddah is the same and we’ve spoken about that already before. You just have to deal with it and try to figure out the margins, to try and keep it under control. But of course, when you’re on the limit, it’s easy to make a little mistake.”

    He reinforced the comparison on driving sensation.

    “In terms of what I feel, yes. Of course, there are quite a lot more lower speed corners here, but the sensation I get is a little bit like that, yeah.”

    Lawson Echoes Blind-Corner Warning

    Red Bull stand-in Liam Lawson supported the Jeddah analogy, highlighting the prevalence of blind corners where walls run flush to the racing line.

    “The way these street circuits are built, the walls just sort of follow where the track goes and they’re just very blind in a lot of places. There are a lot of faster flowing corners where you have something behind it and you can’t see it. Jeddah obviously has more of that than this place, but it’s sort of similar in that way, I would say.”

    Lawson identified the Turn 5-6 chicane as a particular hazard.

    “If you take too much of the first kerb, it’ll bounce you across the second kerb, which will then bounce you into the wall. Trying to be accurate through a section like that is quite tough. I’ve seen a lot of videos of F3 cars just smashing both the kerbs and getting away with it, or not getting away with it, so it’s definitely a tricky part of the track. The braking zone is obviously not straight as well, so trying not to lock and push that braking zone is going to be pretty tough.”

    Power-Unit Limitations Expected to Restrict Flat-Out Running

    Looking ahead to the 2026 regulations, Lawson does not anticipate Monaco-style unrestricted pushing at the Madring.

    “Not like Monaco, no. I think Monaco is one where we can push flat out and actually have no limitations. I would say this is not going to be like that, but I think it definitely is somewhere that, more so than in Monza, you can probably make a bit of a difference.”

  • Yuki Tsunoda Responds to Max Verstappen’s F1 2026 Claim

    Yuki Tsunoda Responds to Max Verstappen’s F1 2026 Claim

    Yuki Tsunoda has dismissed Max Verstappen’s suggestion that recent driver performances prove the 2026 Formula 1 regulations diminish the importance of driver skill. The Japanese driver, currently standing in for the injured Isack Hadjar at Racing Bulls, delivered strong results in his two race starts at Zandvoort and Monza.

    Tsunoda Unfazed by Verstappen’s Critique of 2026 Rules

    Tsunoda and Verstappen were teammates at Red Bull Racing during the 2025 season. While Verstappen secured second place in the drivers’ championship, Tsunoda finished 17th and was replaced by Isack Hadjar for 2026. After moving into a reserve role, Tsunoda returned to race action for sister team Racing Bulls following a wrist injury sustained by Hadjar over the summer break. Liam Lawson, who also struggled alongside Verstappen in 2025, temporarily filled Hadjar’s Red Bull seat.

    Both replacement drivers impressed. Lawson finished seventh at Zandvoort, while Tsunoda scored a championship point at Monza after narrowly missing out in the Netherlands. Speaking in Madrid ahead of this weekend’s race, Tsunoda expressed satisfaction with his performance and indifference to Verstappen’s theory.

    “It’s his comments, so… I don’t know. I really just read it, to be honest. That’s it.

    “It’s a different car, for sure. Obviously, energy deployments and stuff is different. It’s obviously part of things that you can’t really push flat out in some corners. Something I experienced in Monza.

    “But, yeah, that’s it. I’m not really taking anything from his comments and compare to my results, what I showed in two races, it’s a very individual thing, I think. So, I think I’ve done a good job and that’s it.”

    Verstappen Argues New Regulations Create “Choke Hold” on Drivers

    Verstappen has been a consistent critic of the 2026 technical regulations, famously describing them in pre-season testing as “Formula E on steroids” due to the heavy reliance on energy management. His concerns appear validated by several races this season where electrical deployment strategies overshadowed pure driving talent.

    Notable examples include Lando Norris being ‘forced’ into overtaking Lewis Hamilton at Suzuka due to energy deployment modes, and McLaren highlighting the “self-learning elements” of the power unit impacting racing at Spa-Francorchamps. These incidents prompted Verstappen to cite Lawson and Tsunoda’s immediate competitiveness as further evidence of a fundamental shift in the sport.

    “In the history of the sport, normally the driver that is the most committed, the latest on the brakes, earlier on throttle, committing in the high-speed [corners], they get rewarded, because you just gain that time in the corner.

    “But now you’re constantly thinking about, ‘In this corner I might have to hold in a bit. Go later on throttle. Or brake earlier. Or lift off. And then I have more top speed.’ Stuff like that. It’s so unnatural. It’s so not how it should be.

    “No disrespect, and I hope no one picks up on this, but look at Yuki. He jumps in the car. Never driven the car before. Immediately competitive. Liam jumps from the Racing Bulls to the Red Bull – immediately competitive. It’s because these cars are numb to your driver inputs.

    “Of course, yes, you still have to do a good lap and you still have to commit, the fastest drivers will always come out on top, but it’s really, really limited, like a choke hold or something. You’re held back.”

    Tsunoda will continue in the Racing Bulls seat for the Madrid Grand Prix as Hadjar recovers, offering another opportunity to test his form against Verstappen’s hypothesis.

  • 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.”

  • 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.

  • The 8 biggest recovery drives to win in Formula 1 history

    The 8 biggest recovery drives to win in Formula 1 history

    Kimi Antonelli has etched his name into Formula 1 history, joining an elite group of drivers who have converted a lowly grid slot into a grand prix victory. The Mercedes rookie achieved the feat in stunning fashion on home soil at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, surging from 19th on the grid to claim the top step of the podium at Monza.

    Antonelli’s drive continues a rich tradition of comeback victories. Here is a look back at the other drivers who stared at a sea of rear wings on the starting grid only to greet the chequered flag first.

    8. Michael Schumacher — 1995 Belgian Grand Prix (Started 16th)

    Michael Schumacher amassed 91 grand prix wins during his illustrious career, but none came from lower than 16th on the grid. At Spa-Francorchamps in 1995, the German sliced through the field during a phase that saw early leader David Coulthard retire. A strategic gamble on slick tyres as rain arrived proved decisive.

    Schumacher moved into the lead and produced a masterclass in defensive driving, holding off a frustrated Damon Hill on wet-weather tyres despite his own inferior rubber. The Williams driver eventually forced a pass, only to spin moments later. Hill returned to the pits for slicks on a drying track, but the timing backfired as the rain returned with intensity. Both men switched back to wets, but Hill’s challenge evaporated due to a pit-lane speeding penalty, handing Schumacher a clear run to victory.

    7. Kimi Räikkönen — 2005 Japanese Grand Prix (Started 17th)

    Qualifying at Suzuka took place in changeable conditions during the era of single-lap qualifying, leaving the usual front-runners scattered down the order. Newly crowned champion Fernando Alonso lined up 16th, with Kimi Räikkönen one place further back in 17th.

    The race developed into a frenetic spectacle featuring spectacular wheel-to-wheel action. Räikkönen and Alonso carved through the pack, with the McLaren driver leading the charge. A late refuelling stop placed Räikkönen on the tail of Alonso’s Renault teammate, Giancarlo Fisichella. He hunted down the Italian in the closing stages and, on the final lap, seized the outside line to sweep past Fisichella for a remarkable comeback win.

    6. Max Verstappen — 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix (Started 17th)

    After winning seven of the opening ten rounds in 2024, Max Verstappen endured a 10-race winless streak that saw his championship lead over Lando Norris gradually erode. Qualifying in Brazil was postponed to Sunday morning due to weather, and a disrupted session left Verstappen 12th in classification; a power-unit penalty dropped him to 17th on the grid, effectively a net 15th after two cars ahead failed to start.

    From there, the Dutchman delivered a masterclass in treacherous conditions. He carved through the field before a mid-race red flag allowed a free switch to fresh wet tyres. Though still behind Esteban Ocon at the restart, Verstappen overhauled the Alpine within a handful of laps and streaked to victory by nearly 20 seconds — a drive that all but sealed a fourth consecutive world title.

    5. John Watson — 1982 Detroit Grand Prix (Started 17th)

    John Watson qualified only 17th for Formula 1’s inaugural visit to the streets of Detroit, a weekend marred by organisational issues and tricky conditions. Opting for the harder tyre compound proved a tactical masterstroke.

    Watson dispatched rivals with aplomb, highlighted by a stunning trio of overtakes on a single lap — one on teammate Niki Lauda. He quickly reeled in and passed an ailing Keke Rosberg before pulling away to a comfortable victory. Remarkably, this was not even Watson’s lowest-starting win.

    4. Rubens Barrichello — 2000 German Grand Prix (Started 18th)

    A chaotic qualifying session left Rubens Barrichello down in 18th, but the Brazilian made immediate amends, blasting his Ferrari past rivals on the long, full-throttle straights of the old Hockenheim layout.

    A safety car period — triggered by a track invader — bunched the field, and a McLaren communication mix-up elevated Barrichello to second behind Mika Häkkinen. When rain arrived, Häkkinen pitted for wet tyres, but Barrichello stayed out on slicks. With the vast circuit only partially damp, the dry sections allowed him to maintain pace and secure a remarkable maiden victory after seven seasons in the sport.

    3. Bill Vukovich — 1954 Indianapolis 500 (Started 19th)

    During the 1950s, the Indianapolis 500 counted toward the World Championship, yet few Formula 1 regulars contested the event, making these races historical outliers. Bill Vukovich was a specialist at the Brickyard, winning in 1953 and 1954.

    For his second triumph, Vukovich started 19th and worked his way forward to claim victory, though this remains shy of the Indy 500 record of wins from 28th on the grid. Tragically, Vukovich lost his life in an accident while leading the following year’s race.

    2. Kimi Antonelli — 2026 Italian Grand Prix (Started 19th)

    Reliability issues earlier in 2026 placed Kimi Antonelli on course for a grid penalty for exceeding his power-unit component allocation. Mercedes elected to take the hit strategically at Monza.

    Antonelli started 19th after Liam Lawson and Fernando Alonso opted for pit-lane starts. He was running 12th when the race was red-flagged for Charles Leclerc’s accident. At the restart, Antonelli vaulted to eighth and rapidly picked off rivals, swapping the lead with teammate George Russell. A mid-race pit stop dropped him back, but superior pace and fresher tyres allowed him to hunt down the lead once more. He survived a late scare after a mistake exiting the first chicane to hold on for a historic maiden win on home soil.

    1. John Watson — 1983 United States Grand Prix West (Started 22nd)

    The lowest grid slot ever converted into a Formula 1 victory belongs to John Watson at Long Beach in 1983. McLaren was competitive in race trim but struggled for one-lap pace on the bumpy street circuit, leaving Watson and Lauda 22nd and 23rd respectively — four seconds off pole.

    Hampered by poor qualifying tyre performance, the McLarens came alive on race day. In an attritional contest, both drivers sliced through the field, gaining positions through overtaking and rival misfortunes. Such was the M23’s race pace that Watson crossed the line almost half a minute clear of Lauda, with only René Arnoux’s Ferrari — over a minute adrift — remaining on the lead lap.

  • Max Verstappen’s “wholesome” Monza moment with Kimi Antonelli’s father goes viral, praised as a “Class act”

    Max Verstappen’s “wholesome” Monza moment with Kimi Antonelli’s father goes viral, praised as a “Class act”

    A heartwarming post-race moment between Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Marco Antonelli, father of race winner Kimi Antonelli, has captured widespread attention across social media platforms following the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

    Verstappen’s Classy Gesture Goes Viral

    Footage from the Monza paddock showed the four-time world champion approaching Antonelli Sr. shortly after his son claimed a remarkable maiden home Grand Prix victory from 19th on the grid. Verstappen made a point of embracing the Italian engineer before Kimi Antonelli could reach his father to celebrate the historic win.

    The spontaneous display of sportsmanship quickly circulated online, drawing praise from fans and observers alike for its authenticity and respect.

    Fan Reactions Highlight Sportsmanship

    Social media platforms, particularly Reddit, buzzed with commentary applauding Verstappen’s conduct. The reactions underscored a broader appreciation for the driver’s character beyond his on-track prowess.

    “Very sweet, very wholesome,” one fan commented on Reddit, while another wrote: “Max is and always will be a class act.”

    “Max is really the bigger person… I’d still be salty that Kimi lost me a shot at 5x WDC last season lol,” another fan posted.

    “I think he’s lowkey just happy Antonelli is wiping the floor with Russell and denying Russell the best chance he’s had at a championship.”

    Further comments reinforced the sentiment:

    “Class move, congratulating the dad on his son winning the Italian GP as well!”

    “Max isn’t a generational but a historical champion. Both on the track and as a person.”

    Antonelli Dominates Home Soil

    The 20-year-old Mercedes driver secured the top spot on the iconic Monza podium, leading a team 1-2 finish ahead of teammate George Russell in second place. Verstappen completed the podium in third.

    During the post-race press conference, an emotional Antonelli reflected on the magnitude of the achievement.

    “I think this is the most special podium of the season,” Antonelli explained during the press conference. “To see all the fans on the straight, it’s just incredible. And then being at home, it adds that little bit extra. And super, super happy with that.”

    Championship Standings Shift

    Antonelli’s commanding victory at Monza has significantly extended his lead in the drivers’ championship standings. He now holds a 66-point advantage over Russell, who sits in second position. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton follows in third place, trailing Antonelli by 76 points and Russell by 10 points.

    The result marks a pivotal moment in the title race, with Antonelli establishing himself as the clear favorite heading into the season’s closing rounds.