Leclerc on understanding performance struggles with 2026 cars
Charles Leclerc says drivers cannot always understand the “full implications” of where they are struggling with performance in Formula 1’s 2026 cars because of the number of variables involved. Leclerc said: "But I don't think it is black and white so much with these cars. There are many different variables, and to understand the full implication when you are a little bit off is more difficult than it seems."
Charles Leclerc points to hidden 'implications' amid F1 struggles
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Tsunoda returns with Racing Bulls at Zandvoort
Racing Bulls has confirmed Yuki Tsunoda will return to race duty at this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, replacing Liam Lawson. Lawson will instead race for Red Bull after Isack Hadjar was ruled out with a wrist injury. In a team statement, Racing Bulls said: “Reserve Driver Yuki Tsunoda, will race for Racing Bulls in Zandvoort this weekend, alongside Arvid Lindblad,” adding: “We wish Isack a speedy recovery.”
Racing Bulls issue statement as Yuki Tsunoda F1 return confirmed
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Gasly podium appeal hearing closed to public
The FIA International Court of Appeal hearing into Pierre Gasly’s reinstated Monaco Grand Prix podium will be held behind closed doors at the FIA’s Paris headquarters on August 25, after a request from the parties involved. Red Bull and McLaren have appealed the FIA’s right of review decision that restored Gasly to third place following Formula One Management’s admission of errors in its pitlane measurements. The FIA said: “Upon decision of the judging panel and as requested by the parties involved in this case, for confidentiality reasons the above hearing will be closed to public, media and any person who is not authorised to attend it,” adding a ruling will be made “as soon as possible”.
Why Gasly podium hearing will take place in private
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Houldey on McLaren's rear-end upgrades for Zandvoort
McLaren technical director for applied engineering Neil Houldey says the team will introduce further rear-end upgrades at this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix to complete the package it brought in Hungary. Neil Houldey said: "We head into the Zandvoort weekend after finishing the final race before the shutdown with a win and a strong performance, but we are very aware of how close the competition is and how important reliability will be. We have also worked hard as a team on continued development with some parts available this weekend focusing on the rear side, to complete the package introduced in Hungary with a new rear wing and new rear brake ducts."
McLaren confirms Dutch GP upgrades in continued F1 development push
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Orihara on Aston Martin's spec 2 power unit changes
Honda trackside general manager and chief engineer Shintaro Orihara said the ‘spec 2’ power unit Aston Martin will run from the Dutch Grand Prix focuses on faster combustion and reduced friction to improve performance. Orihara said: "We focused on improving engine performance, let's say to make combustion faster. It's kind of a secret, but I can disclose a little bit. We changed the pre-chamber to make combustion faster, and also we changed the piston shape to get good combustion. We modified some lubrication systems to reduce friction. We have a quite big list to improve engine performance."
Honda reveal details of 'Spec 2' power unit for Dutch GP
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Wolff on Mercedes being out of step on upgrades
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says the team are “slightly out of step” with upgrades compared to their rivals but still have a “clear development plan”, as he warned both 2026 championships will be decided by development and race-weekend execution. Wolff said: "We have left points on the table, our rivals have reduced the performance gap, and we know the second half of the year will demand more from us than the first. The championships will be decided by execution and the rate of development we can bring to the car across the next 12 races. Whilst we are slightly out of step with upgrades compared to our rivals, we have more performance to unlock and a clear development plan to do so."
Mercedes ‘out of step' as Toto Wolff confirms ‘clear development plan’
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Russell on Mercedes finding cause of straight-line speed problem
George Russell says it has been a “huge load off my mind” after Mercedes discovered his straight-line speed problems at Silverstone and Spa were caused by an issue in the power unit, rather than his driving. Russell said: "It is a huge load off my mind, but also while I'm driving, through Silverstone and the majority of Friday and Saturday at Spa, I think about how I needed to drive to make the power unit fast in the straight. How I pick up the throttle, the gear usage, how early I am on the throttle, and the data was telling us that this was probably the reason [I was struggling], but it turned out it wasn't the reason. So all of that effort over the course of three sessions, trying to re-optimise my driving around a new technique, was kind of for nothing."
George Russell shares 'huge' relief after pivotal Mercedes discovery
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