Verstappen on judging Belgian Grand Prix gaps in third practice
Max Verstappen says the “real gaps” between the teams at the Belgian Grand Prix will only become clear in third practice, after Red Bull’s “pretty” smooth opening day at Spa-Francorchamps while he ran the original-spec rear wing following the removal of the team’s upside-down design. Verstappen said: "We are focusing on ourselves. I don't know how much we can achieve compared to the others. I think you will only see the real gaps in the third free practice session, but that is nothing shocking and it is as expected. Hopefully, we can close the gap heading into qualifying."
Max Verstappen issues pecking order prediction after positive Red Bull start
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Verstappen on Red Bull downshift issue after software change
Max Verstappen said his radio complaint about Red Bull’s downshifts during practice for the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps was part of the usual fine-tuning process after a software change. Verstappen said: "I'm always very sensitive to these things because I want to work on that and improve it. I think there was a software update or a downgrade that took a bit of time for the shifts to learn, and then it got a bit better again at the end."
Max Verstappen explains Spa radio message and delivers early verdict on Red Bull's pace
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Norris on Red Bull's expected pace at Spa
Lando Norris says he expects Red Bull to be “as quick, if not quicker” on Saturday at the Belgian Grand Prix, despite McLaren looking competitive in Friday practice at Spa-Francorchamps. Norris said: "Red Bull normally just don't turn up on Friday, so we'll get to tomorrow, and they'll be just as quick, if not quicker. So let's just wait and see."
Lando Norris issues ominous Red Bull warning despite strong McLaren start
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Shovlin on areas for Russell to improve after Belgium FP2
Mercedes trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin said the team has identified areas for George Russell to improve after the Briton’s “not a great lap” left him eighth in second practice at the Belgian Grand Prix. Shovlin said: "It's not a great lap for George but it was only one lap, so if that doesn't go well you look like you're off the pace. But he felt he didn't have the tyres ready for the start of the lap, which means a bit of a loss. There's a few corners where it looks like he might have underestimated the grip level. There's bits for him to work on, but we can see a lot of it in the data that we'll be chasing and I'm pretty sure he'll be there tomorrow."
Mercedes "chasing" George Russell improvement after messy Belgian GP Friday
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Antonelli on dealing with growing fame in Italy
Kimi Antonelli says he sometimes wishes he could go “unrecognised” as he learns to deal with growing fame in Italy. Antonelli said: "There are times when you would like not to be recognised when you do certain things, when you go for dinner. But that's also part of being an athlete. To be fair, as long as you're able to embrace these moments, I think it's also very nice and very enjoyable. But, of course, there are times when I would like to be unrecognised. At the same time, I know it's part of it, and I'm very happy this way."
Kimi Antonelli admits he sometimes wishes he could go unrecognised as he opens up on rising fame
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Antonelli on Mercedes' turnaround between Belgian GP practice sessions
Kimi Antonelli said Mercedes made a “massive turnaround” between first and second practice at the Belgian Grand Prix after he topped FP2, but warned Red Bull and McLaren still look quick. Antonelli said: "It was a massive turnaround with the car because in FP1, we struggled a lot more than anticipated, so it was a good change. But of course, a lot of work to do because Red Bull is quick, McLaren was up there. So we just need to put things together. The long run felt quite strong as well, but obviously, the car changed quite a bit between the two sessions."
Antonelli cautious of Spa threats after Mercedes' "massive turnaround" to top FP2
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Antonelli hails ‘massive turnaround' between Spa Friday sessions
Verstappen on unacceptable Red Bull gearshifts in Belgian GP practice
Max Verstappen said the gearshifts in his Red Bull were “unacceptable” after complaining about the gearbox over team radio during second practice at the Belgian Grand Prix. Verstappen said: "My God, these **** shifts! Unbelievable, man, why are they so ****?! It's unacceptable, this. My God."
Max Verstappen fumes at ‘unacceptable' Red Bull F1 car issue
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Norris on paparazzi and boundaries around his private life
Lando Norris says paparazzi tailing him has made him feel “violated” and that there need to be boundaries around his private life away from Formula 1. Norris said: "The next level is paparazzi waiting for you in places or tailing you. I drove to my friend's house in London, and I knew a paparazzi was just following me the whole way. And that's the first time where I started to feel a bit more violated in my life. It doesn't feel as though private life is private. That is part of being a Formula One driver, but there are boundaries, and I won't accept people following me."
Lando Norris slams paparazzi trailing his every move: 'It doesn't feel as though private life is private'
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Hulkenberg given reprimand for yellow-flag breach
Audi driver Nico Hulkenberg has been given a reprimand for a yellow-flag infringement in FP1 at the Belgian Grand Prix, after an incident under double yellows at Les Combes. The FIA stewards said the double-yellow was triggered only after Hulkenberg had entered the marshalling sector and passed the stopped car, leaving him “very limited opportunity” to recognise the flashing dash warning, but concluded his lift was “insufficient” and that “a reprimand… was the appropriate penalty”. It is his second reprimand of the 2026 season.
FIA confirms Belgian Grand Prix punishment after investigation
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