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Alonso says Newey philosophy behind Aston setbacks

GMM — 2026-06-05T09:27:00Z

Adrian Newey will return to the Formula 1 paddock in Monaco weekend after weeks of speculation about his absence from Aston Martin's struggling 2026 campaign.
The design legend's low profile had fuelled rumours ranging from internal concerns about the team's disappointing start to suggestions of health issues and even speculation linking former Audi boss Jonathan Wheatley with the team principal role.
However, Aston Martin trackside chief Mike Krack confirmed Newey will be present in (…)

Monaco loophole sparks wild new wing designs in F1

GMM — 2026-06-05T08:44:00Z

Formula 1's top teams have arrived in Monaco with some eye-catching rear wing innovations after discovering an unusual opportunity created by the circuit's unique rules.
Because the FIA has disabled the active aerodynamic 'straight-line mode' for Monaco, teams suddenly have spare space in the centre of their rear wings where the actuator mechanism would normally operate.
Mercedes, Red Bull and McLaren have all taken advantage.
The result is a series of unusual winglet designs mounted (…)

Monaco paddock buzzes with contract speculation

GMM — 2026-06-05T08:08:00Z

Charles Leclerc has admitted he had offers from rival teams before committing his future to Ferrari.
The Monegasque returned to his home town this week fresh from signing a new contract with the Maranello team, ending months of speculation about his long-term future.
Asked directly if there were other approaches from rival teams, he replied: "There were, yes."
When asked who they were, Leclerc smiled: "No, I'm not going to say who. But they can say it if they want, but for me Ferrari (…)

Bottas blasts exit rumours as Perez explains revival

GMM — 2026-06-05T07:37:00Z

Valtteri Bottas has dismissed rumours suggesting Cadillac is already considering replacing him, insisting the speculation is nothing more than a bid for "headlines and clicks".
The Finn arrived in Monaco under pressure after reports emerged in Montreal claiming the new American team could even consider a mid-season driver change amid Bottas' struggles compared to teammate Sergio Perez.
Cadillac team boss Graeme Lowdon has already firmly denied the claims, and now Bottas has done the (…)

Antonelli laughs off Russell's title mind games

GMM — 2026-06-05T06:56:00Z

Kimi Antonelli has brushed aside George Russell's latest suggestion that the Formula 1 title is now his "to lose".
The 19-year-old Italian arrives in Monaco with a commanding championship lead after four consecutive victories, while teammate Russell suffered a crushing retirement from the lead in Montreal.
Before leaving Canada, Russell declared the title fight was now Antonelli's responsibility to throw away.
And now, he repeated the claim in Monaco: "I don't think I've got anything (…)

Verstappen hopeful as F1 edges towards rules compromise

GMM — 2026-06-05T06:09:00Z

Max Verstappen appears increasingly hopeful that Formula 1's bitter dispute over the controversial F1 regulations will end in compromise rather than stalemate.
After months of criticism and repeatedly warning he could reconsider his long-term future in the sport, the four-time world champion now sounds cautiously optimistic.
"Let's wait and see what comes out," Verstappen said in Monaco.
"I've said everything I want to say about it. It is now up to the FIA and Formula 1 to make a (…)

Sainz leaves door open as Williams pair back Vowles

GMM — 2026-06-05T05:20:00Z

Carlos Sainz has left the door open to future opportunities despite making clear that his preferred path remains staying at Williams long term.
The Spaniard was responding to recent comments from team boss James Vowles, who said he wants to retain both Sainz and Alex Albon beyond 2026 as Williams continues its rebuilding project.
Sainz welcomed the public vote of confidence.
"I was delighted to hear from James that the team lineup would remain the same," he said.
"I think we both (…)

Magnussen to make NASCAR Cup debut in San Diego

GMM — 2026-06-04T10:45:00Z

Kevin Magnussen will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut later this month after being confirmed for Trackhouse Racing's special Project 91 entry in San Diego.
The former Formula 1 driver and current World Endurance Championship competitor will drive the No. 91 Chevrolet in the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at Naval Base Coronado on June 21.
The event will mark Magnussen's first NASCAR Cup start.
"I'm incredibly excited and honoured to have the opportunity to compete in NASCAR," said (…)

Ferrari ties down Leclerc for just two more years

GMM — 2026-06-04T09:32:00Z

Charles Leclerc has ended speculation about his future by signing a new Ferrari contract that will keep him in red for at least the next several seasons.
Ferrari announced the agreement on Wednesday, stating only that Leclerc has renewed for "the coming seasons", without disclosing the exact duration.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Giulia Toninelli, the deal is believed to run through 2027 and 2028, with options beyond that.
"The terms of this new contract are unknown, (…)

Barcelona to blame for reduced F1 role - Domenicali

GMM — 2026-06-04T08:53:00Z

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says he has no regrets about Madrid securing Spain's long-term future on the calendar, suggesting Barcelona only has itself to blame for being pushed into a rotating arrangement.
Speaking to the Spanish press, Domenicali defended the decision that will see Madrid host the Spanish GP for the next decade starting this September, while Barcelona is set to alternate on the calendar from 2027 onwards.
"I'll be very direct," he said ahead of Barcelona's 2026 (…)

Madring gets FIA first green light, organisers dismiss delay rumours

GMM — 2026-06-03T11:08:00Z

Formula 1's new Madrid circuit remains on schedule for its September debut, according to both the FIA and Madring officials.
The FIA carried out an inspection of the venue this week amid persistent speculation that construction delays could threaten the inaugural Spanish GP at the new facility.
Those concerns were dismissed by the governing body.
"As is mandatory when building a new Grade 1 circuit, the FIA organises regular inspections at various stages of the project to ensure that (…)

Sainz eyes racing into his 40s as future speculation continues

GMM — 2026-06-03T10:25:00Z

Carlos Sainz says he wants to continue racing until at least the age of 40, as fresh speculation swirls about his long-term Formula 1 future.
The 31-year-old Spaniard is out of contract at Williams at the end of the season. Team boss James Vowles has made clear he wants both Sainz and Alex Albon to stay, but Audi remains a name to watch after unsuccessfully trying to lure him before the 2025 campaign.
Audi chief Mattia Binotto admitted only days ago that discussions took place. (…)

Newey set for Monaco return amid Aston questions

GMM — 2026-06-03T09:49:00Z

Adrian Newey could be back in the Aston Martin garage in Monaco this weekend after a notably low-profile start to his involvement with the Silverstone-based team.
The design legend's relative absence in recent weeks has fuelled speculation not only about Aston Martin-Honda's disastrous start to 2026, but also about his long-term role within the organisation - and even his health.
Spanish reports now suggest Newey is expected to attend Monaco, although Aston Martin has not officially (…)

McLaren's Monaco milestone sparks counting debate

GMM — 2026-06-03T08:54:00Z

McLaren will celebrate what it says is its 1000th Formula 1 grand prix this weekend in Monaco with a special anniversary livery.
The world champions have unveiled a modified papaya-and-anthracite design featuring a prominent '1000' on the engine cover, marking what the team regards as a historic milestone.
The timing is symbolic. Monaco was where founder Bruce McLaren made his own debut 60 years ago, and the Woking-based team remains the most successful constructor in the principality's (…)

Leclerc refuses to surrender title hopes

GMM — 2026-06-03T08:20:00Z

Charles Leclerc insists Ferrari remains firmly in the 2026 title fight despite Mercedes' dominant start to the season.
The Monegasque heads to Monaco under pressure after Lewis Hamilton outperformed him throughout the Canadian GP weekend, but Ferrari is still being tipped by some as the favourite for Monte Carlo.
Former Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko believes the unique demands of Monaco could finally halt Mercedes' winning run.
"Mercedes is clearly the strongest team," he told (…)

F1 inches towards engine compromise as pressure mounts

GMM — 2026-06-03T07:41:00Z

Formula 1 appears to be edging towards a compromise on its controversial power unit regulations, but no final agreement has yet been reached.
The F1 Commission met in London on Tuesday, with the FIA confirming only that "minor changes were agreed to aerodynamic and bodywork components".
Behind the scenes, however, discussions about the future of the engines continue to intensify, with further talks expected during this weekend's Monaco GP.
According to reports in Italy, manufacturers (…)

Formula E boss says F1's V8 push is 'good for us'

GMM — 2026-06-02T11:04:00Z

Formula E chief Jeff Dodds says Formula 1's growing desire to return to V8 engines is ultimately good news for the all-electric championship.
The debate over Formula 1's future engine direction has intensified after just a handful of races under the new 2026 regulations, which increased the electric component of the power units to 50 percent.
The criticism has been led by drivers including Max Verstappen, who famously compared the new generation of Formula 1 cars to "Formula E on (…)

FIA inspection eases Madrid fears despite legal dispute

GMM — 2026-06-02T08:49:00Z

Concerns that Formula 1's new Madrid street circuit could miss its September debut appear to be fading, although a legal dispute is now unfolding behind the scenes.
An FIA delegation led by race director Rui Marques and the FIA's Jorge Abed visited the future Madring circuit this week to inspect progress on the project.
According to Spanish reports, the officials toured the venue by bus and were shown the latest developments by race promoters, just over three months before Madrid is due (…)

Leclerc 'not worried' as he returns home to Monaco

GMM — 2026-06-02T08:02:31Z

Ferrari is emerging as the clear favourite for Monaco, with even championship leader Kimi Antonelli backing the Italian team ahead of this weekend's race.
McLaren's Lando Norris first tipped Ferrari as the benchmark after Canada, and Antonelli agrees.
"It's going to be very interesting how we do there, but for sure Ferrari is the favourite because obviously also with that winglet they have in the back, it's giving them a lot of downforce at low speed," said the Mercedes driver.
The (…)

Cadillac 'delighted' as V8 momentum grows in F1

GMM — 2026-06-01T13:38:00Z

Cadillac and Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali have added fresh support to growing calls for a return to V8 engines in the near future.
The debate comes as Formula 1 continues to wrestle with criticism of the current regulations, with many drivers unhappy about the heavy reliance on battery deployment and energy management.
Cadillac parent company General Motors is among those encouraged by the direction of the discussion. GM president Mark Reuss said the American giant would (…)

Hulkenberg urged to stay patient with Audi F1

GMM — 2026-06-01T10:39:00Z

Nico Hulkenberg has been urged not to lose faith in Audi despite the German manufacturer's difficult start to the 2026 season.
The Audi works team has scored just two points in its opening races since fully taking over Sauber, both through rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, while the experienced Hulkenberg is still yet to open his account.
With speculation already swirling about the 38-year-old's future, former Formula 1 driver Christian Danner thinks walking away would be a mistake.
"On the (…)

'Perfect' Hamilton could stay ahead in Monaco

GMM — 2026-06-01T09:54:00Z

Lewis Hamilton could emerge as Ferrari's surprise contender in Monaco after decisively outpacing teammate Charles Leclerc in Canada, according to Ralf Schumacher.
Ferrari heads to Monte Carlo amid growing expectations. McLaren's Lando Norris left Montreal suggesting the Italian team could be favourite for pole position, while team boss Andrea Stella agreed Ferrari's strengths should suit the famous street circuit.
Schumacher believes Hamilton may be in a stronger position than many (…)

Rare Michael Schumacher accounts emerge 12 years after accident

GMM — 2026-06-01T09:12:00Z

More than 12 years after Michael Schumacher's skiing accident, rare new firsthand accounts have emerged from some of the people involved on the day the seven-time world champion suffered his life-changing injuries.
Since the December 2013 accident in Meribel, Schumacher's condition has remained one of Formula 1 and global sport's most closely guarded secrets, with the family maintaining strict privacy around his health.
Now, French newspaper L'Equipe has published interviews with several (…)

Antonelli says F1 rivals now respect him amid title charge

GMM — 2026-06-01T08:33:00Z

Kimi Antonelli says his rivals now view him differently after his remarkable start to the 2026 season.
The 19-year-old Mercedes driver, who comfortably leads the world championship after winning four of the opening five races, was honoured with the prestigious Lorenzo Bandini Trophy in Brisighella on Friday.
Thousands of fans packed the small Italian town to welcome the championship leader.
"There are so many people here for me - I wasn't expecting such a welcome," he beamed. (…)

Verstappen allies hit back at Steiner over criticism

GMM — 2026-06-01T08:01:00Z

Max Verstappen's allies have turned on former Haas boss Gunther Steiner after he suggested the Dutchman's criticism of Formula 1's 2026 regulations is motivated by a lack of victories.
"If Verstappen had won, he would be really happy and these would be the best regulations ever," Steiner said in a quote published on an article posted on X.
The remark prompted a sharp response from Verstappen's father, Jos.
"Hi Gunther," he replied on the social media network.
"I understand why you're (…)

Cadillac boss slams 'completely false' Bottas exit rumours

GMM — 2026-06-01T07:34:00Z

Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon has strongly denied rumours that Valtteri Bottas could lose his seat before the end of the season.
Speculation intensified after reports suggested the Finn's future was under threat amid a difficult start to the year and suggestions that reserve driver Colton Herta could replace him - perhaps even imminently.
But Lowdon says the rumours are entirely fabricated.
"There is absolutely no basis, no truth whatsoever in these rumours," he said. "I can (…)

Mercedes walks away from Alpine as Horner options narrow

GMM — 2026-06-01T07:02:00Z

Mercedes has reportedly abandoned plans to buy a stake in Alpine, while Christian Horner's hopes of using the French team as a route back into Formula 1 also appear to have hit a dead end.
According to reports, Mercedes has withdrawn from negotiations to acquire the 24 percent Alpine stake owned by New York-based investment fund Otro Capital.
AFP contacted Mercedes for comment, but a team spokesperson declined to comment.
The negotiations had reportedly been ongoing for months, with (…)

F2 champ Fornaroli targets F1 seat with McLaren backing

GMM — 2026-05-31T07:18:00Z

Leonardo Fornaroli says he hopes to enter Formula 1 full-time next year after beginning trackside duties with McLaren.
The 21-year-old Italian, who won the 2025 Formula 2 title, is now a McLaren reserve and development driver under team boss Andrea Stella.
Fornaroli told Corriere della Sera he will begin attending grands prix this season and is also scheduled to participate in selected FP1 sessions.
"I'm feeling great," he said. "McLaren knows how to help young drivers grow." (…)

Tost raises Newey health concern amid Aston-Honda struggle

GMM — 2026-05-29T10:42:00Z

Former Formula 1 team boss Franz Tost has suggested Adrian Newey's health may be a factor as Aston Martin battles through a disastrous start to its new Honda era.
Speaking on the 15 Love - Der Business podcast, the former Toro Rosso chief said several factors are behind Aston Martin's disappointing 2026 campaign so far.
"Firstly, unfortunately Honda has made a mess of this new engine. They've constructed something that doesn't work as they perhaps expected."
However, based on personal (…)

Hamilton, Leclerc defend Ferrari's electric Luce

GMM — 2026-05-29T09:31:00Z

Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have publicly backed the company's controversial new electric Luce model, despite fierce criticism that wiped billions from Ferrari's market value and triggered ridicule across the media.
The launch of Ferrari's first fully electric production car has divided opinion, with former Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo declaring that the company risks "destroying a legend" and even suggesting the famous Prancing Horse badge should be removed (…)