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Ukraine intensifies pressure on FIA over Russia

GMM — 2026-09-11T09:59:00Z

Ukraine's national motorsport authority has stepped up its dispute with the FIA, directly accusing president Mohammed Ben Sulayem of failing to act properly over Russia.
According to Anadolu Agency, Automobile Federation of Ukraine president Oleksandr Feldman has written to Ben Sulayem demanding that Russia's FIA membership be suspended and strict restrictions on Russian competitors be restored.
The FAU says it is "outraged by the prolonged inaction of the global governing body" after (…)

Wolff admits nerves over Antonelli kart celebration

GMM — 2026-09-11T08:50:00Z

Toto Wolff has admitted he was nervous when championship leader Kimi Antonelli celebrated his extraordinary Monza victory by immediately heading to the kart track with his Mercedes crew.
The 20-year-old spent his only free day after winning from 19th on the grid at the well-known Franciacorta circuit in Castrezzato, Brescia, together with Mercedes mechanics, friends and family.
Antonelli said karting was simply how he wanted to celebrate.
"On Tuesday, I was already in England on the (…)

Madring design raises major red-flag risk

GMM — 2026-09-11T08:13:00Z

Formula 1 drivers are expecting Madrid's new Madring circuit to produce crashes, red flags and safety cars this weekend - while Carlos Sainz says the enormous venue leaves plenty of scope to alter the layout in future.
The semi-urban circuit has already produced warnings following its Formula 3 test, where repeated stoppages and damaged cars highlighted the lack of margin for error.
George Russell admitted his simulator experience made the F3 disruption look almost unsurprising. "When I (…)

Lawson, Tsunoda push back on Verstappen 'numb' claim

GMM — 2026-09-11T07:11:00Z

Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda have pushed back against Max Verstappen's suggestion that the 2026 Formula 1 cars are so "numb" that drivers can adapt unusually quickly.
Verstappen pointed to both drivers in a BBC interview this week. "No disrespect," said the quadruple world champion, "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 (…)

Imola finale reports grow despite official denials

GMM — 2026-09-11T06:39:00Z

Reports that Imola has already been lined up to replace Abu Dhabi as Formula 1's 2026 season finale are continuing to gather strength, despite both the FIA and F1 publicly insisting nothing has been decided.
Dutch commentator Jack Plooij says he has now heard directly from people within Pirelli that Imola will host the final race.
"Yes, Imola will be the last race," he said on Ziggo Sport.
"That's not confirmed, but I've heard it from Pirelli's men. I do think they are well informed." (…)

Ocon insists drivers are not Haas' problem

GMM — 2026-09-11T06:08:00Z

Esteban Ocon has pushed back against growing speculation over Haas' 2027 driver lineup, insisting the team's current problems are with the cars rather than the drivers.
Team boss Ayao Komatsu has already confirmed that several candidates are being evaluated, including through TPC testing, as Ocon fights to retain his seat.
But the Frenchman said in Madrid that those tests should not automatically be interpreted as a verdict on his own future.
"The team is allowed to test other drivers (…)

Alonso says 2027 decision 'not soon'

GMM — 2026-09-11T05:31:00Z

Fernando Alonso says a decision about his 2027 future is still some way off, while openly admitting that options outside the Formula 1 cockpit are part of the discussion.
Asked in Madrid when news about next season should be expected, the 45-year-old replied simply: "Not soon."
Alonso continues to insist his hesitation is linked heavily to the driving experience under the current regulations, despite F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali recently suggesting the real issue is Aston Martin's (…)

Leclerc cleared to race as Ferrari tension cools

GMM — 2026-09-11T04:45:00Z

Charles Leclerc has been cleared to race in Madrid after further medical checks following his heavy Monza crash, while Ferrari appears to have calmed the tensions exposed during its disastrous home weekend.
"It felt like a serious accident," Leclerc, who reported vision problems after the impact, said on Thursday.
"But all the checks went well."
Ferrari has nevertheless removed the new ADUO-2 engine from the car for further inspection following the impact, with Leclerc reverting to an (…)

Salo backs Raikkonen's Red Bull move

GMM — 2026-09-10T11:06:00Z

Mika Salo says Robin Raikkonen's now-confirmed move into Red Bull's junior program is a "really great" development and believes the 11-year-old has joined at a better time than he might have under Dr Helmut Marko.
Red Bull has now officially confirmed that Kimi Raikkonen's son will enter its junior program from 2027, after days of speculation surrounding the deal.
Laurent Mekies said Robin has already shown "exceptional ability in karting" and promised Red Bull would develop him without (…)

De la Rosa defends 'underrated' Stroll

GMM — 2026-09-10T10:16:00Z

Pedro de la Rosa has strongly defended Lance Stroll after an unpleasant qualifying milestone at Monza, insisting the Canadian is far closer to Fernando Alonso than his reputation suggests.
Stroll recently passed 200 Grand Prix starts and at Monza became the first driver in F1 history to record 100 Q1 eliminations.
But Aston Martin ambassador de la Rosa told Beyond The Grid that the raw data paints a different picture. "Lance is super fast," the former F1 driver insisted.
"I love to (…)

Herta admits F1 super licence now unlikely

GMM — 2026-09-10T09:43:00Z

Colton Herta has admitted his difficult Formula 2 season is now likely to leave him short of the Super Licence points needed for Formula 1.
The American endured another disastrous weekend at Monza, crashing in F2 practice, retiring from Sunday's feature race and then losing most of his Cadillac FP1 outing to a hydraulic failure.
That F1 problem was especially costly because Herta failed to complete the 100 kilometres needed to earn another Super Licence point.
"Nothing concrete has (…)

Sainz sees hope for controversial 2026 rules

GMM — 2026-09-10T09:07:00Z

Carlos Sainz says Formula 1's controversial 2026 regulations may yet develop into a much better spectacle, even as leading drivers continue to question how much skill the new energy-based racing demands.
One criticism, divulged by Max Verstappen this week, is that the cars are comparatively easy for newcomers to adapt to because traditional advantages such as braking technique and corner entry have been diluted by energy management and push-button overtaking.
Sainz, however, says the (…)

Verstappen doubts Madring will produce easy overtaking

GMM — 2026-09-10T07:29:08Z

Max Verstappen says Madrid's new Formula 1 circuit looks demanding but fears its braking-zone characteristics could make overtaking particularly difficult.
Speaking on his Twitch channel, recalling his recent laps on the Madring layout in Red Bull's simulator, Verstappen said the lap is difficult to put together cleanly.
"It's going to be very difficult," he said.
"It's not an easy track, actually. If you do a few laps in a row, it's always very hard to cross the line and say, 'Okay, I (…)

Bottas future still uncertain despite Cadillac contract

GMM — 2026-09-09T11:57:00Z

Valtteri Bottas' Cadillac future is again under scrutiny despite the Finn reportedly being contracted through at least the end of 2027.
Both Bottas and Sergio Perez signed multi-year deals when Cadillac entered Formula 1, with contemporary reporting putting both under contract for next season.
But brand new team boss Marcin Budkowski has notably stopped short of guaranteeing the current pairing.
"I'm very happy with the drivers we have, two experienced drivers who are helping us (…)

How much does it really cost to race in Formula 1? From the car to a brand new Grand Prix

Franck Drui — 2026-09-09T11:21:14Z

Formula 1 has been around for some time now. Yet, to calculate the cost of the sport that we have today, we need to take into account only the years after the cost cap was introduced. The game changed once a new set of financial regulations was introduced at the start of the decade. Today, teams need to operate under a cost cap in order to be compliant with the latest set of rules. The cost cap was introduced in order to make the championship more competitive and to guarantee the long-term (…)

Domenicali urges Madrid patience as debut sells out

GMM — 2026-09-09T11:01:00Z

Stefano Domenicali has urged some patience ahead of Formula 1's first race at Madring, while revealing the inaugural Madrid GP is now sold out and even suggesting the circuit could host pre-season testing in 2027.
Speaking to Spanish media in Madrid, the F1 CEO acknowledged the first edition will inevitably have imperfections.
"The first year, as always, I'm waiting for those who are trying to find the details that aren't perfect," he said.
"I want to thank everyone at IFEMA for all (…)

Vasseur under pressure after Monza disaster

GMM — 2026-09-09T09:26:00Z

Italian speculation over Fred Vasseur's future has returned again after Ferrari's disastrous home race at Monza exposed both poor performance and growing tension between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
Corriere della Sera's Daniele Dallera wrote that Vasseur's renewed contract has not removed the pressure from above.
"His future as boss is unclear," the article read.
"There's a lot of pressure at Maranello, and it's coming from above, that could trigger a layoff."
Dallera said (…)

Domenicali hopes Alonso stays in F1

GMM — 2026-09-09T08:20:00Z

Stefano Domenicali says he will personally try to convince Fernando Alonso to remain in Formula 1 beyond 2026, as uncertainty continues over the Spaniard's future.
Alonso was asked after Monza whether an announcement about 2027 might come at his home race in Madrid this weekend, and answered simply: "No."
Aston Martin has also insisted there is no rush to settle the 45-year-old's plans.
But speaking to Spanish media in Madrid, Domenicali said he strongly hopes Alonso continues.
"I've (…)

Imola finale 'already assigned' - report

GMM — 2026-09-09T07:47:00Z

Imola is now reportedly set to replace Abu Dhabi as the final race of the 2026 season, despite Formula 1 continuing to insist publicly that the existing calendar remains unchanged.
Corriere dello Sport journalist Fulvio Solms says the long-rumoured switch is effectively complete.
"Imola is now fully committed to organising a GP that's still officially under wraps, but has already been assigned and the details defined," he wrote.
According to Solms, the race will take place on December (…)

Giovinazzi on standby amid Leclerc fitness check

GMM — 2026-09-09T07:18:00Z

Reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi has reportedly been sent to Madrid as Ferrari waits for Charles Leclerc to receive final medical clearance following his huge Monza crash.
Leclerc suffered vision problems after the impact and has undergone further checks this week, although his own message to fans sounded reassuring.
"Thanks for all the messages," he has now written on social media.
"Physically, that was a big one but I'm ok. Emotionally, it hurts even more for something like this to (…)

Raikkonen-Red Bull link 'win-win' - Kohtala

GMM — 2026-09-08T15:15:00Z

Finnish karting figure Jussi Kohtala says Robin Raikkonen's expected move into Red Bull's junior program would make obvious sense for both sides.
Reports emerged at Monza that Kimi Raikkonen's 11-year-old son, nicknamed 'Ace', is set to join Red Bull's famed academy, with an official announcement expected soon.
Kohtala, a former kart racer who now runs Kohtala Sports, told Ilta-Sanomat that Robin's young age would not make such a deal unusual.
"The contract wouldn't be exceptional, (…)

Vettel rules out F1 driving comeback

GMM — 2026-09-08T14:23:00Z

Sebastian Vettel says his emotional return to the cockpit at Monza reminded him how much he misses racing, but insists he has no intention of returning to Formula 1 as a driver.
The 39-year-old drove Michael Schumacher's 2002 Ferrari during the Italian GP weekend and admitted the experience brought those feelings back strongly.
"I felt so comfortable in the car and I know deep down how much I miss it," Vettel told f1-insider.com.
But he says retirement remains the right decision.
"I (…)

Verstappen not interested in Norris-style team

GMM — 2026-09-08T13:41:00Z

Max Verstappen says he has no interest in following Lando Norris into running a full single-seater junior team, preferring to keep his own motorsport projects centred on endurance racing.
Norris recently launched LN4 Fusion, with plans spanning Formula 4, Formula 3 and even Formula 2.
But Verstappen told Viaplay that his ambitions are different.
"I don't want to be in formula racing itself," he said.
"He also has investors. I do it all myself, because I also want to keep the (…)

Honda rules out further 2026 engine upgrade

GMM — 2026-09-08T12:53:00Z

Honda says Aston Martin will have to wait until 2027 for its next major power unit step, despite Monza again exposing a substantial straight-line deficit with the new 'Spec 2' unit.
Honda race chief Shintaro Orihara said the development roadmap is now focused on the opening race of next season.
"We have a roadmap for developing the engine and we know where we are right now," he said.
"Based on that roadmap, we will take another big step forward for the first race."
But he cautioned (…)

Rosberg mocks Hamilton's Ferrari claim

GMM — 2026-09-08T12:04:00Z

Nico Rosberg has poured cold water on former teammate Lewis Hamilton's claim that Ferrari had long been in the back of his mind during his dominant Mercedes years.
Hamilton recently recalled that Sebastian Vettel's 2017 Ferrari contract extension made him realise he had quietly hoped a move to Maranello might become possible.
"Ferrari was always in the back of my mind," Hamilton said.
"I think it was Spa when Seb signed a new contract, extended it, I thought, 'Oh, sh*t.'"
"I remember (…)

Tost defends 2026 rules despite driver criticism

GMM — 2026-09-08T11:26:00Z

Former Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost has defended Formula 1's widely criticised 2026 regulations, arguing that the controversial energy-management racing was always foreseeable.
Tost, who remains a Red Bull consultant, made the comments to Speed Week while attending the ADAC GT Masters at the Salzburgring.
"What would happen with the new regulations was foreseeable," he began.
"Everyone discussed it extensively beforehand. Engineers always emphasised that battery management would be (…)

Leclerc needs medical clearance for Madrid - doctor

GMM — 2026-09-08T07:11:00Z

Charles Leclerc must undergo new medical checks before being cleared to race in Madrid, as Ferrari moves to calm the growing tension between him and Lewis Hamilton.
Leclerc complained of blurred vision in his right eye following his enormous Monza crash and underwent further imaging in Monaco on Monday.
Dr Isabel Ornaque, who will head the medical centre at Madring this weekend, said Leclerc must now be assessed for any neurological effects before being allowed to compete.
"We need to (…)

Sainz unsure about Madrid 'car killer' status

GMM — 2026-09-08T06:38:00Z

Carlos Sainz says Madrid's new Formula 1 circuit will be difficult and spectacular, but is not yet ready to accept James Vowles' description of it as a potential "car killer".
The Williams boss made the remark after the recent Formula 3 test produced 19 red flags, three broken chassis and six suspension failures.
"I think the 'car killer' label is for F3 cars at the moment," Sainz said at Monza on Sunday.
"We'll have to see if it's an F1 'car killer' or not. What's clear is that it's a (…)

Ecclestone denies arrest after shotgun incident

GMM — 2026-09-08T05:51:00Z

Former Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has denied reports that he was arrested in Portugal after arriving at an airport with a shotgun.
Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha first reported that the 95-year-old had been detained during a routine operation at Tires Aerodrome in Cascais after arriving by private jet from Switzerland.
Bild and De Telegraaf subsequently reported the incident as an arrest, but Ecclestone told the Press Association that account was wrong.
"No," he said (…)

Hadjar ruled out of Madrid GP

GMM — 2026-09-08T05:02:00Z

Isack Hadjar will miss a third consecutive race this weekend, with Red Bull confirming Liam Lawson will again partner Max Verstappen in Madrid.
The Frenchman has already sat out Zandvoort and Monza with a wrist injury.
"Isack's recovery continues to progress positively," Red Bull said.
"While he is not yet ready to return to the cockpit, he will be in Madrid supporting the team. Everyone at (the team) looks forward to welcoming Isack back behind the wheel very soon."
With Yuki (…)