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  • Ferrari “too late” to prioritise Lewis Hamilton in F1 title fight, says Jolyon Palmer

    Ferrari “too late” to prioritise Lewis Hamilton in F1 title fight, says Jolyon Palmer

    Former Formula 1 driver and current F1 TV pundit Jolyon Palmer asserts that Ferrari has missed its opportunity to prioritize Lewis Hamilton’s championship aspirations, arguing that the Scuderia has already seen its title hopes evaporate.

    Disastrous Home Race Precipitates Crisis

    The assessment arrives on the heels of a catastrophic Italian Grand Prix at Monza for the Fred Vasseur-led squad. Starting third and fourth respectively, Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc collided at Turn 1 on the opening lap. The incident set the tone for a weekend that saw Leclerc crash out on the second lap, effectively surrendering significant ground in a championship fight that was already tilting against them.

    Championship Standings Highlight Uphill Battle

    The points deficit underscores the magnitude of the challenge. Hamilton currently sits third in the drivers’ standings with 191 points, a substantial 76 points adrift of championship leader Kimi Antonelli. Leclerc languishes in fifth place with 155 points. With the gap widening, external pressure has mounted for Ferrari to anoint a clear number-one driver, but Palmer contends that strategic window has firmly shut.

    Palmer: “The Ship Has Sailed” on Title Hopes

    Speaking on the F1 TV Weekend Warm-Up show ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, Palmer delivered a blunt verdict when asked if the team should now back Hamilton exclusively.

    “Well, I feel like it’s too late,” Palmer said during the F1 TV Weekend Warm-Up show when asked if it is time for Ferrari to back Hamilton in the title fight.

    “The ship has sailed. I feel like they’re drifting away from championship contention. They’re not going to make it. I don’t think they’re quick enough.”

    Internal Rivalry Undermines Collective Progress

    Palmer expanded on his analysis, highlighting a persistent pattern of intra-team conflict that has prevented Ferrari from maximizing its weekends. He noted the irony of drivers acknowledging the need for cooperation while continuing to race each other aggressively.

    “And the drivers are so focused on beating each other that Lewis is talking there about how they need to start working together. We’re on round 14. I think back to China and they were knocking into each other, and there was a little bit of contact. They were absolutely swinging for each other for a podium while the Mercedes escaped.”

    “You thought, OK, they don’t have the pace to beat Mercedes on that day and it was fun to watch, and they do race each other really hard. They have done all season, but I can’t think of a single time where they’ve actually worked together.”

    Missed Opportunities at Key Rounds

    The pundit cited specific races where a lack of coordination cost the team dearly, contrasting the drivers’ fortunes when the other was not a factor.

    “Think of Lewis’s win and Charles wasn’t in contention in Barcelona, and Charles’s win and Lewis had jumped the start and wasn’t really in contention at Silverstone.”

    “So when they have an inferior car, I do feel like they had to probably prioritise a driver, if not at least make sure that they’re working together in any given race.”

    Monza Qualifying Advantage Squandered

    Palmer pointed to the Monza grid as the latest example of a strategic opportunity wasted. With the McLarens and Max Verstappen starting behind the Ferraris, and one Mercedes further back, the stage was set for a major points haul on home soil.

    “Starting third and fourth at Monza with one Mercedes at the back, both McLarens behind them, Max Verstappen behind as well, you’re thinking, OK, you’ve actually got a great chance to take the fight on your home turf. And they immediately started having a go with each other.”

    As the paddock moves to Barcelona for the Spanish Grand Prix, the scrutiny on Ferrari’s driver management and car performance will only intensify, with Palmer’s assessment suggesting the structural issues run deeper than a simple hierarchy adjustment can fix.

  • George Russell ‘overanalysing everything’ as Kimi Antonelli Extends F1 Lead, Says Former Driver

    George Russell ‘overanalysing everything’ as Kimi Antonelli Extends F1 Lead, Says Former Driver

    Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has offered a contrasting assessment of the Mercedes driver lineup, suggesting George Russell is overthinking his approach while championship leader Kimi Antonelli is performing with instinctive ease. The analysis arrives as the paddock prepares for the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring circuit in Madrid.

    Montoya Analyzes Mercedes Dynamic After Monza 1-2

    The Brackley-based squad celebrated a dominant 1-2 finish at the recent Italian Grand Prix. Antonelli secured a remarkable victory in front of his home crowd after starting 19th on the grid, while Russell finished second. Speaking on the F1 TV Weekend Warm-Up show, Montoya highlighted a fundamental difference in how the two drivers are extracting performance from the machinery.

    “He needs to learn and understand why it works so well for Kimi,” Montoya said of Russell.

    “The medium tyres were a little better than people expected on speed, especially as they got older. Actually, the speed stayed, there was really no degradation on those tyres. I think George is trying to overanalyse everything with the driving. He wants to do everything so right.

    “And Kimi is letting it happen more naturally. Kimi is just going for it, and things are working out. It’s like whatever he’s doing is working, and it’s really hard to beat Kimi because he doesn’t seem to get it wrong. His wrongs end up being right.”

    Antonelli’s ‘Unbeatable’ Rhythm

    The Colombian seven-time race winner elaborated on the Italian rookie’s current form, describing a scenario where even errors translate into advantages.

    “He goes through the gravel and he gases it and the car keeps going. He just can’t get it wrong. And when you have that, it’s really hard to beat.

    “George needs to understand the way he’s managing the tyres, maybe he needs to be a little more aggressive and just keep trying. He’s got the guy there. He’s got the information. And I think it’s a good lesson for George to get himself to a better level. The speed is not the question. It’s how the execution is happening.”

    Championship Standings Context

    Heading into the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, the championship picture reflects Antonelli’s strong start to the season. The Mercedes rookie holds a 66-point advantage over his more experienced teammate in the drivers’ standings, underscoring the effectiveness of the natural driving style Montoya described.

    Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell at Mercedes. Photo by: Steven Tee / LAT Images via Getty Images
  • F1 Drivers Unveil Striking One-Off Helmet Designs for First Madrid Spanish GP

    F1 Drivers Unveil Striking One-Off Helmet Designs for First Madrid Spanish GP

    F1 Drivers Unveil Special Helmets for Inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at Madrid’s Madring Circuit

    Formula 1’s highly anticipated arrival in Madrid for the Spanish Grand Prix has inspired multiple drivers to debut one-off helmet designs for the historic first race at the Madring circuit. Set around the IFEMA exhibition centre, the new venue marks a significant shift for the Spanish Grand Prix, and three prominent drivers — home favorites Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso, along with McLaren’s Lando Norris — have revealed bespoke headgear to commemorate the occasion.

    Carlos Sainz Honors Karting Roots with Nostalgic Design

    Madrid native Carlos Sainz, who also serves as an ambassador for the Madring circuit, chose his home race to revive a design tracing back to his karting debut in 2005. The helmet features a clean white base accented by prominent red and yellow details representing the Spanish flag. The original 2005 design drew inspiration from the helmet worn by his father, rallying legend Carlos Sainz Sr.

    “From my first karting race in 2005 to my first F1 race in Madrid. For this helmet, I wanted to go back to where it all started, bring back that first design inspired by my dad’s and give it my own touch today. Can’t wait to race with it at home!”

    Sainz posted the message alongside images of the helmet, connecting his formative years in motorsport with his current Formula 1 homecoming.

    Fernando Alonso Debuts Sleek All-Black BOSS Collaboration

    Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso introduced a stark departure from his typically colorful helmet livery. Collaborating with team partner BOSS, the two-time world champion unveiled a one-off design captioned “Tailored for speed.” Alonso arrived at the Madrid paddock wearing a matching BOSS Performance Suit and carrying the coordinating helmet.

    The new lid adopts an all-black aesthetic with subtle white accents, presenting a minimalist, performance-focused look that aligns with the BOSS brand identity.

    Lando Norris Teams Up with Madrid Artist Be Fernandez for Pop-Art Creation

    McLaren’s Lando Norris also commissioned a unique helmet for his first Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. The British driver partnered with Madrid-based artist, illustrator, and muralist Be Fernandez to create a vibrant pop-art design.

    “For my first race in Madrid I wanted to do something that felt properly connected to the city,”

    Norris explained, emphasizing his desire for authentic local representation.

    “Be knows Madrid and its culture far better than I ever could, so I basically gave her the helmet and told her to do her thing,”

    he continued, describing the collaborative process.

    “I love what she’s come up with – it brings together Madrid, her style and a bit of me as well. It’s fun, different and just a really cool design.”

    The resulting artwork blends Fernandez’s distinctive Madrid-influenced style with elements of Norris’s personal branding, creating a helmet that celebrates the host city through a contemporary artistic lens.

    With three distinct approaches — heritage, brand collaboration, and local artistic partnership — the special helmets underscore the significance of Formula 1’s Madrid debut and the drivers’ engagement with the new venue’s inaugural race weekend.

  • Juan Pablo Montoya: Mercedes Should Have Double-Stacked George Russell, Kimi Antonelli at Monza

    Juan Pablo Montoya: Mercedes Should Have Double-Stacked George Russell, Kimi Antonelli at Monza

    Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has criticized Mercedes’ strategy during the Italian Grand Prix, arguing the team compromised George Russell’s race victory chances by failing to double-stack their drivers under the Virtual Safety Car.

    Montoya Questions Mercedes Pit Strategy at Monza

    Mercedes secured a dominant 1-2 finish at Monza, led by home favorite Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The rookie recovered from 19th on the grid to become the first Italian winner at the circuit since 1966. However, Russell controlled the early phases of the race and appeared the primary candidate for victory before a mid-race Virtual Safety Car period altered the complexion of the Grand Prix.

    The British driver was leading at the time but was left out on track while Antonelli pitted. The Italian subsequently sliced through the field and overtook his teammate for the win.

    Montoya: Russell Should Have Received Priority Stop

    Speaking on F1 TV’s post-race show, Montoya argued Mercedes should have given Russell the priority pitstop.

    “He was leading and he should have had the priority on the pitstop. When that virtual safety car came, at that point, it’s quicker to stop than staying out. They should have stopped him, they should have double-stacked him, and he should have stopped ahead of Antonelli,” the Colombian explained.

    “And I’m not saying Antonelli wouldn’t still catch him and win the race, but it would have been a really close fight like we saw earlier on. It would have been a really cool race at the end for all of us.”

    Wolff Defends Strategy, Cites Tyre Constraints

    Team principal Toto Wolff addressed suggestions the Brackley outfit’s strategy favoured Antonelli.

    “The two-stop was the best but we didn’t think it was the case, so that was good for him actually,” he told Sky Sports F1 after the race.

    “But today there was nothing that would have stopped him [Antonelli]. George fought with worn-out tools at the end, so I’m really happy for the one-two.”

    When asked if there were any alternative strategic options for Russell, Wolff added:

    “No, George was on the hard and we needed to go on the one-stop so there was no chance.”

  • Former F1 Boss Bernie Ecclestone Reportedly Arrested in Portugal for Carrying Shotgun

    Former F1 Boss Bernie Ecclestone Reportedly Arrested in Portugal for Carrying Shotgun

    Former Formula 1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone was reportedly detained in Portugal this week after authorities discovered a shotgun in his luggage during a routine airport inspection, according to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manhã.

    Incident at Tires Aerodrome

    The 95-year-old motorsport magnate was reportedly stopped after his private jet landed at Tires Aerodrome in Cascais, a general aviation airfield located just outside Lisbon. The publication reported that “his arrest was carried out by officers from the Airport Division of the PSP (Portuguese Public Security Police).”

    Ecclestone Confirms Details, Denies Formal Arrest

    Speaking to Daily Mail Sport, Ecclestone confirmed he had traveled with the firearm for clay-pigeon shooting but acknowledged he lacked the required import documentation. He disputed the characterization of the event as a formal arrest, describing it instead as a prolonged administrative delay.

    “I had a gun that I was bringing over from Switzerland to Portugal for clay-pigeon shooting. It’s as simple as that. I have guns at home there that are licensed,”

    he explained.

    “We cleared customs on arriving here – I know the guys there – and they were fine with everything. No problems. Then a policeman afterwards asked to search the bag. It could have been [his six-year-old son] Ace’s fishing tackle for all it looked like, but it wasn’t.

    “They asked if I had a ‘blue book’, which is apparently the documentation you need, and I told them I never travel with documents like that, any documents at all, practically. They said they would arrest me, but after what seemed like hours, we sorted it out, but it has been wall-to-wall aggravation.”

    Resolution Underway

    Ecclestone indicated the matter is being resolved. His wife, Fabiana Flosi, has traveled to Lisbon to handle the necessary procedures regarding the weapon.

    “But it seems it can be put right. Fabi [his wife, Fabiana Flosi] has gone to Lisbon to surrender the gun, or pay the tax or whatever you need to bring it in, or to hand it over in the end. I said I would go too, but I didn’t as it happened, and I am sitting at home waiting for the situation to be put to bed.”

    Second Firearm Incident in Four Years

    This marks the second time since 2022 that Ecclestone has faced police questioning over a firearm at an airport.

    In a well-documented 2022 incident in São Paulo, Brazilian authorities detained him prior to a flight to Switzerland after discovering an unloaded LW Seecamp .32 calibre pistol inside his luggage. He posted bail and dismissed the ordeal as a minor misunderstanding, explaining he had purchased the weapon as a home deterrent and forgotten it was in his bag.

    Ecclestone denied he had been formally arrested in that instance as well, though São Paulo’s public security office confirmed in a statement that a businessman was arrested for possession of a firearm at Campinas airport.

  • Kimi Antonelli Sends Emotional Message to Fans After “Indescribable” Italian GP Victory

    Kimi Antonelli Sends Emotional Message to Fans After “Indescribable” Italian GP Victory

    Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli described his Italian Grand Prix victory as a “dream come true” in a message to fans after becoming the first home driver to win at Monza since 1966.

    Antonelli Overcomes Grid Penalty to Claim Historic Monza Win

    The 20-year-old Italian recovered from an engine penalty that dropped him to 19th on the starting grid to win Sunday’s race. Antonelli passed teammate George Russell in the closing stages to secure his seventh victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

    Italian Driver Thanks Monza Crowd on Social Media

    Taking to social media on Monday morning, Antonelli thanked the local crowd for their reception during the post-race podium ceremony.

    “P1 at home!! It’s hard to describe yesterday. It’s a dream come true,” Antonelli posted. “What I experienced is something I will never forget, the Monza podium is indescribable, the warmth of all the fans and the sea of people that never ends.

    “I really want to thank all the people who made this possible and who are making this year special.”

    Championship Lead Extended After Monza Triumph

    Following his win at Monza, Antonelli extended his lead in the drivers’ standings. He now holds a 66-point advantage over Mercedes teammate George Russell, who sits second in the championship.

    Antonelli Refuses to Get Ahead of Himself in Title Fight

    Antonelli was quizzed on the championship fight after the race. When asked by Sky Sports F1 if he was now of the mindset that the title is his to lose, he explained:

    “No, not at all. I just take race by race because you never know what can happen. 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 our 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.”

  • 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.

  • Kimi Antonelli Labelled “generational talent” After Italian GP Home Win

    Kimi Antonelli Labelled “generational talent” After Italian GP Home Win

    Sky Sports Formula 1 pundit Naomi Schiff declared Kimi Antonelli a generational talent after the Mercedes driver produced a stunning comeback victory at the Italian Grand Prix. The 20-year-old Italian started 19th on the grid at Monza but sliced through the field, leveraging a mid-race virtual safety car to fit fresh medium tyres before hunting down and passing his race-leading teammate George Russell to win in front of the passionate Tifosi.

    Schiff: Antonelli Proved ‘Generational Talent’ Status at Monza

    Analyzing the drive for Sky Sports, Schiff emphasized the magnitude of the performance on home soil.

    “Today, everybody is so impressed by what Kimi Antonelli has done. And obviously, to have a home hero like him who clearly proved today the generational talent that he is,”

    Schiff highlighted the composure Antonelli showed after his pit stop to close the gap to Russell and secure the win.

    “I mean, not only did he climb through the field, but then after that pitstop, he had to close up that gap again, and he just did it. And he took the victory here at home. Incredible.”

    The Decisive Moment: Hunting Down Russell

    Schiff detailed the critical phase of the race where Antonelli caught Russell, who was managing older hard tyres while also battling Max Verstappen early on.

    “It took him about six or seven laps before he was behind George. Obviously, George and Max were going at it as well in the beginning. And then I just had a feeling in my heart like, ‘Oh gosh, if George looks in the mirrors now and realises his team-mate is already behind him, oh my God, I would have sunk a little bit in that moment.’”

    Record-Breaking Start to Second Season

    The Monza triumph marks Antonelli’s seventh career Grand Prix victory in only his second season. He became the youngest driver to lead the championship standings after securing back-to-back wins at the Chinese Grand Prix and Japanese Grand Prix. He added four more victories before the summer break, establishing a commanding 66-point lead over teammate Russell in the Drivers’ Championship.

    Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes. Photo by: Steven Tee / LAT Images via Getty Images
  • Martin Brundle: George Russell Must Question Mercedes Over Italian GP VSC Call

    Martin Brundle: George Russell Must Question Mercedes Over Italian GP VSC Call

    Former Formula 1 driver and Sky Sports analyst Martin Brundle insists George Russell must demand answers from Mercedes after a virtual safety car strategy potentially cost him victory at the Italian Grand Prix.

    VSC Strategy Hands Antonelli Monza Victory

    Russell appeared poised to close the gap to his championship rival and team-mate Kimi Antonelli at Monza. While Russell stayed out on hard tyres during a virtual safety car (VSC) period, Antonelli was brought in for fresh mediums. The 20-year-old Italian used the tyre advantage to carve through the field and claim victory at his home race.

    Brundle: Russell Must Question Team Decision

    “It’s been a very difficult day for George Russell,” Brundle explained. “He will have to surely sit down and talk to the team, and ask, ‘How did that happen? I was leading the race. Why was I not given the preferential cheap pit stop there?’”

    Antonelli took a power unit penalty at the Italian Grand Prix, putting him at the back of the starting grid and giving Russell a significant opportunity to reduce the deficit in the standings.

    “For the world championship, this was George’s opportunity to do something about the deficit, and the deficit has grown,” Brundle added.

    Schiff: Russell Likely Questioning Himself Too

    Former W Series driver and Sky Sports pundit Naomi Schiff echoed Brundle’s assessment. “I think maybe the reason we’ve seen him be so calm about it right now is because he’s probably questioning himself a little bit as well, and why he wasn’t able to get more of an advantage.”

    “But I think with hindsight, he will be asking questions, like, ‘Why did I not get to pit during the VSC?’”

    “Yes, he was on a different strategy and they wanted him to go long, but at the end of the day, a fresher set of tyres could have saved him the victory today.”

    Championship Standings Shift

    Antonelli, who claimed his seventh F1 win at Monza, now leads the standings with a 66-point advantage over Russell in second place.

  • Nico Rosberg: Ferrari backing Lewis Hamilton over Charles Leclerc “doesn’t make sense”

    Nico Rosberg: Ferrari backing Lewis Hamilton over Charles Leclerc “doesn’t make sense”

    Nico Rosberg, the 2016 Formula 1 World Champion, has dismissed the idea that Ferrari should prioritize Lewis Hamilton over Charles Leclerc in the battle for the 2026 title. Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 broadcast during the Italian Grand Prix weekend at Monza, Rosberg stated that such a move is simply “not feasible” for the Scuderia.

    Ferrari’s Dilemma: Two Number One Drivers

    The discussion followed a chaotic Dutch Grand Prix where Ferrari appeared reluctant to enforce team orders to let Hamilton pass Leclerc, despite the Monegasque driver being on a different strategy. Addressing suggestions that the team should back the seven-time world champion for a future title push, Rosberg was unequivocal.

    “They can’t do that,” Rosberg, who was partnered with Hamilton at Mercedes from 2013 to 2016, said during the Sky Sports F1 broadcast at Monza.

    “They have two No. 1 drivers, both on a similar level. You cannot, now in the middle of the season, put everything just working towards Lewis. It’s way too early, and that doesn’t make sense.”

    Rosberg elaborated that while favoring Hamilton might theoretically boost his championship chances—especially given that the Ferrari drivers have been “all over each other almost every race” in the last five rounds—doing so would undermine Leclerc and the team’s operational integrity.

    “Of course, for Lewis that would enhance his chances to win the championship because in the last five races the Ferrari drivers were all over each other almost every race. Of course, it costs them performance, and Lewis championship points eventually, but the team cannot do that at this stage against Leclerc. It’s not feasible.”

    Championship Standings and Monza Implications

    Heading into the Italian Grand Prix, Hamilton trailed championship leader Kimi Antonelli by 59 points in the drivers’ standings, while Leclerc faced a larger 87-point deficit. Rosberg highlighted the significance of the Monza race for the title contenders.

    “It is a big race for the championship today,” Rosberg added. “It’s the chance for George, Lewis, actually also Lando, to make up some big points. But Lando is kind of out of it today, he has not been fast enough this weekend.”

    Regarding Hamilton’s specific prospects for the race, Rosberg noted a qualifying performance that fell slightly short of expectations but remained optimistic about his race pace.

    “Lewis also, we were expecting a bit more from him in qualifying but, nevertheless, he’s still fourth, has a good race car so he can be on the podium. Not sure he can fight for the win.”

    Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari. Photo by: Alessio Morgese