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Piastri's stock falling as Norris pulls clear at McLaren

GMM — 2026-06-16T15:26:00Z

Oscar Piastri admits he has no explanation for his increasingly difficult run of form alongside McLaren teammate Lando Norris.
While Norris at least managed to take the fight to the dominant Mercedes cars in Barcelona, Piastri endured another anonymous weekend and was left baffled by the extent of the performance gap between the two sides of the garage.
"Do I understand why I'm behind Lando? No, not really," the Australian admitted. "I tried a lot of different setups and encountered (…)

Verstappen teammate fate 'shouldn't happen to me'

GMM — 2026-06-16T12:28:00Z

Isack Hadjar says working alongside Max Verstappen has confirmed exactly why the Dutchman is regarded as Formula 1's benchmark driver.
The 21-year-old Frenchman became Verstappen's eighth teammate in Formula 1 earlier this season and, unlike many predecessors, has so far managed to remain competitive alongside the quadruple world champion.
Now fresh from his breakthrough podium in Monaco - later lost after Pierre Gasly's successful appeal - Hadjar admits he is still adjusting to life at (…)

Rovanpera cleared to resume Formula 1 pathway

GMM — 2026-06-16T11:07:00Z

Kalle Rovanpera's hopes of pursuing a future in Formula 1 have received a major boost after Toyota confirmed the two-time world rally champion has been medically cleared to resume his racing program.
The Finn shocked the motorsport world when he stepped away from rallying to begin a serious single-seater pathway, with confirmed plans to compete in Japan's Super Formula series.
However, those plans were abruptly halted after Rovanpera developed a dizziness condition that ruled him out on (…)

Newey strategy 'weighing' on Aston Martin morale

GMM — 2026-06-16T09:41:00Z

Aston Martin admits its disastrous start to the 2026 season is beginning to take a visible toll throughout the team.
With Fernando Alonso's future the subject of fresh speculation amid links to Alpine and his long-time manager Flavio Briatore, Aston Martin-Honda remains rooted to the back of the field while waiting for a major upgrade package backed by Adrian Newey.
Trackside chief Mike Krack says the situation is becoming increasingly difficult to manage.
"This is starting to weigh on (…)

Gasly appeal opens 'Pandora's box' as rivals seek reviews

GMM — 2026-06-16T08:53:00Z

Alpine's successful Monaco appeal is threatening to trigger a wave of fresh challenges from rival teams.
The controversy erupted after Pierre Gasly had two pitlane speeding penalties overturned after Formula One Management admitted that the distance used in its timing calculations had been measured incorrectly, making cars appear faster than they actually were.
Because Gasly had not served the penalties during the race, the sanctions could be cancelled retrospectively, restoring his (…)

Verstappen not committing to Red Bull future - report

GMM — 2026-06-16T08:16:58Z

Max Verstappen has reportedly still not assured Red Bull that he intends to remain with the team through the end of his contract.
The latest claim comes just days after the quadruple world champion attended a meeting in Salzburg with Red Bull's top leadership, including co-owner Chalerm Yoovidhya and chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff.
When asked in Barcelona about the gathering, Verstappen refused to elaborate. "It's no one's business," he said.
"It was planned anyway. It's not like it (…)

Hamilton reveals injury secret behind Ferrari struggles

GMM — 2026-06-16T07:45:00Z

Lewis Hamilton says an injury sustained before his Ferrari debut contributed to his difficult first season with the Maranello team.
Fresh from his breakthrough victory in Barcelona - his first win since his final years at Mercedes - the seven-time world champion has revealed for the first time that he spent much of 2025 carrying an injury.
"I had a big crash here last year and I carried that injury around all year, which was really tough," he told Viaplay after the Spanish GP.
The (…)

Hamilton 'mind games' against Leclerc in play - Schumacher

GMM — 2026-06-16T05:28:00Z

Lewis Hamilton's long-awaited first Ferrari victory is ramping up pressure on teammate Charles Leclerc.
The seven-time world champion ended a win drought stretching back to his final years at Mercedes with a commanding Barcelona triumph, continuing a remarkable turnaround in form that has lifted him to P2 in the drivers' championship behind runaway leader Kimi Antonelli.
At the same time, Leclerc's season has slipped into a slump despite his brand new long-term Ferrari contract (…)

Domenicali hopes Alonso stays in F1 'for 50 years'

GMM — 2026-06-15T13:31:00Z

Stefano Domenicali has added his voice to growing speculation about Fernando Alonso's future.
The Formula 1 CEO's comments come amid mounting rumours linking the 44-year-old Spaniard with a shock move to Alpine in 2027, potentially reuniting with Flavio Briatore, while Alonso himself admitted during the Spanish GP weekend that Barcelona 2026 may have been his final race at the circuit.
"I hope Fernando can stay here for 50 years, although he won't agree," Domenicali joked to AS (…)

FIA president hints BYD 'the right team' for 12th entry

GMM — 2026-06-15T11:53:00Z

Mohammed Ben Sulayem has added fuel to growing speculation that Chinese automotive giant BYD could become Formula 1's twelfth and final team.
The FIA president has long supported expanding the grid, a campaign that ultimately resulted in Cadillac joining Formula 1 as the eleventh team in 2026.
Now, amid increasing rumours linking BYD with a future entry and recent high-level meetings at grands prix, Ben Sulayem has openly welcomed the prospect of a Chinese team.
"It's not about simply (…)

Verstappen shrugs off speculation as Red Bull plots recovery

GMM — 2026-06-15T07:55:00Z

Max Verstappen has further played down speculation about his future after his recent meeting with Red Bull's top leadership in Salzburg triggered fresh rumours linking him with Mercedes.
The quadruple world champion was spotted alongside manager Raymond Vermeulen, Red Bull co-owner Chalerm Yoovidhya, Red Bull heir Mark Mateschitz and chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff amid continuing uncertainty about his long-term plans.
After initially refusing to discuss the meeting in Barcelona, (…)

Ferrari now title threat as Mercedes reliability fears deepen

GMM — 2026-06-15T07:16:00Z

Toto Wolff has admitted Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton are now genuine championship threats as reliability concerns mount at dominant Mercedes.
Although George Russell was pleased to claw back 18 points to championship leader Kimi Antonelli in Barcelona, the result came only after the young Italian retired ahead of him with yet another power unit-related problem.
The failure continued a worrying trend for Mercedes and its customer teams despite the marque's dominance of the 2026 season. (…)

Madrid admits pressure as planned F1 test event scrapped

GMM — 2026-06-14T10:30:00Z

Despite months of official denials about delays, fresh doubts have emerged about Madrid's readiness for its Formula 1 debut later this year.
The new Madring circuit recently passed an FIA inspection and organisers have consistently insisted preparations remain on schedule.
However, Royal Spanish Automobile Federation (RFEdA) president Manuel Avino has now acknowledged that time is becoming tight.
"The truth is I'm very excited, with high expectations, but also a bit nervous, because (…)

Todt rejects doom and gloom over Formula 1's future

GMM — 2026-06-14T09:45:00Z

Jean Todt has played down concerns about Formula 1's controversial new 2026 regulations.
Many figures in the paddock have slammed the new rules package since it debuted this year, with the electric component being diluted for 2027 and 2028 and plans already shaping up for normally aspirated, V8-powered future.
Former Ferrari boss and FIA president Todt, however, sees the situation differently.
"Many talk about a revolution in Formula 1, as if we were facing something completely (…)

Honda engineer got behind wheel to solve Aston problem

GMM — 2026-06-14T08:59:00Z

Honda has revealed that Aston Martin handed over a complete Formula 1 car and even allowed one of its senior engineers to drive it in a bid to solve one of the biggest problems of the opening phase of the 2026 season.
The new Aston Martin-Honda works partnership is enduring a disastrous start to the year, but among the most pressing of the early issues was the severe vibrations generated by the car and power unit package.
Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe says the issue is (…)

Alonso-Alpine reunion rumour swirls through paddock

GMM — 2026-06-14T08:16:00Z

Fernando Alonso has become the subject of one of the biggest rumours circulating in the Barcelona paddock.
According to Sky Italia journalist Roberto Chinchero, the two-time world champion is being linked with a shock move to Alpine for 2027, potentially reuniting with Flavio Briatore.
"Gasly will stay, but Colapinto says it also depends on what happens with Alonso," Chinchero said from Barcelona.
"Franco has a close relationship with Williams."
Some observers believe Aston Martin (…)

FIA ready to take on Audi in F1's V8 turbo row

GMM — 2026-06-14T07:31:00Z

Formula 1's next major engine battle is already brewing, with the FIA seemingly prepared to oppose Audi's insistence on turbocharging as the sport eyes a return to V8 power.
Speaking at Le Mans, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem made clear he is pushing hard for a simpler, lighter and cheaper engine formula to replace the widely criticised 2026 regulations.
"The V8 is a done deal. The decision has been made," he confirmed to several media outlets, including Auto Hebdo.
"A V8 is (…)

Hamilton surge continues as Ferrari emerges as Mercedes threat

GMM — 2026-06-14T06:45:00Z

George Russell may be threatening to end Kimi Antonelli's run of dominance in Barcelona, but Ferrari's pace is emerging as one of the biggest stories of the Spanish GP weekend.
After six wins from six races for Mercedes in 2026, Lewis Hamilton will line up between Russell and Antonelli on the grid, having continued his recent run of surprising superiority over teammate Charles Leclerc.
The Monegasque's difficult period also continued after his Monaco crash, which he blamed on Brembo. But (…)

Briatore tells Russell to 'wake up' amid Antonelli charge

GMM — 2026-06-13T13:56:00Z

Flavio Briatore admits he completely underestimated Kimi Antonelli.
The Alpine executive has become the latest senior Formula 1 figure to heap praise on the 19-year-old Italian after his fifth consecutive grand prix victory in Monaco.
"What kind of driver, what kind of phenomenon is someone who wins five Grands Prix in a row at 19 years old?" he said.
Briatore said his first impression of Antonelli was misleading.
"The first time I saw Kimi last year he looked like a little kid," he (…)

Barcelona could return in 2027 if calendar disrupted

GMM — 2026-06-13T10:59:00Z

Barcelona could yet stage a Formula 1 race in 2027 despite not being scheduled to host one under its new alternating agreement with Spa-Francorchamps.
The possibility has been raised by Royal Spanish Automobile Federation (RFEdA) president Manuel Avino, who admits the ongoing conflict in Iran could force Formula 1 to seek contingency plans for next season.
The comments come amid continuing uncertainty around Formula 1's Middle East contingent, with Bahrain and Jeddah already cancelled in (…)

Norris proud to be F1 champion without being a 'jerk'

GMM — 2026-06-13T10:23:00Z

Lando Norris says he is proud to have become a Formula 1 world champion without adopting the ruthless approach associated with some of the sport's biggest names.
The McLaren driver, whose chances of defending his 2025 crown now look increasingly slim amid the team's struggles in 2026, told La Stampa he hopes his success sends a different message to future generations.
"I've shown that it's possible to win a championship without having to act so selfishly," Norris said.
"You don't have (…)

Verstappen plays down Salzburg meeting speculation

GMM — 2026-06-13T09:45:00Z

Max Verstappen has brushed aside fresh speculation about his future after being spotted in Salzburg earlier this week meeting Red Bull's top leadership.
The quadruple world champion's private jet movements have been closely tracked amid continuing rumours linking him with Mercedes.
Speculation intensified when Verstappen's aircraft was seen travelling to England near Mercedes' headquarters before heading to Austria, where footage later emerged showing him alongside manager Raymond (…)

Briatore plays down driver market as Sainz weighs future

GMM — 2026-06-13T09:11:00Z

Flavio Briatore has played down speculation of a potential driver change at Alpine, as Carlos Sainz weighs up his options for 2027.
The Spaniard's future has become a talking point again as his contract is up for renewal at Williams, where progress in 2026 has been slower than expected.
Sainz told DAZN in Barcelona that his intention remains to stay at Williams, but he admitted he will evaluate his options before committing for 2027.
"My plan is to stay with Williams," he said.
"I (…)

Red Bull still fighting FIA over controversial engine ruling

GMM — 2026-06-13T08:38:00Z

Red Bull is continuing to challenge the FIA's controversial ADUO engine assessment, amid concerns the ruling could have major consequences for the next three Formula 1 seasons.
The governing body's preliminary analysis identified Red Bull-Ford as the benchmark combustion engine supplier for 2026.
Ironically, that means Red Bull is currently the only manufacturer unable to access the performance upgrade concessions available under the ADUO system.
Mercedes, Ferrari, Audi and Honda all (…)

FIA Monaco blunder sparks fresh backlash from rivals

GMM — 2026-06-13T08:07:06Z

Formula 1's Monaco pitlane speeding controversy has escalated again, with several rival teams furious after Pierre Gasly's lost podium was officially restored.
The FIA admitted on Friday that Alpine driver Gasly should never have received two five-second penalties during the Monaco GP.
After a successful hearing in Barcelona, Gasly was reinstated to P3 - demoting Isack Hadjar, Oscar Piastri, Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad by one position each.
According to Auto Motor und Sport, all six (…)

Ben Sulayem keeps pushing for lighter V8-powered F1 future

GMM — 2026-06-13T07:29:00Z

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is continuing to champion a return to lighter, louder and cheaper Formula 1 cars powered by V8 engines.
While Formula 1's current manufacturers have now agreed to revisions for the 2027 and 2028 engine regulations, Ben Sulayem is already looking further ahead to the next rules cycle.
Speaking to Canal Plus, the FIA president said today's cars have become too complex, too expensive and too heavy.
"What's the worst thing about cars now?" he said.
"The (…)

F1, FIA, Ecclestone fight back in Massa crashgate case

GMM — 2026-06-13T05:10:00Z

Formula 1, the FIA and former supremo Bernie Ecclestone have won permission to take Felipe Massa's crashgate case directly to the UK Supreme Court.
The latest development marks a significant counterattack by the defendants after Massa scored a partial legal victory earlier this year.
The Brazilian, who lost the 2008 world championship to Lewis Hamilton by a single point, is seeking damages linked to the infamous Singapore crashgate scandal.
Massa argues that the outcome of the (…)

No top team vacancies for Sainz, Albon, says Vowles

GMM — 2026-06-12T15:12:00Z

Williams boss James Vowles is increasingly confident Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon will remain committed to the Grove-based team's long-term project.
Sainz's second season at Williams has been more difficult than many expected, but Vowles insists the Spaniard remains fully invested despite ongoing speculation linking him with future opportunities elsewhere.
"No, I'm not worried, and that's for two reasons," he told Spanish reporters in Barcelona.
"I think the winning teams - and there (…)

Wurz warns Mercedes title fight could turn ugly

GMM — 2026-06-12T14:21:00Z

GPDA chairman Alex Wurz is not convinced the harmony between Kimi Antonelli and George Russell will survive a prolonged title fight.
Antonelli's fifth consecutive victory in Monaco extended his lead to 68 points over teammate Russell, amid ongoing comparisons with the famous Lewis Hamilton-Nico Rosberg rivalry.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff recently rejected those parallels.
"No, those two are much better characters," Wolff said of Antonelli and Russell, according to f1-insider.com.
"The (…)

Ferrari protege piling pressure on Ocon at Haas

GMM — 2026-06-12T13:40:00Z

Esteban Ocon's Formula 1 future may be under increasing pressure from Ferrari junior Rafael Camara.
While many paddock observers have linked Toyota-backed Jack Doohan with a possible Haas seat in 2027, Germany's Auto Motor und Sport believes technical partner Ferrari has other plans.
According to correspondent Tobias Gruner, Ferrari is already looking at ways to place its highly-rated Brazilian academy driver on the Formula 1 grid.
"Many experts currently consider Rafael Camara to be (…)