Red Bull questioned after Gianpiero Lambiase joins McLaren in shock move Gianpiero Lambiase’s departure from Red Bull to join McLaren as chief racing officer has sparked speculation about the future of the Formula 1 team and its star driver, Max Verstappen. The Milton Keynes-based squad confirmed earlier this week that Lambiase, who has served as Verstappen’s race engineer since 2021, will leave the team in 2028. McLaren’s announcement followed swiftly, confirming Lambiase’s appointment as its new chief racing officer. The move has raised questions about Red Bull’s internal dynamics and its ability to retain key personnel, particularly as the team struggles with its performance in the 2026 season. Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya, who has been vocal about Red Bull’s challenges, weighed in on the situation, suggesting the team could have matched McLaren’s offer to Lambiase. Speaking to AS Colombia, Montoya remarked, “It is interesting because he will now have a more important role than he had or could have had at Red Bull. It’s also a role that Red Bull could have known he could have gotten elsewhere.” He added, “I don’t know for sure, but when I look at all he has achieved, I personally think it is a role that Red Bull certainly could have given him as well.” Montoya’s comments highlight the growing perception that Red Bull may be losing critical talent to rival teams. Lambiase’s exit has intensified uncertainty surrounding Verstappen’s long-term future at Red Bull. The Dutch driver, who has been a cornerstone of the team’s success since joining in 2016, has faced mounting pressure as Red Bull’s performance in the opening three rounds of the 2026 season has been lackluster. Montoya has warned that if the team fails to improve its competitiveness, Verstappen may seek an exit. “Look at Mercedes.#red_bull #mclaren #max_verstappen #juan_pablo_montoya #gianpiero_lambiase
Lambiase's Shock McLaren Move Isn't About Verstappen's Future Gianpiero Lambiase’s decision to leave Red Bull for McLaren has sparked widespread speculation, particularly regarding its potential impact on Max Verstappen’s future in Formula 1. However, the move appears to be more about Lambiase’s personal career ambitions than Verstappen’s immediate plans. While the timing of the transition has naturally drawn attention to Verstappen’s potential departure from the sport, the details of Lambiase’s transition suggest a strategic shift rather than a direct consequence of Verstappen’s decisions. Lambiase, who has been Verstappen’s race engineer since 2019, is not leaving Red Bull immediately. His current contract with the team extends through the 2028 season, and he is expected to remain with the team for at least two more years. Verstappen, meanwhile, is still under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, meaning their collaboration could continue well beyond the current timeline. This raises questions about the relevance of Lambiase’s potential departure to Verstappen’s future, especially since the driver has not yet confirmed whether he will continue in Formula 1 beyond this season. The coordination between Red Bull and McLaren in announcing Lambiase’s move has further fueled speculation. Both teams have emphasized that Lambiase’s transition to McLaren’s chief racing officer role is contingent on the conclusion of his existing contract, which is set to end no later than 2028. However, this phrasing may be a negotiating tactic. If an agreement is reached for Lambiase to join McLaren earlier than 2028, it would not be unusual for him to begin his gardening leave immediately after the transition.#red_bull #mclaren #max_verstappen #gianpiero_lambiase #andrea_stella
The only thing Red Bull can do to motivate Max Verstappen may not be enough Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing Set aside for now the irony of Max Verstappen criticising the state of Formula 1 while eulogising GT3 racing – the epitome of an artificial formula where the competitors regularly bemoan the balance of performance regime. His body language in recent grand prix weekends has signalled that his hints about fading motivation are real. “Every day I wake up, I convince myself again. And I try,” he said after the Japanese Grand Prix when Motorsport.com asked how difficult it was to stay engaged with a difficult car in a formula he clearly dislikes. Likening his mood to one of the new power units, Verstappen went on: “It starts OK in the morning, then it goes mehhhh…” Formula 1Max Verst Verstappen has been a vocal critic of the new technical regulations since his first experiences in the simulator. Having a less-than-competitive car has also no doubt shaped his outlook, though he has consistently denied that Red Bull’s current performance deficit is the main factor behind his talk of quitting. Mid-way through last year, he also signalled a declining interest in F1, only to regain focus when Red Bull managed to switch the car on, triggering a competitive renaissance from the Italian GP onwards. Given that any changes to the technical formula are likely to be minor in the short term, Red Bull urgently needs to improve its car if it wants to maintain Verstappen’s interest. Laurent Mekies, Red Bull Racing Team Principal “We certainly focus on the competitive picture,” said team principal Laurent Mekies when asked by Motorsport.com whether he feared the Dutchman is losing interest in F1. “Yes, that's what we do. We are having zero discussions about those aspects. “We have a lot of work to do.#max_verstappen #formula_1 #red_bull_racing #laurent_mekies #aduo_framework
Max Verstappen receives 'shut up' order as Lewis Hamilton 'signs for McLaren' throwback Max Verstappen has been increasingly vocal of his dislike of the new F1 technical regulations, sparking controversy within the sport. During a recent press conference, the Red Bull driver reportedly expressed frustration with the changes, which he claims have negatively impacted the competitiveness of the cars. His comments, which were described as “unprofessional” by some insiders, led to calls for him to “shut up” from team officials and rival drivers. Verstappen’s stance has intensified debates about the balance between innovation and fairness in Formula 1, with critics arguing that his public criticism undermines the collaborative spirit of the sport. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton’s potential move to McLaren has reignited discussions about the future of the sport’s most iconic drivers. While the news was initially framed as a “throwback” to Hamilton’s early career, it has been interpreted as a strategic shift for both the driver and the team. Hamilton, now a seven-time world champion, has hinted at his desire to compete for titles with a team that can challenge for victories consistently. McLaren’s recent improvements in performance and reliability have made the move an attractive option, though some analysts question whether the team can sustain its momentum over the long term. The article also highlights other developments in the F1 calendar. George Russell, Mercedes’ British driver, faced a difficult race in Japan, where he failed to finish on the podium for the first time this season. His struggles were attributed to a combination of mechanical issues and a lack of pace compared to his rivals.#red_bull #mclaren #max_verstappen #lewis_hamilton #f1
Red Bull's 2026 Formula 1 car is forcing its drivers to "reset your expectations" every lap and does not give them "any confidence to attack any corner" as a result. Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar expressed frustration with the Red Bull RB22's inconsistent performance during qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix, where the team struggled to find consistency. Verstappen was eliminated in Q2 after a late surge from Racing Bulls' Arvid Lindblad, while Hadjar made it to Q3 for the third time in three races but failed to secure a better position, starting eighth. Both drivers highlighted the car's unpredictable behavior, which shifted dramatically from one session to another or even lap to lap. Verstappen described the car as moving "from one extreme to another" during Friday practice, alternating between understeer and oversteer. This inconsistency left him "just bleeding a lot of laptime" and "stuck" in qualifying, unable to push harder. Hadjar echoed similar concerns, noting the car's behavior had "changed massively compared to FP3." He recalled his first lap in Q1, where the car felt like it was "sliding everywhere" despite minimal steering input. "Lap by lap, session by session, you always have to guess what you're going to get," he said, emphasizing the difficulty of building confidence. Verstappen added that the car's response had "changed again in a different way" between final practice and qualifying. Despite minor adjustments made by the team, the car's behavior worsened, with certain components failing to function as intended. "It just doesn't respond," he said, explaining that Red Bull's past ability to adapt the car from Friday to Saturday has been difficult to replicate under the new rules.#red_bull #max_verstappen #isack_hadjar #japanese_grand_prix #rb22
Max Verstappen Calls Red Bull Car 'Undriveable' After Poor Qualifying at Japanese GP Max Verstappen expressed frustration with his Red Bull car’s performance, calling it “undriveable” after the four-time world champion qualified 11th for Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix. The Dutchman, who has dominated Suzuka in recent years, struggled with handling issues during qualifying, marking another challenging start to the 2026 season. Verstappen crashed out in the third qualifying session, adding to his difficulties following a crash in the season opener in Australia. The 28-year-old driver criticized the new Formula One regulations, which mandate a 50-50 split between conventional and electrical power. “The car never turns mid-corner, but at the same time this weekend, it’s just oversteering a lot on entry. It’s really difficult, unpredictable,” Verstappen told Sky Sports F1. He noted that the team had made adjustments during third practice but claimed the car remained problematic during qualifying. “We thought we’d fixed it a little bit in FP3, but there was still a lot of understeer in the car. Now in qualifying, it was again undriveable, so that’s something we need to look at.” Verstappen, who finished sixth in Australia and retired from the Chinese Grand Prix two weeks prior, admitted he could not explain the car’s issues in detail. “In qualifying, it just came back to a point where it became undrivable,” he said. His frustration extended beyond the track, as he was involved in a public confrontation on March 26, 2026, when he ejected a reporter from his news conference. The incident highlighted tensions amid his ongoing struggles with the Red Bull’s performance.#red_bull #max_verstappen #formula_one #suzuka #japanese_gp
Max Verstappen Reflects on Struggles and F1's Rule Changes Amid Japanese Grand Prix Qualifying Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula One world champion, expressed frustration after qualifying 11th for the Japanese Grand Prix, marking his first such result since 2019. The Dutch driver described the situation as a "lot of stuff to personally figure out," hinting at personal and professional challenges. When pressed for clarification, Verstappen cryptically replied, "Life. Life here," suggesting the difficulties extend beyond his performance on the track. The qualifying session at Suzuka highlighted a stark contrast to previous years. Verstappen, who had dominated the Japanese Grand Prix for the past five races from pole position, finished behind his new teammate Isack Hadjar, who secured eighth place. Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli claimed pole, ending Verstappen's streak of victories from the front. Last year’s pole lap, where Verstappen outpaced two McLarens, was celebrated as one of his greatest performances and a key moment in his defensive victory over Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Red Bull’s struggles in the new season have intensified following the sport’s most significant rule changes in history. The introduction of hybrid engines with a 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical power has altered the dynamics of qualifying. Drivers now face the challenge of managing energy throughout laps, which some argue has diminished the excitement of demanding corners like Degner One and Spoon Curve at Suzuka. Verstappen admitted he no longer feels frustration or disappointment, stating, "I don’t know the right word in English for it. I don’t get upset about it." Other drivers echoed similar concerns.#red_bull #max_verstappen #isack_hadjar #kimia_antonelli #fia
2026 Japanese Grand Prix: Key Facts, Stats, and Insights The 2026 Formula 1 season kicks off with the Japanese Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit, marking the third round of the championship. The race will take place from March 27 to March 29, with free practice sessions on Friday, qualifying on Saturday, and the main event on Sunday. The 53-lap race will see drivers navigate the iconic 5.807-kilometer track, known for its unique figure-of-eight layout and challenging corners. Suzuka has a rich history in Formula 1, hosting its first Grand Prix in 1987. The track’s lap record stands at 1 minute 30.965 seconds, set by Kimi Antonelli in 2025 with a Mercedes. Michael Schumacher holds the record for most pole positions (8) and most race wins (6) at the circuit. The track’s design, particularly the “Degners” and the hairpin, demands precision, with drivers needing to balance speed and braking to avoid mistakes. The 2025 Japanese Grand Prix saw Max Verstappen dominate, converting pole position into victory. This trend continues, as Verstappen has won the last four races in Japan, including the 2025 event. The 2024 and 2023 races also saw Verstappen claim victory, while the 2019 race was won by Valtteri Bottas. The 2025 race marked a significant milestone, with Verstappen securing his first win at Suzuka since 2023. Pirelli’s tyre strategy for the race highlights the challenges of Suzuka. The track’s continuous directional changes and high-speed sections make it one of the toughest for tyres, prompting the use of the three hardest compounds: C1 (hard), C2 (medium), and C3 (soft). The C1 compound will debut at Suzuka, having been unused in the first two races of the season.#max_verstappen #kimi_antonelli #suzuka_circuit #japanese_grand_prix #michael_schumacher
Max Verstappen Claims Pole Position for Nordschleife Endurance Race Max Verstappen has achieved pole position for the upcoming endurance race on the Nordschleife, marking a significant milestone as he gears up for the 24 Hours of Nurburgring in May. The Dutch driver, competing in a shorter event this weekend, is part of a Mercedes GT3 team alongside Jules Gounon and Dani Juncadella. During qualifying practice, Juncadella set the initial fastest time of 8:01.3, but the session took an unexpected turn when the #40 Porsche crashed into the wall, triggering a Code 60. This safety protocol limits speeds to 60 kilometers per hour in specific sections of the track. Verstappen took over the car for installation laps but failed to improve the time, eventually handing the wheel back to Gounon. As the session progressed, lap times dropped significantly. The #16 Audi team of Christopher Haase and Nico Hantke recorded a 7:53, but Gounon could not match Verstappen Racing’s pace. With the field under a Code 60 restriction, Verstappen seized the opportunity to push harder. He immediately posted a time of 7:51, surpassing the previous best by two seconds. Despite efforts from other drivers, no one managed to beat Verstappen’s time, solidifying his position at the front of the grid. Verstappen Racing will start the race from pole, with a notable lead over the rest of the field. The result highlights the competitive nature of the event, as teams navigate the challenges of the Nordschleife’s demanding layout. Verstappen’s performance underscores his ability to adapt to different racing formats, further cementing his reputation as a versatile and skilled driver.#max_verstappen #jules_gounon #dani_juncadella #nordschleife #24_hours_of_nurburgring
Max Verstappen is set to compete in the Nurburgring 24 Hours later this year, marking his debut in the endurance race. The Formula 1 driver will participate in the event in a Red Bull-backed GT3 Mercedes, continuing his involvement in the NLS series. Verstappen previously won his debut in the series last season and is now preparing for the latest four-hour race on the Nordschleife. The race is scheduled to start at 11am UK time on Saturday, offering fans a live opportunity to watch his performance. The World Endurance Championship (WEC) has become the first series to postpone a race amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The 2026 season opener in Qatar has been delayed due to the ongoing military conflict, reflecting the impact of geopolitical instability on motorsport events. This decision highlights the challenges faced by organizers in balancing competition schedules with global crises. The WEC is also grappling with a dilemma regarding driver crews. Increasingly, Hypercar teams are opting for two-driver line-ups for the six-hour races, raising questions about whether this strategy provides a genuine competitive advantage. While some teams believe the reduced crew size enhances efficiency, others argue that the traditional three-driver format offers greater versatility and experience. Alpine's participation in the WEC Hypercar category is under threat. The French manufacturer is considering withdrawing from the championship after 2026, with potential plans to close its historic Viry-Châtillon base. This move could signal a shift in the series' competitive landscape, as Alpine's absence would leave a significant gap in the lineup. Honda is poised to join the WEC Hypercar class, ending its long-standing absence from the series.#red_bull #mercedes #max_verstappen #nurburgring_24_hours #world_endurance_championship
The Race Starts Problem That Is Costing Max Verstappen in F1 2026 Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, has faced a significant challenge in the 2026 season, with his race starts becoming a recurring issue that has impacted his performance. Despite his reputation as one of the sport’s most dominant drivers, Verstappen has struggled to secure strong starts in recent races, a problem that has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the new 2026 regulations. The issue has been particularly evident in his performances at the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix, where his starts have left him vulnerable to overtakes and hindered his ability to maintain position. The 2026 rule changes, which include the removal of the MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit-Heat), have introduced a more complex start procedure. Drivers must now rev their engines for at least 10 seconds to spool up the turbo, and they must also ensure they harvest enough energy during the formation lap to achieve strong acceleration off the line. This has placed additional demands on drivers, and Verstappen has struggled to adapt. In Australia, he cited a lack of battery power as the reason for a slow getaway, a problem that also affected his teammate Isack Hadjar. While Hadjar managed to make a lightning-fast start from third place, he later retired due to a lack of energy, highlighting the inconsistency in Red Bull’s approach. The issue persisted in Shanghai, where Verstappen started eighth for the sprint race but dropped to 15th on the opening lap. This marked a significant decline in pace and raised questions about the team’s ability to address the problem. Verstappen admitted that the start of the race was a major issue, with his car lacking grip and balance.#red_bull #max_verstappen #formula_1 #isack_hadjar #2026_regulations
Toto Wolff: Verstappen's F1 Criticism Linked to Red Bull's Struggles, Not Car Flaws Max Verstappen's outspoken criticism of Formula 1's new regulations has been attributed by Toto Wolff to the challenges Red Bull faces in the early stages of the season, rather than any inherent flaws in the latest generation of cars. After retiring from the second race of the new season in China, Verstappen intensified his remarks, calling the new rules "a joke" and accusing fans who support them of not understanding racing. Verstappen has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the updated power unit regulations since their announcement in 2023, and his frustration has grown with the start of the new season. Meanwhile, Mercedes has made a strong impression, securing one-two finishes in the first two grands prix and winning Saturday's sprint race in Shanghai. Wolff suggested that Verstappen's frustration stems from Red Bull's struggles in the opening races, which have left the four-time champion eighth in the standings. "Max is really, I think, in a horror show," Wolff said. "When you look at the onboard footage from qualifying yesterday, it’s just horrendous to drive. You can see that. But it’s not the same with many other teams. I think from an entertainment perspective, what we’ve seen today between Ferrari and Mercedes was good racing. Many overtakes." Wolff acknowledged that the new regulations, which emphasize electrical power and energy management over raw driving, have created a different racing dynamic. While the rules encourage more overtaking through features like boost and overtake modes, they also require drivers to manage energy more carefully, which can limit their ability to defend positions.#red_bull #mercedes #max_verstappen #toto_wolff #f1
Antonelli, Ferrari give F1 feel-good race, but critics remain Kimi Antonelli’s first Formula 1 victory in China sent shockwaves through the sport, marking the second-youngest win in history at 19. The 19-year-old’s emotional celebration on the podium, with tears streaming down his face, underscored the significance of the moment. Antonelli’s triumph came amid a race that showcased the new era of Formula 1, featuring cars with a controversial 50/50 split between combustion engines and electric power, along with advanced energy-harvesting systems. The race delivered multiple lead changes, close battles, and a title fight that defied early predictions, with Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc locked in a fierce duel. The race’s excitement was amplified by Antonelli’s rise to prominence. His win, achieved after a dramatic Safety Car intervention that disrupted Mercedes’ dominance, highlighted the unpredictability of the new regulations. The Ferrari duo, Hamilton and Leclerc, fought fiercely throughout the race, with Leclerc’s aggressive overtakes and Hamilton’s tactical precision keeping the battle alive. Ferrari’s boss, Fred Vasseur, praised the drivers’ “great fun” and admitted the risk of collisions, choosing to let the competition unfold rather than intervene. However, the celebrations were overshadowed by Max Verstappen’s scathing critique of the new cars. The Dutch driver, who has long opposed the shift toward electrification, called the regulations “terrible,” claiming they turned racing into “Mario Kart.” Verstappen’s frustration echoed among fans, many of whom argued that the reliance on energy boosts rather than traditional overtaking diminished the sport’s essence.#charles_leclerc #ferrari #max_verstappen #lewis_hamilton #kim_antontelli
Kimi Antonelli's Historic Win Sparks Debate Over F1's New Era SHANGHAI - Kimi Antonelli’s first Formula 1 victory, achieved at the age of 19, marked a milestone in the sport’s history. The young driver, who replaced Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, celebrated his win with tears as he stood on the podium alongside Ferrari’s Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. Antonelli’s triumph, which made him the second-youngest F1 winner ever, was hailed as a breakthrough moment for the new era of Formula 1, characterized by its controversial 50/50 split between combustion engines and electric power units. The race in Shanghai, the second event of the season, showcased a blend of high-speed action and close battles, with multiple lead changes and intense duels between Ferrari’s Leclerc and Hamilton. Mercedes, led by Hamilton, initially dominated the race, but Ferrari’s aggressive strategy and the impact of a Safety Car intervention disrupted the order. Antonelli seized the opportunity to overtake and secure his first win, while George Russell’s struggle to pass the Ferraris became a focal point of the race. Despite the excitement, the event also sparked heated debates. Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, criticized the new regulations, calling the cars “not fun” and likening them to “Mario Kart.” His comments echoed frustrations from fans and drivers who felt the shift toward energy harvesting and battery boosts had diluted the essence of racing. Verstappen’s remarks highlighted a growing divide within the sport, with some celebrating the new rules for their potential to create more competitive racing and others lamenting the loss of traditional elements. The new regulations, which prioritize energy recovery and reduce reliance on traditional aerodynamics, have been a contentious topic.#charles_leclerc #ferrari #max_verstappen #lewis_hamilton #kimia_antonelli
Lindblad overcame celiac disease on road to F1 Arvid Lindblad, the sole rookie in this year’s Formula 1 lineup, earned points on his debut in Melbourne despite overcoming celiac disease during his teenage years, which temporarily stunted his growth. The 18-year-old Racing Bulls driver finished in eighth place at Albert Park, becoming the third-youngest points scorer in Formula 1 history. Only Max Verstappen, who achieved his best results for Red Bull’s junior team at 17, holds a higher position in both this category and the list of youngest debutants. Auto Motor und Sport praised Lindblad, awarding him a 9 out of 10 rating—matching race winner George Russell and Charles Leclerc—and opened its driver rankings with the headline: “A rookie is as good as winner Russell.” Lindblad himself expressed disbelief at the recognition, calling it “very exciting” to compete against top-tier drivers. He admitted to moments of disbelief, recalling how he grew up watching Lewis Hamilton on TV, whose career inspired him to pursue motorsport. Hamilton, Lindblad’s idol, offered both praise and caution. He encouraged the young driver to enjoy the experience, noting that Formula 1 is a demanding environment with challenges that take time to adapt to. “You’re thrown in at the deep end,” Hamilton said, “and there will be bad days, but you shouldn’t take it too hard.” Lindblad’s path to Formula 1 was anything but straightforward. Diagnosed with celiac disease at age 13, he lost two years of growth during recovery. The condition, a chronic autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, caused inflammation in his small intestine. Despite the setback, Lindblad remains 1.73 meters tall, which he admits is not a disadvantage in single-seater racing. “Everything happens for a reason,” he said with a smile.#max_verstappen #arvid_lindblad #formula_1 #auto_motor_und_sport #stefan_lindblad
‘Every lap is survival’: Max Verstappen reflects on F1 Chinese GP qualifying woe Max Verstappen described his performance in the Chinese Grand Prix as a battle for survival, after qualifying eighth and failing to finish in the points during the sprint race. The four-time world champion criticized his Red Bull’s lack of balance, calling it “undriveable” and admitting his efforts were reduced to simply completing laps. Verstappen’s frustration began before the race, as he dismissed his car on Friday as “the worst we’ve ever had.” Despite setup changes intended to improve performance, the Dutch driver saw no progress in qualifying, finishing a full second slower than pole-sitter Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes. “We change a lot on the car, and it makes zero difference,” he said. “The whole weekend we’ve been off. The car is completely undriveable. I cannot even put a bit of a reference in. Every lap is like survival.” The Red Bull’s struggles were evident in both qualifying and the sprint race, where Verstappen finished ninth. His teammate Isack Hadjar also struggled, placing 15th in the sprint and ninth in qualifying. The team’s RB22 lacked balance, making it nearly impossible to push for a fast lap. “It’s very inconsistent. Whatever lap I do, I am like: ‘All right, well, that is it,’” Verstappen added. “Can I go four 10ths faster? Maybe. Can I go four 10ths slower? Yeah, that’s a big chance as well because it’s just all over the place. It’s just incredibly difficult. It’s incredibly tough to drive. There’s no balance, I cannot lean on the car. Every lap is a fight.” Red Bull’s decision to build their own engines for the first time did not translate to race-day success. Despite pre-season testing showing promise, the team faced a significant gap to Ferrari and Mercedes.#red_bull #mclaren #max_verstappen #laurent_mekies #kim_i_antonielli
Max Verstappen withdrew from the Chinese Grand Prix after his Red Bull experienced a power loss with ten laps remaining. The four-time world champion was in sixth place when his car lost drive exiting Turn 6, causing the screen on his steering wheel to briefly shut down. The exact reason for the issue remained unclear, though the driver eventually pulled into the pits and retired the vehicle. Verstappen faced challenges from the race’s outset, dropping from eighth to 12th on the opening lap due to a slow start. He gradually regained positions, climbing back to sixth place behind Oliver Bearman’s Haas. However, the power failure interrupted his progress, leaving him unable to continue. The Red Bull driver has publicly criticized F1’s 2026 regulations, expressing frustration over his car’s performance. Ahead of the Shanghai race, he described his Red Bull as “not how it should be” and noted that “every lap is like survival.” His comments reflect ongoing concerns about the technical changes impacting competitiveness. The incident highlights the unpredictability of Formula One, where even leading drivers can face mechanical setbacks. Verstappen’s retirement underscored the delicate balance between speed and reliability, as teams navigate evolving regulations and track conditions. The loss of power during the race also raised questions about the reliability of Red Bull’s power unit, adding to the scrutiny surrounding their performance this season.#red_bull #max_verstappen #chinese_grand_prix #oliver_bearman #f1_2026_regulations
Ollie Bearman expressed surprise at his strong showing during the Sprint Qualifying session ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix. The Haas driver finished ninth in Sprint Qualifying 3 (SQ3) at the Shanghai International Circuit, positioning himself to compete in the 19-lap Sprint race from the ninth starting spot. Bearman maintained a steady pace throughout the session, finishing the single, one-hour practice session in seventh place before advancing to the final qualifying round. He remarked, “We showed really good pace already from lap one of FP1 and we were able to build on that and go forward.” Despite challenges with the car’s balance, which Bearman described as “a bit on edge,” he managed to complete a clean lap to secure a respectable qualifying position. He added, “It was a tough session, the balance was a bit on edge and difficult to put the lap together but we got there in the end and happy with P9 today.” Starting directly behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, Bearman views scoring points in the Sprint race as a realistic goal. With points awarded to the top eight finishers, his ninth-place start places him on the edge of the scoring group. Bearman’s performance marks progress compared to his seventh-place finish in the opening round in Australia. He noted that the gap to the leading teams has narrowed more than expected. “We seem to have closed it a little bit compared to last week, and honestly prior to the weekend, I was not expecting to be in the fight for the top eight because we expected the four teams to be so far ahead,” he explained. He also pointed out that Red Bull did not demonstrate “incredible pace” during qualifying, suggesting Haas could challenge for points if they optimize their performance in the Sprint.#red_bull #max_verstappen #shanghai_international_circuit #ollie_bearman #haas
Pierre Gasly Reflects on Strong Sprint Qualifying Performance at Chinese Grand Prix Pierre Gasly, the Alpine driver, expressed confidence in his team’s progress after a strong showing in the Sprint Qualifying session at the Chinese Grand Prix. The Frenchman advanced to the final stage of the qualifying event, securing a seventh-place starting position for Saturday’s Sprint race. His performance left him ahead of Max Verstappen, and he was cleared of any obstruction during the session. Gasly emphasized his satisfaction with the result, particularly after a challenging start to the season. “I must say I’m extremely pleased with that, especially after last week,” Gasly said, referencing his 10th-place finish in Australia, which earned him the final point available at the opening race. “We found a lot more performance, and good learning from Melbourne. I tried to put everything together today, and then I felt a lot better in the car straight from the first lap. I think it’s good to feel in the mix and be in the top 10 again.” Gasly acknowledged the challenges posed by graining issues during practice, which affected all teams, but remained optimistic about the Sprint race. “There’s definitely more potential than we’ve seen in Melbourne, so I’m confident [about points],” he added. Alpine teammate Franco Colapinto also participated in the Sprint Qualifying, reaching the second stage but starting from 16th position due to performance struggles. Colapinto admitted the track conditions made it difficult to adapt, noting that while the car performed well in practice, it lacked pace in the qualifying format. “I think the car was not in a bad place in FP1, but it just wouldn’t do a step into Sprint Qualifying that I wanted,” he said. “We lacked a bit of pace.#max_verstappen #alpine #chinese_grand_prix #franco_colapinto #pierre_gasly
Isack Hadjar, the 22-year-old French driver for Red Bull Racing, is set to make his Formula One debut at the 2023 season opener in Australia. The team has confirmed his inclusion in the lineup, marking a significant milestone for the young talent. Hadjar, who previously competed in the FIA Formula 2 championship, will partner Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, in the RB18 car. This pairing is expected to be a formidable combination, with Verstappen's experience and Hadjar's speed and adaptability. The Australian Grand Prix, held at the Albert Park Circuit, will be a crucial test for Hadjar, as he aims to prove his capabilities on the high-speed track. The team's technical director, Christian Horner, expressed confidence in Hadjar's potential, stating, "Isack has shown exceptional talent and determination. We believe he has the qualities to succeed in Formula One." The debut will be a pivotal moment for Hadjar, who has been working tirelessly to prepare for the challenge. His performance in the opening race will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as they anticipate a strong showing from the young driver. Tottenham Hotspur faced a devastating 3-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League round of 16, marking a significant setback for the Premier League club. The match, held at the Wanda Metropolitano, saw Atletico dominate the proceedings, with goals from Koke, Gabi, and Saul Niguez securing their place in the next round. Tottenham's struggles were evident as they failed to capitalize on their chances, with a lack of clinical finishing and defensive errors costing them dearly. Manager Ange Postecoglou acknowledged the team's shortcomings, stating, "We need to learn from this and come back stronger.#albert_park_circuit #max_verstappen #christian_horner #red_bull_racing #isack_hadjar
