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Aston Martin sees light at end of tunnel - Alonso

GMM — 2026-06-08T09:36:00Z

Fernando Alonso says Aston Martin's miserable start to 2026 does not mean the season is already lost.
The Spaniard finally scored his - and the Honda-powered team's - first point of the year in Monaco, although he freely admitted it came thanks more to the chaos around him than genuine pace.
"We got into the points, so I'm happy for the team," Alonso said.
"Waiting for some opportunities to happen ahead of us, and they did, a penalty here, a penalty there."
Aston Martin remains (…)

Ferrari set for ADUO boost as Hamilton reveals ranking

GMM — 2026-06-08T07:29:00Z

Lewis Hamilton has revealed that Ferrari has already been told it will qualify for Formula 1's new ADUO power-unit assistance program.
The FIA is expected to formally announce the first beneficiaries of the system in the coming days, but Hamilton says Ferrari already knows where it stands.
And contrary to widespread expectations, Mercedes is not the benchmark.
"We heard the news yesterday or today," the seven-time world champion said after Monaco.
"Red Bull has the most powerful (…)

Brembo 'surprised' by Leclerc's public brake attack

GMM — 2026-06-08T06:57:00Z

Charles Leclerc has finally run out of patience with the brake problems that have plagued his Ferrari in recent races.
After crashing out of a likely podium finish in Monaco, the newly re-signed Ferrari driver exploded over team radio. "I'm not going to take the fuc*ing blame!" Leclerc snapped.
The Monegasque then made it clear to the media that the issue was not driver error or because of the asphalt problems at the final corner.
"I think I've always been very honest, and no matter (…)

Antonelli surge fuels freshest Verstappen rumours

GMM — 2026-06-07T08:44:00Z

George Russell's struggles against championship leader Kimi Antonelli are adding fresh fuel to Formula 1's already simmering silly season.
After Antonelli claimed pole position in Monaco, with his championship lead already 43 points, speculation in the paddock was intensifying about Mercedes' long-term plans - and whether Max Verstappen could yet become part of them.
Russell himself admitted he is struggling to adapt to Mercedes' 2026 car.
"Something about my driving style just isn't (…)

Absent Vasseur 'doing well' as first updates emerge

GMM — 2026-06-07T08:09:00Z

Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur missed Monaco qualifying after being admitted to hospital for medical checks.
The Italian team confirmed shortly before qualifying that the 58-year-old Frenchman would not be present at the circuit, saying he was undergoing local examinations and would remain under observation.
Ferrari did not disclose the nature of the issue, adding only that it hoped Vasseur would return to the track "soon".
His deputy, former Formula 1 driver Jerome d'Ambrosio, (…)

Verstappen already knows preferred Lambiase successor

GMM — 2026-06-07T07:31:00Z

Max Verstappen says he already knows who he wants to replace long-time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase when the Briton eventually moves on.
Lambiase is set to leave the pitwall and join McLaren in a senior leadership role, with widespread speculation suggesting he could ultimately become either co-team principal alongside Andrea Stella or even Stella's successor.
For now, however, the famous Verstappen-Lambiase partnership remains intact.
The four-time world champion admits the (…)

Even Verstappen enjoying Monaco as F1 criticism continues

GMM — 2026-06-07T06:43:00Z

Even Max Verstappen found himself praising Formula 1's controversial 2026 cars in Monaco.
The Dutchman and his father Jos have both been among the strongest critics of the new regulations, which have been widely mocked for their heavy reliance on energy management.
But Monaco's unique layout largely removed those issues, allowing drivers to attack more naturally.
"This is how Formula 1 should be," Jos Verstappen told De Limburger after qualifying.
"Not deliberately taking corners (…)

Villeneuve backs ambitious Croatian F1 circuit project

GMM — 2026-06-06T10:58:00Z

Croatia has moved a significant step closer to Formula 1 after a proposed new circuit cleared a major environmental hurdle.
The planned 'Croatia Ring' near the town of Slunj has been told by Croatia's Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transformation that a full environmental impact assessment will not be required, although existing regulations must still be respected.
The decision is an important milestone for a project that openly targets Formula 1 in the long term. (…)

Lawson wants new deal now as silly season gathers pace

GMM — 2026-06-06T09:31:00Z

Liam Lawson says he would sign a new Racing Bulls contract immediately if the decision were up to him.
As Formula 1's 2027 driver market begins to stir in Monaco, the New Zealander remains one of several drivers without clarity beyond the current season.
Lawson's contract expires at the end of 2026, and Red Bull's junior teams have traditionally preferred short-term deals that allow flexibility when deciding future lineups.
After a difficult Red Bull promotion earlier in his career and (…)

Battery mystery hangs over dominant Mercedes campaign

GMM — 2026-06-06T08:17:00Z

Mercedes may have a hidden weakness lurking beneath its dominant start to the 2026 season.
George Russell's retirement while leading in Canada was caused by a battery failure, and the team still does not know exactly what went wrong.
According to Austria newspaper Osterreich, the damaged battery was so severely compromised that it could not be flown back to Europe for investigation.
Instead, for safety reasons, the unit is currently being shipped across the Atlantic by sea.
"The (…)

Cadillac doubles down on Bottas backing amid rumours

GMM — 2026-06-06T07:33:00Z

Cadillac has again moved to dismiss speculation that Valtteri Bottas could lose his seat despite the Finn's difficult start to the season alongside Sergio Perez.
Rumours circulating in Montreal suggested Bottas was under pressure after being consistently outpaced by Perez, with some reports even claiming Cadillac could consider replacing him before the end of the year.
Team principal Graeme Lowdon quickly rejected those claims, and now Cadillac executive Dan Towriss has done the same. (…)

Jimenez returns as Alonso eases DAZN tensions

GMM — 2026-06-06T06:42:00Z

Fernando Alonso appears to have ended his media standoff with Spanish broadcaster DAZN after the return of partner Melissa Jimenez from maternity leave.
The Aston Martin driver had reportedly stopped giving interviews to the network after an on-air mistake involving the name of the couple's newborn son, Leonard.
Spanish outlet Diario Sport reports that tensions emerged after a member of the travelling DAZN team incorrectly reported the baby's name, prompting frustration within Alonso's (…)

Audi CEO defends F1 stance as engine talks continue

GMM — 2026-06-06T05:58:00Z

Audi CEO Gernot Dollner has defended the German marque's position in Formula 1's increasingly heated engine debate, insisting the company is not standing in the way of a compromise over the controversial 2027 regulations.
The issue is dominating discussions behind the scenes in Monaco, where Formula 1, the FIA and manufacturers continue working towards changes designed to reduce the unpopular energy-management racing that has drawn criticism from drivers and fans alike.
Audi has (…)

More F1 talks for BYD as Horner links refuse to disappear

GMM — 2026-06-06T05:12:00Z

Chinese automotive giant BYD has stepped up its Formula 1 ambitions with senior executives holding talks in Monaco, while Christian Horner continues to be linked with both the manufacturer and Alpine's ownership situation.
According to Japan's as.web.jp, BYD executive vice president Stella Li is in Monaco for meetings with Formula 1, the FIA and team representatives as the company explores a future entry into the sport.
"There is no longer any doubt that BYD wants to enter Formula 1 as (…)

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 (…)