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Ben Sulayem admits FIA 'mistakes' over 2026 rules

GMM — 2026-07-20T11:19:00Z

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has acknowledged that mistakes were made with Formula 1's controversial 2026 regulations following intense criticism from drivers at Spa.
Carlos Sainz and Lewis Hamilton were among those questioning how the regulations had ever been approved after the severe energy-management problems became particularly visible on the long Belgian circuit.
"We also make mistakes," Ben Sulayem told Viaplay.
"We also have loopholes in the law. We will always raise our (…)

Red Bull moves for Mercedes junior chief Lagrue

GMM — 2026-07-20T09:58:00Z

Red Bull is reportedly trying to poach the man behind Mercedes' highly successful young driver program as it rebuilds the structure once dominated by the now-retired Dr Helmut Marko.
According to De Telegraaf and other reports, Gwen Lagrue is in talks to leave Mercedes and take charge of Red Bull's famous junior program.
Lagrue remains under contract, however, with Mercedes and the Frenchman reportedly discussing the terms of his potential departure.
Asked initially about the reports, (…)

Russell demands 'same car' as Antonelli after Spa disaster

GMM — 2026-07-20T08:01:30Z

George Russell's championship deficit to Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli has doubled to 50 points after another power unit problem contributed to his first-lap retirement at Spa.
Antonelli won the Belgian GP from pole, while Russell tangled with Lewis Hamilton - now P2 in the drivers' standings ahead of Russell - after suddenly losing electrical power on the climb from Eau Rouge.
"On the straight uphill, my battery was completely dead," the furious Russell revealed.
"I was slower than (…)

Spa pushing to reclaim permanent place on F1 calendar

GMM — 2026-07-19T11:22:00Z

Spa-Francorchamps is already lobbying Formula 1 to restore its permanent place on the calendar despite only recently agreeing to an alternating contract.
Under the current arrangement, the Belgian GP is guaranteed a place in 2027, 2029 and 2031, alternating with Barcelona.
But circuit chairman Melchior Wathelet says the ultimate goal remains a return to an annual race.
"We are holding talks with Formula 1 leadership and emphasising the historical importance of this race," he told NOS. (…)

Wolff admits Ferrari will try to sign Antonelli

GMM — 2026-07-19T10:46:00Z

Toto Wolff has admitted Ferrari will almost certainly try to lure Kimi Antonelli away from Mercedes, as the Italian youngster continued his impressive run of form with pole position at Spa.
Championship leader Antonelli's performances are increasingly making him one of Italy's biggest sports stars, despite driving for Mercedes rather than Ferrari.
"We're aware," Wolff told RTBF when asked if Ferrari's interest concerns him.
"But Kimi has been a Mercedes driver since he was 11. Ferrari (…)

Sainz insists Williams has 'failed' with 2026 car

GMM — 2026-07-19T10:11:00Z

Carlos Sainz has delivered his strongest criticism yet of Williams' 2026 campaign, admitting the team has "failed" with this year's car as speculation about his future continues.
The Spaniard, increasingly linked with a move to Audi, says even the team's heavily anticipated 'B' car - set to debut at Baku - is unlikely to transform its fortunes.
"To be perfectly honest, not this year," Sainz told DAZN when asked if he expected a major step forward.
"Even though we've talked about a 'B' (…)

Red Bull names Verstappen's next race engineer - report

GMM — 2026-07-19T08:28:00Z

Red Bull has reportedly decided who will replace Gianpiero Lambiase as Max Verstappen's race engineer, even as speculation about the Dutchman's own future refuses to disappear.
According to De Telegraaf, long-time performance engineer Tom Hart has been chosen to succeed Lambiase, who is set to leave for McLaren no later than 2028.
The report said Hart had been due to join Williams after this season before new team boss Laurent Mekies convinced him to remain at Red Bull.
Hart is (…)

F1 rejects claims Spa coverage hiding energy problem

GMM — 2026-07-19T07:48:00Z

Formula 1 has denied deliberately hiding the true extent of the 2026 cars' energy management problems after broadcasters questioned the television coverage from Spa.
Sky Deutschland commentators noticed that onboard cameras repeatedly cut away before the end of the Kemmel Straight, with speed and battery graphics also largely absent.
"Why don't they just stick with it? I don't understand it," said commentator Sascha Roos.
Former F1 driver Timo Glock replied: "Because they don't want to (…)

Madrid GP sells out despite Hamilton overtaking doubts

GMM — 2026-07-18T11:03:00Z

Formula 1's new Madrid street race has sold out almost two months before its debut, underlining the sport's commercial momentum even as Lewis Hamilton questions whether the circuit will produce exciting racing.
Organisers confirmed that all 100,000 tickets released so far have been sold, while sponsorship revenue alone has already covered the cost of building the new circuit.
"Everything that goes on sale, sells out," said Jose Vicente de los Mozos, president of Ifema's executive (…)

Bearman's future 'not up to us', admits Komatsu

GMM — 2026-07-18T09:12:00Z

Haas boss Ayao Komatsu admits Oliver Bearman's Formula 1 future is ultimately out of the team's hands amid growing speculation linking the Briton with both Red Bull and Ferrari.
Bearman has emerged as one of the names tipped to replace Max Verstappen should the Dutchman leave Red Bull, while others believe Ferrari would first recall its own junior if Lewis Hamilton were to depart.
Komatsu admits Haas can only hope to convince Ferrari to leave Bearman where he is.
"We're obviously (…)

Domenicali still pushing to revive cancelled GP

GMM — 2026-07-18T08:41:00Z

Formula 1 is drawing up multiple contingency plans as renewed conflict in the Middle East throws the final months of the 2026 calendar back into doubt.
The sport had hoped to reschedule the postponed Bahrain GP later this year, but the renewal of the Middle East conflict has forced Formula One Management to reconsider, with Portimao and even a second race at Baku now under discussion.
Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali admitted at Spa that time is running short.
"Being an (…)

Sainz says Antonelli crossed the line with 'insult'

GMM — 2026-07-18T08:03:00Z

Carlos Sainz has told teenaged world championship leader Kimi Antonelli to "relax" after the pair clashed during Friday practice at Spa.
Antonelli believed the Williams driver had compromised his flying lap, while Sainz insisted the Mercedes youngster had overreacted.
"I suppose nowadays if you don't move out of the way exactly as the driver behind would like, you can't turn properly because you don't have enough downforce with the wings open," Sainz said.
"And maybe he felt I could (…)

Hungary-Zandvoort upgrade to shape Aston, Alonso future

GMM — 2026-07-18T07:26:00Z

Aston Martin hopes this weekend's Belgian GP marks the low point of its troubled 2026 season, with a major upgrade package now just one race away.
The Silverstone-based team arrived at Spa expecting to struggle with its unchanged car, before introducing an all-new and highly anticipated chassis package in Hungary next weekend and a new Honda power unit at Zandvoort.
"It's the same car we had in preseason testing in Bahrain," the Spaniard said as the five-second pace deficit to the (…)

Verstappen saga deepens as father, manager visit McLaren

GMM — 2026-07-18T06:37:00Z

Fresh intrigue surrounds Max Verstappen's future after both his father Jos and manager Raymond Vermeulen were spotted separately entering McLaren's hospitality unit on Friday at Spa.
The visits came just days after Vermeulen and Jos Verstappen met the now-retired Red Bull adviser Dr Helmut Marko in Amsterdam, fuelling yet more speculation about the quadruple world champion's future.
A source close to the Verstappen camp insisted the McLaren meetings were solely about the newly announced (…)

Hulkenberg laughs off Sainz-to-Audi rumours

GMM — 2026-07-17T09:58:00Z

Carlos Sainz has insisted Williams remains his preferred long-term project despite renewed speculation linking him with Audi.
Although Audi boss Mattia Binotto recently dismissed reports of a renewed attempt to sign the Spaniard, rumours continue to circulate that the German manufacturer could yet make another move amid Williams' difficult run of form.
Sainz's frustration with Williams reached a high point at Silverstone, but at Spa he insisted his focus has not changed.
"I'm not (…)

Shipping a car: What to know before you book auto transport

Camille Komaël — 2026-07-17T09:36:00Z

Image by Flowo on Magnific
At some point, many drivers face a task that sounds simple but quickly proves anything but: moving a vehicle a long distance without driving it there. Whether you are relocating, buying a car from another state, or sending a vehicle to family, driving it yourself is not always practical, and trusting a stranger with an expensive machine can be daunting. This is where professional auto transport comes in. Understanding how it works, and what separates a good (…)

Ocon plays down F1 exit rumours at 10-year milestone

GMM — 2026-07-17T09:09:00Z

Esteban Ocon has played down growing speculation about his Haas future as he marks ten years since making his Formula 1 debut at Spa.
The Frenchman's contract contains a Haas-controlled option for 2027, but a growing list of potential replacements now includes McLaren reserve Leonardo Fornaroli, Toyota-backed Ryo Hirakawa, Ferrari junior Rafael Camara, Yuki Tsunoda and Haas reserve Jack Doohan.
Fornaroli is currently regarded as a particularly serious contender after impressing Haas (…)

'Big money' will keep Verstappen in F1 - Marko

GMM — 2026-07-17T08:26:00Z

Max Verstappen again refused to clarify his Formula 1 future at Spa on Thursday, as the retired Dr Helmut Marko continued to play down speculation surrounding their recent meeting in Amsterdam.
The quadruple world champion has been heavily linked with McLaren in recent weeks, while reports have suggested relations with Red Bull have deteriorated following Silverstone.
Asked directly in the FIA press conference if he will still be at Red Bull in 2027, Verstappen refused to commit.
"Ok, (…)

Red Bull drops 'Macarena' as Verstappen backs team

GMM — 2026-07-17T07:41:24Z

Red Bull has abandoned its troublesome 'Macarena' rear wing for this weekend's Belgian GP after the recent failures that left Max Verstappen furious at Silverstone.
The aggressive concept, which attracted attention for opening even wider than Ferrari's version, was abandoned after Verstappen twice ended up off the track with failures in Austria and Silverstone, adding to speculation about his future amid Red Bull's recent struggles.
For Spa, Red Bull has reverted to its previous (…)

Horner to Aston? Schumacher isn't convinced

GMM — 2026-07-16T10:20:00Z

Ralf Schumacher does not think Christian Horner's widely-rumoured Formula 1 comeback will be with Aston Martin.
The former Red Bull boss has been linked with Aston Martin, Alpine and even a possible BYD-backed twelfth entry, but Schumacher believes several obstacles stand in the way.
"I can't imagine Christian Horner coming back as team principal, certainly not under anyone with the character of Lawrence Stroll," he told Sky Deutschland.
"I don't think that would work. At least that's (…)

Russell safe, but as Antonelli number two - Steiner

GMM — 2026-07-16T08:58:00Z

Gunther Steiner thinks George Russell's Mercedes future remains secure, although perhaps no longer as the team's leading driver.
The former Haas boss believes Kimi Antonelli has emerged as the biggest surprise of the 2026 season.
"We knew he was fast," Steiner told Sport Bild.
"But I didn't expect him to put George Russell under so much pressure right away and win several races."
Antonelli heads to Spa leading the world championship by 25 points over his more experienced teammate. (…)

Verstappen wants to stay at Red Bull, insists manager

GMM — 2026-07-16T07:24:00Z

Max Verstappen's manager Raymond Vermeulen has delivered exactly the same explanation as Dr Helmut Marko about last week's much-discussed Amsterdam meeting, while insisting the four-time world champion still intends to remain at Red Bull.
The meeting between Vermeulen, Jos Verstappen and the recently retired Marko fuelled fresh speculation about Verstappen's future as rumours continue linking him with Aston Martin, McLaren and even a sabbatical.
However, after Marko earlier dismissed the (…)

McLaren admits it is months behind rivals

GMM — 2026-07-16T06:32:00Z

McLaren has admitted it is still paying the price for last year's title-winning campaign, with team boss Andrea Stella estimating the reigning world champions are now two to three months behind Mercedes and Ferrari in developing their 2026 car.
The Woking based outfit has struggled to match the pace of the leading teams under the new regulations, despite winning both world championships in 2025.
Stella says the deficit stems partly from McLaren continuing to develop its 2025 challenger (…)

Former F1 driver sceptical about V8 return

GMM — 2026-07-15T09:16:00Z

Former Formula 1 driver Jean-Louis Schlesser has joined those fiercely attacking the sport's increasingly electric direction, dismissing claims the controversial 2026 regulations make Formula 1 environmentally responsible.
The 77-year-old Frenchman, who raced in Formula 1 in 1983 and 1988, agrees with those who say the current balance between combustion and electrical power has gone too far.
"It's a shame that electronics dominate racing," Schlesser told Mundo Deportivo.
"It's (…)

Bearman tipped if Verstappen leaves Red Bull

GMM — 2026-07-15T08:31:00Z

Ralf Schumacher believes Oliver Bearman would be Red Bull's first choice if Max Verstappen leaves, while also suggesting last week's high-profile meeting between Verstappen's management and Dr Helmut Marko was more likely about the Dutchman's future than a bid to bring Marko back.
With speculation raging over Verstappen's future, Schumacher was asked who Red Bull should target if the four-time world champion departs.
"If it were possible to get him, my first choice would be Oliver (…)

Bahrain GP return now looks unlikely - Pirelli

GMM — 2026-07-15T07:49:00Z

Hopes of restoring the cancelled Bahrain GP to the 2026 calendar appear to have faded as Formula 1 grapples with renewed conflict in the Middle East.
Bahrain had emerged as the leading candidate to be restored to the 2026 calendar after the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian grands prix were cancelled when the Iran conflict erupted earlier this year. However, renewed hostilities across the Gulf have now cast fresh doubt over any reinstatement plans.
Pirelli motorsport director Dario Marrafuschi (…)

Hamilton warns of 'compression' at new Madrid F1 circuit

GMM — 2026-07-14T10:23:00Z

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have given organisers their first detailed feedback after Ferrari became the first Formula 1 team to run at Madrid's new grand prix circuit.
The pair completed a filming day last week ahead of the Spanish GP's debut in September, with Madring general manager Luis Garcia Abad revealing several of their observations.
Hamilton's main complaint centred on one of the circuit's most dramatic features.
"He complained about compression," Garcia Abad revealed. (…)

Marko plays down Verstappen meeting speculation

GMM — 2026-07-14T08:49:00Z

Former Red Bull adviser Dr Helmut Marko has dismissed suggestions his recent meeting with Max Verstappen's inner circle was linked to the Dutchman's uncertain Formula 1 future.
Marko was spotted in Amsterdam last week with Verstappen's father Jos and manager Raymond Vermeulen, fuelling fresh speculation amid ongoing doubts about whether the four-time world champion will remain at Red Bull beyond 2026.
However, the 83-year-old Austrian insists there was nothing unusual about the meeting. (…)

Barcelona offers F1 calendar help as Turkey waits

GMM — 2026-07-14T07:58:00Z

Barcelona has offered to step in if Formula 1 needs another replacement race as the 2026 calendar comes under renewed pressure.
The championship is trying to preserve at least a 22-race season after the cancellation of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, but renewed conflict in the Middle East has made the return of Bahrain increasingly uncertain.
With Qatar and Abu Dhabi also still to come later this year, Formula 1 is understood to be exploring contingency options.
While Istanbul has again (…)

Alonso fears F2 could rival F1 at Spa

GMM — 2026-07-14T07:13:00Z

Fernando Alonso has warned Formula 1's controversial 2026 regulations could produce an embarrassing spectacle at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend.
The two-time world champion, who has become one of the most consistently outspoken critics of the new rules, says energy management around the high-speed Belgian circuit will be particularly problematic.
"If you use energy at Spa from the first corner, La Source, to turn 5 at Les Combes to attack or defend against an opponent, then it's finito (…)