Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon reveal motivations for Williams contract extensions
Carlos Sainz said he has signed a Williams contract extension because he “believe[s] in the project” and does not want to “jump ships when the situation is also at its worst”, despite describing this season as a “perfect storm” in which Williams produced a car “late… overweight and… without downforce”. Williams confirmed this week that Sainz and Alex Albon will remain with the team for 2027. Albon, whose announcement only referenced 2027, suggested he wants to see a “strong bounce back from this year” before committing further, adding: “I want to see a reaction, I want to see what the team can deliver.”
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Valtteri Bottas issues 'American way' response after shock Cadillac leadership change
Valtteri Bottas says Cadillac’s decision to replace Graeme Lowdon with Marcin Budkowski mid-season reflects an “American way” of making sudden leadership changes. Bottas said: "I think also the American way can be a bit more reactive and sudden than the European way when it comes to leading the team. I don't think they are afraid of changing people suddenly if they see that it could be a good thing for the future."
Lawson shares reaction to Red Bull opportunity
Liam Lawson says his surprise return to Red Bull as a substitute for injured Isack Hadjar at the Dutch Grand Prix will be a “very challenging” but “exciting” weekend, with the Sprint format leaving little time to learn the car. Lawson said: "I feel much more comfortable racing in this sport, but it's going to be a very challenging weekend, for sure. It's a Sprint weekend, so it's going to be a quick learning process tomorrow. But that's what we're focused on, that's what we tried to do yesterday in the simulator. If we can try and speed up that learning process as much as possible, then that would help our weekend."
Mekies on Verstappen's new deal, Hadjar and Lawson
Laurent Mekies says Max Verstappen committing his future to Red Bull until at least the end of 2030 is “phenomenal news”, and that it brings added responsibility on the team to deliver a faster car and power unit. Mekies said: "It's phenomenal news, I'm not going to lie. It's phenomenal news for Oracle Red Bull Racing. It's the best driver on the grid deciding to recommit to the team, to go another four-and-a-half years with the team. We take it as an incredible demonstration of trust for our people, for our vision, for our culture. We don't take it lightly. We know it comes with a huge responsibility now on us to deliver a very, very fast package, chassis and power unit."
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Hamilton shares hopes for Ferrari's battle against Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton says he believes Ferrari can close the gap to Mercedes as the team continues its development push, with what he described as a “first little step” arriving this weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix. Hamilton said: "Everyone is under a huge amount of pressure to bring parts, as every team is, but we are going in the right direction with the car. Obviously Mercedes are still the leaders, McLaren are now up in there and obviously Red Bull are super quick – four teams that are all very close. But we just focus on doing our job the best we can... We've just got to continue to try and close the gap, which I really do believe we can. I don't think we're too far away."
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