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Rumours Williams offer Sainz 30m euros amid Piastri fury

GMM — 2026-07-28T11:42:24Z

Williams is reportedly offering Carlos Sainz an enormous 30 million euros per year to stay, even as the Spaniard delays his decision and faces fierce criticism for his Hungarian GP collision with Oscar Piastri.
The figure would place Sainz among Formula 1's highest-paid drivers, despite his repeated criticism of Williams' car throughout the season.
He left Hungary saying he would use the summer break to decide his future calmly.
The timing is awkward, however, after Sainz collided with (…)

Honda feels pressure after Aston chassis breakthrough

GMM — 2026-07-28T10:16:00Z

Fernando Alonso says the pressure is now on Honda to deliver after Aston Martin's major chassis breakthrough in Hungary - and Honda agrees.
Aston's heavily revised chassis made a clear step forward at the Hungaroring, with Carlos Sainz even claiming the Silverstone based team now has the best chassis in the midfield.
And now, Honda will run its upgraded power unit in the car for the first time during a 200-kilometre filming day at the Hungaroring on Wednesday.
The new engine, rumoured (…)

Red Bull already weighing early switch to 2027 car

GMM — 2026-07-28T09:29:00Z

Red Bull is already considering an earlier-than-usual shift towards its 2027 car as Max Verstappen continues to expose the weaknesses of the current package.
Verstappen has remained fiercely critical of the car despite repeatedly dragging it onto the podium, while rumours continue about exit clauses and Red Bull's attempts to secure his long-term future.
Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone was told by Blick that bookmakers now rate Verstappen at 43-1 to win the championship. "With odds (…)

Stella plays down Piastri fury as Norris takes control

GMM — 2026-07-28T08:17:27Z

Andrea Stella has played down Oscar Piastri's furious radio outburst in Hungary as questions continue about the Australian's position alongside reigning world champion Lando Norris.
Piastri had led almost half the race before being delayed in traffic following his pitstop and colliding with backmarker Carlos Sainz, allowing Norris to emerge ahead after his own stop.
When engineer Tom Stallard attempted to explain the lost time, Piastri snapped: "Oh mate, it's better you don't f**ing talk (…)

Gwen Lagrue becomes Director of the Red Bull Junior Programme

Franck Drui — 2026-07-27T14:48:07Z

Oracle Red Bull Racing today announced the appointment of Gwen Lagrue as Director of the Red Bull Junior Programme. Reporting directly to CEO and Team Principal Laurent Mekies, Gwen will join the Leadership Team in 2027 as Oracle Red Bull Racing continues to strengthen its organisation for the future.
Widely regarded as one of Formula One's leading talent developers, Gwen will be responsible for leading the Red Bull Junior Programme, overseeing the identification, development and (…)

Czech president works as accredited F1 photographer

GMM — 2026-07-27T12:03:00Z

Czech president Petr Pavel spent the Hungarian GP working as an ordinary accredited photographer at the Hungaroring.
The 64-year-old motorsport and photography enthusiast carried his own camera equipment and photographed the race from trackside rather than attending only in an official capacity.
According to L'Equipe, Pavel was welcomed in the paddock by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, but otherwise appeared alongside the circuit's regular photographers.
The former chairman of (…)

Sainz to 'calmly' decide future during summer break

GMM — 2026-07-27T11:06:00Z

Carlos Sainz says he will use the summer break to calmly decide his Formula 1 future after describing Williams' season as "very bad" and far below expectations.
The Spaniard endured another difficult weekend in Hungary, qualifying P18 before being involved in an incident with Oscar Piastri as the McLaren driver lapped him.
Piastri criticised Sainz for the contact, but the Williams driver insisted he had not seen the championship contender approaching. "I'm surprised he got into that (…)

Hadjar staying, Verstappen offered richer deal

GMM — 2026-07-27T10:17:00Z

Red Bull has reportedly offered Max Verstappen a longer and more lucrative contract that would remove his existing release clause.
According to Bild, team principal Laurent Mekies and Red Bull sporting chief Oliver Mintzlaff want to extend Verstappen's deal from the end of 2028 until after the 2029 season.
Bild says Verstappen's base salary, currently around 65 million euros per year, would also be increased. "Verstappen and his management have had Red Bull's offer for several weeks," (…)

Domenicali admits Imola an option for 2026 stand-in

GMM — 2026-07-27T08:35:00Z

Formula 1 has confirmed that this year's postponed Bahrain GP will instead be staged at Malaysia's Sepang circuit, while Stefano Domenicali admits Imola remains on standby if the Middle East conflict forces further calendar changes.
The sport has relocated the postponed Bahrain event following the renewed war involving Iran, with uncertainty also hanging over the season-ending races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Speaking to Sky Italia after the Hungarian GP, Domenicali stressed that Formula 1 (…)

Antonelli has eased urgency to sign Verstappen - Wolff

GMM — 2026-07-26T09:40:00Z

Toto Wolff has given another strong indication that Max Verstappen will not join Mercedes in 2027, saying Kimi Antonelli's emergence means the team is no longer under immediate pressure to recruit the reigning benchmark.
The Mercedes boss had already confirmed in Hungary that Antonelli and George Russell are expected to remain together next season, while leaving open the possibility of eventually pairing Verstappen with the 19-year-old Italian.
"You always have to try to have the best (…)

Williams must copy Aston's big leap - Sainz

GMM — 2026-07-26T09:06:00Z

Carlos Sainz says Williams must now prove it can emulate Aston Martin's dramatic Hungary transformation after Fernando Alonso suddenly escaped the back of the grid with the team's heavily revised 'B' car.
Aston arrived at the Hungaroring with a radically revised chassis after spending the entire season near the rear, and Alonso broke into Q2 as the package immediately delivered a major increase in downforce.
"I think that as a team, instead of looking at Aston Martin's situation with (…)

Hungaroring asphalt raises race-stoppage fears

GMM — 2026-07-26T08:29:51Z

Crumbling asphalt has put Formula 1 officials on alert ahead of the Hungarian GP, with concerns that worsening track damage could even interrupt Sunday's race.
Nico Hulkenberg had already described the resurfaced sections as a "patchwork quilt" on Thursday, while drivers encountered bumps, dust, inconsistent grip and loose stones throughout practice and qualifying.
The most serious problem emerged in the final corner, where the asphalt began breaking apart directly on the racing line. (…)

Malaysia and Imola poised for F1 return

GMM — 2026-07-26T08:04:00Z

Malaysia appears close to confirming a surprise Formula 1 return, potentially hosting the postponed Bahrain GP at Sepang in October.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says an announcement is imminent amid reports that Formula 1 wants to fill the October 4 gap between Azerbaijan and Singapore.
"With regards to F1, we will make an announcement on Sunday," Anwar told Malaysian media.
The Straits Times said active discussions and assessments are underway over Malaysia's first grand prix since (…)

Red Bull cuts Verstappen media as car criticism erupts

GMM — 2026-07-26T07:33:00Z

Red Bull sharply reduced Max Verstappen's media appearances after qualifying in Hungary as the Dutchman renewed his fierce criticism of the unpredictable 2026 car.
Verstappen described the car over the radio as "broken aerodynamically" before qualifying P6.
"We don't have tyre degradation, we have car degradation," he said afterwards.
"If you have a balance problem, that's one thing, but if it changes from lap to lap, it's very complicated."
The four-time world champion said the car (…)

Wurz says GPDA already reshaping hated 2026 rules

GMM — 2026-07-25T12:11:00Z

GPDA chairman Alex Wurz says Formula 1's drivers have already forced changes to the heavily criticised 2026 regulations, even though a more radical overhaul was impossible.
The former Formula 1 driver acknowledged the widespread complaints from Max Verstappen and others, but said the controversy has not damaged the sport commercially.
"There was a lot of grumbling from drivers and insiders," Wurz told Austria's Osterreich newspaper. "But that didn't hurt the F1 product.
"On the (…)

Racing Bulls pair go viral on budget flight

GMM — 2026-07-25T10:59:00Z

Racing Bulls teammates Arvid Lindblad and Liam Lawson went viral after flying home from Spa together on an EasyJet flight.
The pair shared a selfie from row three with the caption "Stay humble", an unusual sight in a paddock where most drivers travel by private jet or business class.
"I don't have much money, so I just take regular scheduled flights," rookie Lindblad said.
"There's absolutely nothing wrong with that. I've always done it that way.
"If I can save a bit of money, then (…)

Hamilton skips key FIA meeting over Spa penalties

GMM — 2026-07-25T10:25:00Z

Several Formula 1 drivers reportedly skipped an important FIA meeting in Hungary to discuss driving standards and controversial stewarding decisions from Spa.
According to reports, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Sergio Perez, Valtteri Bottas and Lance Stroll were among those absent.
The meeting had already been scheduled before the Belgian GP, but gained added significance after Hamilton's first-lap collision with George Russell and Charles Leclerc's later contact with Oscar Piastri. (…)

Red Bull rescued Tsolov from Alonso-linked debt - report

GMM — 2026-07-25T09:46:00Z

Red Bull's next F1 star Nikola Tsolov was reportedly rescued from serious financial difficulty after Dr Helmut Marko extracted him from a restrictive agreement linked to Fernando Alonso's management structure.
Days ago, Racing Bulls boss Alan Permane described the Formula 2 championship leader as "next in line" for a Formula 1 promotion with the energy drinks-owned empire.
But according to f1-insider.com's Ralf Bach, the Bulgarian's rise has taken place amid considerable financial (…)

Leclerc baby rumours erupt in Hungary paddock

GMM — 2026-07-25T08:58:00Z

Charles Leclerc is reportedly preparing to become a father, although neither the Ferrari driver nor his wife Alexandra has officially confirmed the pregnancy.
Italian newspapers La Repubblica and Corriere della Sera say Alexandra's appearance in the Hungaroring paddock on Friday appeared to confirm rumours that had circulated for several weeks.
La Repubblica reported that the couple's first child is expected in the autumn, while stressing that the pregnancy and the baby's sex have not (…)

Antonelli faces lawsuit from former manager Minardi

GMM — 2026-07-25T08:31:06Z

Championship leader Kimi Antonelli is facing a civil lawsuit from his former manager Giovanni Minardi over alleged unpaid compensation dating back to the Italian's career before Formula 1.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere della Sera, Minardi filed the case in the Court of Bologna last year after Antonelli unilaterally terminated their management agreement before making his Formula 1 debut.
Minardi, the son of former team owner Gian Carlo Minardi, is reportedly seeking (…)

Wolff keeps Verstappen door open for future

GMM — 2026-07-25T08:05:00Z

Toto Wolff says Mercedes is firmly planning to retain George Russell alongside championship leader Kimi Antonelli in 2027, while still refusing to rule out pairing the young Italian with Max Verstappen in the future.
Antonelli has exceeded even Mercedes' expectations by leading the championship at just 19. "I think the boy is simply very good at processing and implementing feedback," Wolff told Sky Deutschland in Hungary.
Russell is currently P3 in the championship and has suffered (…)

Horner rumours linger as 'much better' Aston runs

GMM — 2026-07-25T07:44:00Z

Adrian Newey hopes Aston Martin's radically overhauled car has finally ended the "complete nightmare" of its disastrous start to the 2026 season.
The heavily revised chassis debuted in Hungary with 16 separate changes listed in the FIA documentation, covering almost every major aerodynamic area of the car.
"Hopefully, yes," Newey said when asked whether Friday marked the end of the nightmare and the beginning of a new phase.
"The first races have been a complete nightmare, you're (…)

Bortoleto commits long-term, Sauber defends Audi

GMM — 2026-07-24T13:54:00Z

Gabriel Bortoleto has confirmed he will remain with Audi for "many years", shutting down speculation about the German manufacturer's 2027 driver lineup.
"My future with Audi is already decided," the Brazilian said as the Hungarian GP weekend began.
"I will remain with the team for many years. I have a multi-year contract.
"I cannot disclose its duration, but if they want to make this information public, I am not against it."
"We have a long road ahead of us, many years of (…)

Herta's Cadillac hopes fade as Bottas fears Aston leap

GMM — 2026-07-24T11:24:00Z

Colton Herta will return to Cadillac's Formula 1 car in Hungary, but his intended path towards a full-time seat in 2027 is becoming increasingly uncertain.
The American, 26, will replace Valtteri Bottas in FP1 at the Hungaroring, six weeks after taking over Sergio Perez's car in Barcelona.
"It is very exciting to get another chance in FP1," Herta said.
"It is a good opportunity to gain experience, but the ultimate goal is of course to help the team with development. I was last in the (…)

Malaysia emerges as likely Bahrain replacement

GMM — 2026-07-24T08:52:00Z

Malaysia has emerged as a leading candidate for a surprise return to the Formula 1 calendar as renewed conflict involving Iran further weakens Bahrain's chances of hosting a replacement race.
Multiple outlets, including Reuters, The New York Times, Sky Sports, De Telegraaf and Malaysia's New Straits Times, report that Sepang is under consideration for the vacant October 4 date between Azerbaijan and Singapore.
No decision has yet been made, but Formula 1 is understood to want clarity (…)

Ferrari unveils 'bunny ears' in latest innovation push

GMM — 2026-07-24T08:19:00Z

Ferrari has continued its striking run of technical innovation by unveiling another highly distinctive rear wing for the Hungarian GP.
The latest evolution of the so-called 'Macarena' concept features small winglets resembling bunny ears on either side, together with a triple-decker cascade in the centre of the assembly.
Auto Motor und Sport says Ferrari has a fundamental packaging advantage over its rivals.
On most cars, the actuator that moves the main flap occupies the central (…)

Piastri a 'passenger' as Wolff admits disadvantage

GMM — 2026-07-24T07:36:00Z

Oscar Piastri says Formula 1 drivers can feel like passengers of an AI program in 2026, as Toto Wolff acknowledges Mercedes-powered customer teams face an inherent disadvantage under the new regulations.
McLaren has repeatedly raised concerns that Mercedes develops the power unit alongside its own chassis, while customers receive less information and can face delays integrating new specifications.
Piastri says the problem is compounded by the enormous influence electrical deployment now (…)

Verstappen cools exit talk as Red Bull form improves

GMM — 2026-07-24T06:50:00Z

Max Verstappen has struck a noticeably calmer tone about his future as Red Bull begins the Hungarian GP weekend with signs of progress both on and off the track.
After months of speculation about exit clauses, rival teams and growing frustration with Formula 1's 2026 regulations, the four-time world champion insists there is currently no move taking place.
"What I can say is that there is nothing to say because nothing is happening right now," Verstappen said.
"I feel good. And I feel (…)

Alonso dismisses '2-second' Aston upgrade hype

GMM — 2026-07-24T06:03:00Z

Fernando Alonso has played down extraordinary expectations surrounding Aston Martin's radically revised car, insisting no upgrade could immediately erase the team's enormous deficit.
The Adrian Newey-led package finally arrived at the Hungaroring after a last-minute push, with rumours suggesting almost everything except the front suspension has changed.
"Spa was one of the toughest," Alonso said at the Hungaroring.
"I think we had the guy in front of us 2.1 seconds ahead, so there is (…)

Russell dismisses claims Antonelli is Wolff's favourite

GMM — 2026-07-23T12:04:00Z

George Russell has opened the Hungarian GP weekend by insisting Mercedes is not favouring championship leader Kimi Antonelli, dismissing the growing narrative as media-driven "nonsense".
Russell was furious after his first-lap retirement at Spa, where an electrical failure left him vulnerable before contact with Lewis Hamilton.
"Guys, unacceptable," he said over the radio after retiring. "Un-f***ing-acceptable this whole weekend."
Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher subsequently (…)