Automotors

Mercedes has committed to running its new floor for the remainder of Formula 1’s Dutch Grand Prix weekend, having been unsure about its potential when first introduced in Belgium.As part of its upgrade programme that has helped turn the W15 into a race winner, Mercedes first tried out the new floor at Spa-Francorchamps before the summer break.However, after a troubled Friday where the team was …Keep reading

Representatives of Renault’s Formula 1 engine staff at Viry-Chatillon have called for the French manufacturer to rethink plans for Alpine to become a Mercedes customer – suggesting the decision is a ‘betrayal.’As part of an effort to improve its fortunes, the Alpine Formula 1 team is poised to commit to becoming a Mercedes customer team from 2026 onwards.A final decision on the engine plan …Keep reading

Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff believed that he had a “possibility” to sign Max Verstappen for 2025 and held summer talks with his management team.Amid the earlier power struggles that created a fractious environment at Red Bull in the opening phase of the 2024 season, there was much speculation that Verstappen could depart the Milton Keynes squad at the end of the year and join Mercedes.It was revealed …Keep reading

Mercedes’ George Russell led McLaren driver Oscar Piastri in a crash-interrupted FP2 for the Dutch GP, with home hero Max Verstappen down in fifth.Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris finished in third and fourth, while the other Red Bull driver, Sergio Perez, did not break into the top 10 and Ferrari suffered a reliability scare for Carlos Sainz.In marked contrast to the wet and wild conditions that …Keep reading

McLaren has been Red Bull’s main challenger in Formula 1 over recent months, despite it electing not to bring any major developments to its car since its Miami upgrade.At the Dutch Grand Prix, however, it unleashed a pretty big development step aimed at improving aerodynamic efficiency of the MCL38 – an area where its main title rival is so strong.But despite its impressive form up until now …Keep reading

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has refuted Lando Norris’ self-criticism of his efforts across the 2024 Formula 1 season, stating that the Briton is performing at “world championship level”.On Thursday, Norris stated that he was dissatisfied with the number of mistakes he has made over the opening 14 races, adding that he had not “performed at the level of a world champion” in his outside bid …Keep reading

In the run-up to the Austrian Grand Prix, it was announced that Ai Ogura would make his MotoGP debut next season thanks to Trackhouse, and in particular its team manager Davide Brivio. With the signing of the Japanese rider, Brivio remains faithful to the philosophy that makes him a unique case among the managers of the different teams in the championship.When he was in charge of Suzuki’s MotoGP …Keep reading

One of motorsport’s most storied surnames will make its mark on Formula 1 next season: one that achieved remarkable success on two wheels in the 1990s, and one that now wishes to indulge in similar fortunes on four.Jack Doohan has been rewarded for his service as Alpine’s reserve driver, earning his elevation to a full-time race seat alongside Pierre Gasly. The son of five-time 500cc grand prix …Keep reading

Lando Norris headlined an ever-changing order in opening free practice at the Dutch Grand Prix, overcoming Max Verstappen’s late effort to go fastest.Heavy winds and rain had lashed the Zandvoort circuit in the lead-up to the session, but proceedings nonetheless started on time – however, the uptake for early running was shared by few.The circuit then began to dry, prompting a final burst of laps …Keep reading

Former Haas sponsor Uralkali has made a bid in the Dutch courts to seize the Formula 1 team’s assets – including cars and other equipment – over an outstanding payment.Following a Swiss arbitration court hearing in June, it was ruled that Haas should refund Uralkali part of its sponsorship payment made for 2022, prior to its title deal being cancelled in the wake of Russia’s invasion of …Keep reading