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Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur says he has held firm talks with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc after their Mexico clash, reminding both drivers that respect for the team and its people must come before intra-team battles. Vasseur admits the team collectively failed in Mexico and says the message is simple: the Ferrari comes first. hotlaphq.com/og/vasseur-ferr…

Ferrari’s pit-to-driver communication came under fresh scrutiny at the Brazilian Grand Prix after both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc questioned team calls during a chaotic, rain-affected race. The episode highlighted a procedural, pre-set radio style that left drivers without the nuanced, timely updates seen at rival teams. According to {SOURCE}, Ferrari must address these radio and decision-making gaps to prevent avoidable mistakes in unpredictable conditions. hotlaphq.com/og/brazil-gp-ex…

Ralf Schumacher says Max Verstappen’s deep technical involvement and influence at Red Bull would not sit well at Mercedes, and argues Lewis Hamilton never learned to lead a team. Schumacher points to upbringing and team cultures as key differences shaping driver influence. hotlaphq.com/og/ralf-schumac…

Mercedes has explained why both Kimi Antonelli and George Russell reported their cars felt 'broken' during the chaotic Brazilian Grand Prix — the team says the W17 spent much of the race just below the tyre temperature window, producing irregular and unpredictable handling. Bradley Lord outlined how those temperature swings, exacerbated by damp conditions, created oversteer and strange behaviour despite competitive pace at times. hotlaphq.com/og/mercedes-att…

Damon Hill says Ferrari must designate Lewis Hamilton as the clear number one if the team wants to convert its 2027 potential into titles. Hill argues Ferrari’s internal rivalry with Charles Leclerc threatens its championship chances and that backing Hamilton makes strategic sense. hotlaphq.com/og/damon-hill-u…

🚨| Mercedes' Dual Triumphs and Red Bull's Engine Dilemma: — Despite Mercedes clinching both Formula 1 titles, Red Bull Ford finds itself without the extra engine development opportunities granted to other manufacturers. This situation highlights that the FIA's engine assessments do not directly correlate with overall car speed. — The FIA's ADUO review, which evaluates internal combustion engine performance, did not award Red Bull Ford additional homologation chances. Mercedes, Ferrari, Audi, and Honda received these opportunities, reflecting their relative engine performance deficits. — Championship points result from a combination of factors beyond engine power, including aerodynamics, strategy, and reliability. Thus, Mercedes' success does not solely indicate superior engine performance, nor does Red Bull's lack of opportunities imply an inferior power unit. — The absence of extra development chances for Red Bull underscores the need to identify where their performance gaps lie, whether in the chassis, electrical systems, or other areas. Understanding these deficits is crucial for future improvements. — The FIA is considering refining the ADUO methodology to ensure it accurately measures performance gaps and provides meaningful development opportunities. This ongoing evaluation is vital for maintaining competitive balance in the sport. — Mercedes' achievements reflect a comprehensive team effort, not just engine prowess. Their success followed significant organizational rebuilding, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded package in securing championships. #redbullracing 🇦🇹 #mercedesamgf1 🇩🇪 VIA: [gpblog]

🚨| Red Bull Engineer Monaghan Absent Amid Cadillac Speculation: — Red Bull's chief engineer, Paul Monaghan, has missed two consecutive Grands Prix, raising questions about his future with the team. Although Red Bull claims his absence was planned, speculation about a potential move to Cadillac has resurfaced. Speaking to media, Ted Kravitz noted: “He hasn't been here for the last two races; the team say that that was a planned absence.” — Kravitz observed that Monaghan's absence is unusual, especially for two races in a row, and mentioned that Monaghan typically occupies a central position in the garage. He expressed uncertainty about the situation but anticipated Monaghan's return in Las Vegas. — Earlier this year, reports suggested Monaghan might join Cadillac's engineering department, potentially leading to a lengthy gardening leave. When he missed the British Grand Prix, Kravitz remarked on the rarity of such an absence, while Red Bull maintained it was a scheduled break. — In Belgium, team principal Laurent Mekies addressed rumors of staff changes, stating: “If I look at the names that have been circulating in the last few months, most of them are still in the garage. Some had never wanted to leave, some have changed their mind and are staying with us.” — Spanish journalist Antonio Lobato reported in August that Red Bull made Monaghan a counteroffer, which he accepted. However, Red Bull has not officially confirmed this. — Monaghan's absence is significant as Red Bull undergoes changes around Max Verstappen's car. Gianpiero Lambiase is set to leave for McLaren, and Tom Hart will take over as Verstappen's race engineer. Additionally, Tom McCullough has been appointed head of racing for 2027. — Monaghan's career includes stints at McLaren, Benetton, and Jordan before joining Red Bull in 2005. Meanwhile, Cadillac continues to recruit from Milton Keynes, with former Red Bull chief designer Craig Skinner joining them soon. #redbullracing 🇦🇹 #cadillacf1 🇺🇸 VIA: [gpblog]

🚨| Verstappen and Hadjar Criticize Pirelli's Wet Tyres: — Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar have voiced concerns over Pirelli's wet-weather tyres following the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The race at Interlagos, the first wet event of the 2026 season, highlighted issues with aquaplaning and a narrow operating window. Verstappen, who impressively climbed from 21st to finish second, expressed his dissatisfaction with the tyre compounds. Speaking to media, Verstappen remarked: “I think it's mainly that the working range is a bit too small. When they're hot, it's okay, but when they're cold, they're really like a rock.” — He emphasized the need for a broader operating window to improve grip and visibility in wet conditions. “That's something that we need to try and work on, to generate a bigger working range on the Extreme Wet and the Inter.” — Isack Hadjar, who secured his third podium of the season, was more forthright in his critique. He noted the challenges faced during qualifying and the race. Speaking to media, Hadjar commented: “I think [on Saturday], running an Extreme Wet compound, I didn't think there was a crazy amount of water on the track, and yet to me it felt like there was too much aquaplaning considering the conditions.” — He further explained the limitations of the current tyre compounds: “For me, it also seems like you have to wait a while to put the Inter on. It's like you can run it once there's no more standing water and you can go at it. So, in a way, I feel like the compounds are a bit stiffer, harder than they used to be.” — Lando Norris expressed concerns about the upcoming Las Vegas race, fearing the cold conditions could exacerbate tyre issues. Speaking to media, Norris warned: “I think the scary times are if you go to Vegas and you can't get any tyre temperature. You need a much better tyre than what we have here because that's going to be horrible.” — Pirelli, however, defended their performance, stating that the tyres met expectations and provided strategic options despite the unpredictable weather. #maxverstappen 🇳🇱 #isackhadjar 🇫🇷 VIA: [gpblog]

🚨| Leclerc's Frustration with Ferrari Grows Over Radio Communication: — Charles Leclerc expressed his frustration with Ferrari's pit-wall communication during the Interlagos race weekend. On the radio, Leclerc remarked: “I'm asking simple questions! Give me simple answers.” — The race was marred by strategic missteps, with both Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton opting to ignore pit calls, highlighting a lack of trust in the team's tactical decisions. Leclerc's exchanges with his race engineer, Bryan Bozzi, were particularly telling. At one point, Leclerc exclaimed: “If I don't do something, please don't remind me ten times! Thank you.” — In another instance, Leclerc sought clarity on track conditions, only to receive a confusing response. He asked: “Is the lap time faster?” The reply was muddled: “Yes, he is faster.” Leclerc, bewildered, responded: “What? Who is faster?” — The confusion continued when Leclerc inquired about adjustments to the front wing during a pit stop: “Did you set the front wing to dry position?” The cryptic answer was: “White 9 position 6.” Leclerc, exasperated, insisted: “Again. Simple question, please answer. Did you set the same flap for dry?” “Yes, same flap. Same flap.” — These exchanges underscore significant communication issues within Ferrari, complicating the drivers' efforts during races rather than simplifying them. Despite these challenges, Leclerc managed to finish eighth at Interlagos, though the team radio incidents highlight the need for improved dialogue to support the drivers effectively. #scuderiaferrari 🇮🇹 #charlesleclerc 🇲🇨 #f12026 VIA: [formulapassion]

🚨| Formula E Billionaire Criticizes Formula 1: — Dr. Andrew Forrest, an Australian billionaire and founder of Fortescue, criticized Formula 1, describing it as outdated and suggesting it belongs in a museum. Speaking to media, Forrest remarked: “I want to see that old dinosaur: noisy, smoky, smelly. Oh, sounds like the fossil fuel sector. No, it's Formula 1!” — Forrest expressed his desire for a direct competition between Formula 1 and Formula E, emphasizing the rapid progress of his team. He stated: “I want to see Formula 1 go head-to-head with Formula E, and then I want to say: how many decades did they have to get this right, and how many months did we have to get it right? And let's see how we go.” — When asked about Formula 1's relevance, Forrest suggested it should be preserved as a historical exhibit. He commented: “No, I think Formula 1 has a place. It should have a very large building with Formula 1 on the front of it, made out of limestone, with lights on it, and it should be a museum because the younger generation are going to go to the highest-performance, greatest, technically advanced and kindest-to-the-environment racing there is, and that's going to be Formula E.” — Forrest also proposed a practical demonstration of Formula E's capabilities against Formula 1. He elaborated: “Ah, well, look, you do a head-to-head. You can take a car like this [the Gen4]. Anyway, it's not up to me, but I'd like to see a car like this go head-to-head with any Formula 1 car in the world, and just see how we go, baby.” “Let's just put it to the test. And I don't care if we come first or second. What I know is that we're doing in months and years what they've taken decades to do. And if we come anywhere near, it's over.” #formulae #formula1 VIA: [RacingNews365]

🚨| Hamilton's Future in F1 and African GP Ambitions: — A recent poll by RacingNews365 suggests that Lewis Hamilton is expected to remain in Formula 1 until 2030, with 47.89% of participants believing he will still be on the grid. Meanwhile, 26.84% feel it's too early to predict, and 25.26% think he should not aim for such a long career. Hamilton's current contract with Ferrari extends to 2027, with options for 2028, fueling speculation about his future. — Hamilton has expressed a strong desire to race in Africa, particularly with the potential addition of a Rwandan Grand Prix. Speaking to media, Hamilton shared: “I’m now forced to have to stay longer because we have a race in Africa; that’s been my dream to be able to race in Africa.” — He also addressed concerns about age affecting his performance, asserting his unique position in the sport: “You’ve never had anyone like me here in the 70 years [of F1]. I feel that I’m built differently. There have been so many preconceived ideas about the fact that your reaction time drops off.” — Reflecting on his future, Hamilton added: “I can’t say in four years whether I want to continue to do what I’m doing, but I love what I’m doing still now. Whether or not I can compete at 44 with a 20-year-old, who knows? But at 41, I can compete with a 20-year-old. So time will tell.” #lewishamilton 🇬🇧 #scuderiaferrari 🇮🇹 VIA: [RacingNews365]

🚨| Ferrari's Struggles in São Paulo Grand Prix: — Ferrari faced significant challenges at the São Paulo Grand Prix due to a compromise in their power unit performance. RacingNews365's technical analyst Paolo Filisetti explained that the Scuderia's weekend was plagued by this issue. — The Interlagos circuit, with its twisting middle sector and fast final sector, was particularly difficult for the SF-26. To address its draggy nature, Ferrari opted for a low-downforce aerodynamic setup, which proved inadequate, causing understeer and a snappy rear end. — The team's performance was notably weaker compared to the previous race in Mexico City, where the car's aerodynamics and power unit excelled in the thinner air. The smaller-diameter turbine of Ferrari's power unit reduced turbo lag at high altitudes, a benefit that was absent at sea level in Brazil. — Ferrari's SF-26 is not inherently flawed, but its strong aerodynamic and chassis characteristics could only partially compensate for the engine's power deficit. A more powerful engine would have allowed for a higher downforce setup, improving competitiveness through the circuit's mixed middle sector. — Weather conditions added to Ferrari's woes. Rain necessitated intermediate tyres, but low temperatures narrowed the tyres' effective working window. Ferrari's decision to run higher-than-ideal tyre pressures to quickly warm them backfired, reducing the contact patch and accelerating degradation. — The São Paulo Grand Prix highlighted Ferrari's narrow performance window. The need to compensate for the power unit's shortfall led to a compromised overall balance and tyre management, independent of Lewis Hamilton's on-track decisions against his pit wall's instructions. #scuderiaferrari 🇮🇹 #formula1 #f12026 #BrazilianGP 🇧🇷 VIA: [RacingNews365]

🚨| Max Verstappen Earns 'Extra Point' for Remarkable Performance: — Former F1 driver Christian Danner awarded Max Verstappen an "11 out of 10" for his exceptional drive at the São Paulo Grand Prix. Despite starting 21st due to a power unit penalty, Verstappen skillfully navigated challenging conditions to finish second. Danner, reflecting on Verstappen's racecraft, remarked: “I saw the grand prix, of course, and I actually thought a lot about it because there were a few things over the weekend that impressed me and pleased me a lot. And, of course, Max's performance was one of the things that I thoroughly enjoyed.” “He did extremely well, and his ability in classic racing things, you know, wheel-to-wheel racing, overtaking, choosing maybe a slightly different line, that is his speciality, and he's an absolute master at doing that.” “However, I give him an extra point. You know, he gets 10 out of 10 anyway, so I give him an 11 out of 10 for the fact that the car didn't really handle very well, which was clearly not to his liking. And the way he mastered it was simply sensational, I have to say.” “And what the hell went wrong with that thing, I don't know, but the handling was poor. And therefore, you know, a drive like that means an awful lot.” — Danner also praised the FIA's decision to allow racing in wet conditions, noting: “However, what I enjoyed most was the fact that the FIA race director decided to let them go out in the bloody rain, and everybody was on [intermediate] tyres. And as a tremendous surprise to everybody, it worked out.” #maxverstappen 🇳🇱 #redbullracing 🇦🇹 VIA: [RacingNews365]

🚨| F1 Drivers Express Discontent Over 'Speed Limit' at Sao Paulo Grand Prix: — Arvid Lindblad and Gabriel Bortoleto voiced their dissatisfaction with the imposed "speed limit" during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The regulation, aimed at safety in wet conditions, capped the electrical energy output at 250kw, reducing the total power by 100kw. This limitation affected drivers' ability to overtake, as Lindblad explained to the media: “It was a hard fight, and I had a speed limiter with the energy. So that was nice with the way it works.” “So I used the boost, and then he goes faster than me at the end of the straight, which is amazing, with the overtake mode.” — Reflecting on his race, Lindblad shared how his strategy unraveled in the final laps, dropping him from a potential points finish: “It was a fun race, I enjoyed it a lot, especially if it ended on Lap 50 or 55, as we need to see what happened in the last 15, 20 laps as I don't think we managed everything perfectly.” “I obviously lost a lot of time with Franco, and I don't know if we could have made better decisions or if we were unlucky with the timing to go to the wet tyres - and unfortunately, I had big drivability problems in the last 10 laps, so it was incredibly difficult to race Nico.” “It was just about keeping the car on track, and it is a shame, because with 15 laps to go, in my head, we were going to be in the points - so I don't see where it went wrong.” — Gabriel Bortoleto, who started 19th after a challenging qualifying session, also commented on the impact of the power cap: “I mean, I got stuck, and it was difficult to overtake because we're limited to 250kw on the straights.” “So it was difficult to make a really big gap, but as soon as I got clean air, I was very quick, but that doesn't matter at the end of the day, because you are starting from the back.” “So we are just saying what could have been, but it was not. The only thing I can do is learn from my mistake in qualifying and move to the next race.” #arvidlindblad #gabrielbortoleto #f1safety VIA: [RacingNews365]

🚨| FIA Urged to Review Podium Safety After Norris Incident: — David Coulthard has called on the FIA to reassess podium safety measures following Lando Norris's close call during the São Paulo Grand Prix celebrations. Speaking on the Up to Speed podcast, Coulthard emphasized: “I was really impressed across the board, with some standout performances. The obvious one is Lando, absolutely brilliant. Although we have to address right at the top that he's got to stop doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome.” “Banging the bottle, like right here, kids, banging glass on anything is not a good idea. You teach your smallest of children not to do that, and yet he continues to do it. He's very lucky.” “In all seriousness, he hasn't, like, gashed his hand. The FIA obviously needs to have a little look at the podium and do a little sense check on anything that could sparkle its way into the eye of a driver. So there's the first thing that needs a rework.” — Despite the celebration mishap, Coulthard praised Norris's performance at Interlagos, highlighting his skill in managing tire changes amid unpredictable weather. Coulthard remarked: “It was world-class. It was one of his best drives ever. It was awesome because of the nature of that track and the changing conditions, just absolutely phenomenal.” “We're in a wonderful era of Formula 1, where we've got a number of world-class drivers who, given the moment, the car and the confidence, have all got a chance of getting out there and mixing it up.” “Rather worryingly, I guess, for Lando and the other guys, is Max coming from the back to finish second with a car that he was far from happy with, which again is just remarkable.” #landonorris 🇬🇧 #Mclarenf1 VIA: [RacingNews365]

🚨| Insights from the Brazilian GP on F1's Wet Weather Performance: — The Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos provided a crucial test for Formula 1's new cars in wet conditions, following a rain-affected qualifying session. George Russell expressed concerns about the safety of racing in heavy rain, noting: “I love driving in the rain here but, at some point, if that was a race, there was no way we should be driving in that because the chances of seeing a really, really horrific incident are very, very high.” — Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur supported the FIA's decision to suspend qualifying during the downpour, stating: “In general, I want to race, but yesterday [Saturday] I think it was the perfect call. When we did the first [Q1] lap before the red flag, we came back with two centimetres of water in the car…” — Vasseur also commented on the improved usability of the ‘extreme’ wet tyres, explaining: “I think what is good is that we can use the 'big wet' much more than in the past. And this is good because it's not pushing you to use inter when it's a more 'big wet' situation, or mix between the two, and then you are taking risks.” — Alex Albon highlighted the challenges with the intermediate tyres, remarking: “It was difficult to fire them up but they also wore quite quickly. So even when they're cold, they're wearing and it just feels like they never overheat, or they never level up to temperature.” — Carlos Sainz emphasized the need for further development of wet-weather tyres, saying: “I think the level of the wet and the inter is not good enough and we need to work with Pirelli on finding a better tyre, because in the mixed conditions the inter is still a very weak tyre at the rear.” — The Brazilian GP highlighted the complexities of racing in wet conditions and the need for ongoing tyre development to ensure safety and performance. #braziliangp #f1 #wetweather VIA: [motorsport]

🚨| Max Verstappen Unveils Key to Persistent Success: — Max Verstappen has disclosed the secret behind his ability to transform midfield cars into title contenders, a feat he has achieved with Red Bull over the past two seasons. Despite starting each season behind the leading teams, Verstappen has managed to elevate Red Bull's performance significantly. Speaking to media, Verstappen explained: “It’s a big surprise to be second, to be honest, in the championship, but we take it.” “I think, yeah, we had a lot of difficulties as a team in the beginning. The car was not where we wanted it to be. Probably also we still had to learn quite a bit from the power units, and I think we really learned a lot throughout the season.” — Reflecting on his personal approach and the team's recent improvements, Verstappen noted: “The car has naturally been a lot more competitive, of course, lately. I think from my side, it’s just you never really give up or, in terms of, like, you just never really settle for P6 or P7, right?” — Verstappen highlighted his relentless drive to maximize performance, regardless of the car's initial capabilities: “Even when I was in that position or fighting the midfield, I was still trying to do the best that I could get out of the situation. But yes, sometimes that is a P6 when the car is not able to perform better.” — He expressed satisfaction with the team's progress and the impact of recent victories on the championship standings: “But then, yeah, once the car is in a better window, then you can fight further up front and eventually, of course, races.” — Verstappen concluded by praising the team's determination and the significant turnaround achieved within the season: “And actually, of course, when you win, you take points out of everyone else. So that’s been the scene a bit the last races, and I’m, of course, very happy with that. But it also shows that the team never gave up and they were really pushing to find these improvements and understand the difficulties. Yeah, I’m just happy that within a season we had such a big turnaround.” #maxverstappen 🇳🇱 #f12026 VIA: [PLANET F1]

🚨| Coulthard Criticizes Norris Over Champagne Celebration: — David Coulthard expressed disapproval of Lando Norris's champagne celebration technique, emphasizing that it's a behavior parents discourage in children. Speaking to media, Coulthard remarked: “We have to address, right at the top, he's got to stop doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome.” “Banging the bottle, banging glass on anything is not a good idea. You teach your smallest of children, 'Don't do that.'” “And yet he continues to do it. He's very lucky, in all seriousness, that he hasn't gashed his hand.” — Lando Norris, reflecting on the incident at the São Paulo Grand Prix, acknowledged the risks involved in his celebration. Speaking with Canal+, Norris shared: “I'm okay. I was very worried.” “This is the first time ever that it has happened to me, a broken bottle, which is a shame, but now I know the limits of what a champagne bottle can take.” “I think it's because it's cold. On a hotter day, I think it's okay. On a cold day like today, it was too hard.” “The most difficult part of today was the champagne!” — Coulthard also suggested that the FIA should review podium safety measures to prevent similar incidents. He commented: “The FIA obviously need to have a look at the little podium and do a little sense check on anything that could sparkle its way into the eye of a driver.” #landonorris 🇬🇧 #f12026 VIA: [PLANET F1]

🚨| Lewis Hamilton's Untelevised Team Radio from Brazilian GP: — Lewis Hamilton faced a challenging race at the Brazilian Grand Prix, where he finished ninth after starting 20th due to a grid penalty. Speaking on the radio, Hamilton expressed frustration over communication issues with his race engineer, Carlo Santi: “It's not far from being slicks, mate.” “Still greasy but it's drying up.” “I'm just falling behind at this rate.” “Are you guys listening? I'm falling behind. What position am I fricking falling back to?” — Hamilton's race was marked by a series of confusing exchanges, particularly regarding strategy and car settings. He voiced his agitation during the race: “Very hard to overtake. It's hard to keep the car in [inaudible].” “I know! Leave me to it! Nowhere I can go at the moment.” “How is my pace? Because I'm struggling.” “Repeat the switch change.” “Repeat it now!” — As the race progressed, Hamilton encountered further confusion about his position and strategy, especially when racing against Lando Norris: “Let me… what's happening, man? I don't know. Where am I?” “What do you mean, you don't know? Why is Norris ahead of me? Have I been lapped?” — Hamilton's confusion continued as he struggled with the procedure for unlapping himself and understanding his race position: “I'm stuck behind Norris.” “Has anyone else stopped? Why would you stop me?” “I'm getting blue flags now and I've just unlapped myself. What do I have to do?” — The race took another turn when rain was expected, leading to a missed pit entry and further frustration: “S**t, I've missed it. Pit entry. S**t! S**t!” “Ah, man. You didn't say it was raining. I just… I thought I could keep going, I was fine on track.” — Hamilton's race ended with him being lapped, and he seemed unaware that the race had concluded: “Where… where is everyone?” “I know I'm P9! Where is everyone?” “Do I still keep going or not?” #lewishamilton 🇬🇧 #scuderiaferrari 🇮🇹 #f12026 VIA: [PLANET F1]

Christian Danner has hailed Max Verstappen’s São Paulo Grand Prix performance as beyond perfect — an “11 out of 10” — after the Dutchman battled a poorly handling Red Bull from 21st to P2 in treacherous conditions. Danner also praised the decision to race in the rain and Verstappen’s classic wheel-to-wheel craft. hotlaphq.com/og/christian-da…

Interlagos’ rain-affected weekend showed the new cars and tyres can be managed in mixed wet conditions, but exposed clear weaknesses in the intermediate and extreme wet compounds that Pirelli and the FIA must address. Teams, drivers and officials found moments of optimism amid tricky grip and temperature challenges — but the Brazilian example may not translate to every venue. hotlaphq.com/og/brazilian-gp…