Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing’s team principal, admitted that his team has reasons to be concerned after Lando Norris dominated the Dutch Grand Prix and closed in on Max Verstappen in the Formula 1 World Championship. Norris won the race at Zandvoort by 22 seconds over Verstappen, reducing the championship leader’s advantage to 70 points, while McLaren also cut the gap to Red Bull in the constructors’ championship to just 30 points. It was Norris’s second win of the season and McLaren’s third, but the British driver missed crucial opportunities in previous races, such as in Canada, Spain, and Great Britain, which could have made the title race even closer. McLaren also struggled with performance compared to Red Bull in the first five races of the year, before Norris secured his first career win in Miami in May. Horner pointed out that Red Bull was fortunate with McLaren’s slow start to the season. “We’re lucky they underperformed at the start of the year, so we have a 70-point buffer, but that can diminish quickly,” Horner said. “It’s notable that this is only Lando’s second win with that car. He’s driving well and finding confidence. The pressure is on us to respond.” The Red Bull boss acknowledged that McLaren now has the fastest car in Formula 1 and that his team needs to react. “McLaren is setting the benchmark now. That’s clear in terms of pace. They’ve been very competitive in the last few races. In Hungary, they were very competitive, and in Spa, it was Mercedes,” Horner said. “Lando, in particular, was very, very strong here. They definitely have the fastest car at the moment. We have to respond to that. It’s not rocket science; there are no silver bullets in this business. It’s about understanding the problem, addressing the problem, and then implementing fixes,” Horner added. Red Bull’s response will be crucial to maintaining their championship lead, and how the team handles McLaren’s growing competitiveness and Norris’s rise will be key for the rest of the season. The challenge now is to keep up the pace and face the pressure from a revitalized McLaren, which is clearly aiming for more victories and the world title.
McLaren set to back Norris over Piastri in critical moments
McLaren has reaffirmed its commitment to fairness between its drivers, even as Lando Norris is in a fierce battle for the Formula 1 World Championship against Max Verstappen. Team Principal Andrea Stella made it clear that, despite Norris being in the title fight, the team will not give preferential treatment to the Briton over his teammate, Oscar Piastri. Norris showcased McLaren’s potential by winning the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, outperforming Verstappen with a dominant drive and reclaiming the lead after a challenging start. This victory highlighted that McLaren is now the fastest car on the grid, surpassing the Red Bull, which had been nearly unbeatable earlier in the season. Despite Verstappen having led the standings with a comfortable margin, Norris has cut the gap to 70 points with nine races remaining. Andrea Stella stated that McLaren will maintain a level playing field between their drivers, even as Norris closes in on the championship. “We’ve already had discussions about team orders since the first race because we always want clarity on how we will manage internal competition,” Stella said. “This happens throughout the season, and then you have to consider the drivers’ standings.” Stella explained that the team will evaluate each race situation and provide extra support to Norris if needed, but without disadvantaging Piastri. “We have nine races ahead, and if we create a No. 1 driver, what do we do? Favor one driver over the other? That’s not a healthy way to run a team,” Stella emphasized. “We will analyze each race, and in 50-50 situations, if Lando needs a bit of extra support, we will give it to him. But the team includes Oscar, and we should not do things that are unreasonable for him.” Norris believes that McLaren is now the fastest car after his victory in Zandvoort, where he beat Verstappen by nearly 23 seconds. To close the gap to the championship leader, he will need every possible point and potentially assistance from his teammate. Managing this dynamic will be under close scrutiny. McLaren brought a new set of upgrades to Zandvoort, their first major development since the Miami GP. Stella believes that while Red Bull may still have an advantage on some tracks, particularly those with high-speed corners, McLaren is on track to surpass its rivals at every circuit. The decision on how to balance internal competition while pursuing the title will be crucial to McLaren’s success this season, and how the team handles these issues will be key to their future performance.
McLaren set to back Norris over Piastri in critical moments
McLaren has reaffirmed its commitment to fairness between its drivers, even as Lando Norris is in a fierce battle for the Formula 1 World Championship against Max Verstappen. Team Principal Andrea Stella made it clear that, despite Norris being in the title fight, the team will not give preferential treatment to the Briton over his teammate, Oscar Piastri. Norris showcased McLaren’s potential by winning the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, outperforming Verstappen with a dominant drive and reclaiming the lead after a challenging start. This victory highlighted that McLaren is now the fastest car on the grid, surpassing the Red Bull, which had been nearly unbeatable earlier in the season. Despite Verstappen having led the standings with a comfortable margin, Norris has cut the gap to 70 points with nine races remaining. Andrea Stella stated that McLaren will maintain a level playing field between their drivers, even as Norris closes in on the championship. “We’ve already had discussions about team orders since the first race because we always want clarity on how we will manage internal competition,” Stella said. “This happens throughout the season, and then you have to consider the drivers’ standings.” Stella explained that the team will evaluate each race situation and provide extra support to Norris if needed, but without disadvantaging Piastri. “We have nine races ahead, and if we create a No. 1 driver, what do we do? Favor one driver over the other? That’s not a healthy way to run a team,” Stella emphasized. “We will analyze each race, and in 50-50 situations, if Lando needs a bit of extra support, we will give it to him. But the team includes Oscar, and we should not do things that are unreasonable for him.” Norris believes that McLaren is now the fastest car after his victory in Zandvoort, where he beat Verstappen by nearly 23 seconds. To close the gap to the championship leader, he will need every possible point and potentially assistance from his teammate. Managing this dynamic will be under close scrutiny. McLaren brought a new set of upgrades to Zandvoort, their first major development since the Miami GP. Stella believes that while Red Bull may still have an advantage on some tracks, particularly those with high-speed corners, McLaren is on track to surpass its rivals at every circuit. The decision on how to balance internal competition while pursuing the title will be crucial to McLaren’s success this season, and how the team handles these issues will be key to their future performance.
Stoner predicts Ducati will dominate with 2027 MotoGP rules
Casey Stoner, MotoGP World Champion in 2007 and a former Ducati rider, has made concerning predictions about the impact of the new MotoGP regulations set to come into effect in 2027. In a recent interview on the Ducati Diaries podcast, Stoner expressed a pessimistic view of the changes, suggesting that Ducati will continue to dominate the category. According to Stoner, the new rules are designed to benefit Ducati, which already has a significant competitive advantage. “I think it’s Ducati basically trying to get these rules implemented again,” Stoner said. “They know they’re going to have an advantage in this situation. If you already have a lot of power—and everyone has a lot of power now—but Ducati still has a notable difference, that gap will be even larger with a smaller engine.” Stoner also raised concerns about how the new rules might reduce overtaking opportunities. He explained that the reduction in braking zones will limit overtaking chances. “Braking zones are going to shrink, and when that happens, there are fewer opportunities to overtake,” he said. Additionally, the potential increase in corner speed could make overtaking even harder, as bikes will need to maintain speed through corners but have fewer opportunities to pass rivals under acceleration. One of Stoner’s main criticisms is the growing technological sophistication of the bikes, which he believes overshadows rider skill. “I still feel like they’re Formula 1 cars with two wheels,” Stoner commented, referring to the technological advancements. “I want to see the riders’ talent, not just the technology.” For Stoner, what is missing is the opportunity to see riders in action, controlling slides and finding grip where there is little. Stoner argues that bikes should become more difficult to ride rather than easier, to ensure rider skills are more evident. “People complain that the bikes are too powerful or too big,” he noted. “But that’s the point—you have to learn to control that power. If the bikes become easier to ride, it diminishes the challenge and the need for exceptional skills.” As the 2027 rules approach, the debate continues over whether these changes will truly address the issues Stoner highlights or merely solidify Ducati’s advantage in MotoGP. The future of the category may depend on how these new regulations are implemented and whether they can balance advanced technology with rider skill.
Joan Mir Praises HRC’s “Busy” Break Between Rounds
Joan Mir, the Repsol Honda rider, expressed satisfaction with the work done by Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) during the break between the Austrian Grand Prix and the upcoming Aragon Grand Prix. The 2020 champion is taking the time to reflect on the improvements the team has made and believes this preparation period will be crucial for his performance in the upcoming races. So far this season, Mir has had a modest performance, with his best result being a ninth place in the Spanish Sprint. The Spanish rider highlighted that HRC has been extremely active in developing their project. “It has been a busy period for us after the race in Austria,” said Mir. “But busy is good because everyone involved in the project has been working on the future.” The team’s intense work includes analyzing data and refining strategies to maximize the performance of the Honda RC213V. Mir mentioned that the approach for the Aragon weekend will be similar to previous races, with the team focusing on areas needing improvement and evaluating what is possible when the lights go out. Mir also showed optimism about his prospects for the Aragon Grand Prix, where he previously achieved a podium finish in 2021. “I’m looking forward to returning to Aragon,” he said. “The approach for the weekend will be similar to the previous ones, and we will see what we can achieve when the lights go out on Saturday and Sunday.” The break between races has been an opportunity for HRC to review and adjust their bike, especially after the last race in Spielberg, where the best Honda rider was Takaaki Nakagami, finishing in 14th place. The extra time has allowed the team to assess what needs adjustment and prepare for the specific conditions they will encounter in Aragon. HRC’s meticulous preparation is a testament to the team’s commitment to continuous improvement and the pursuit of more competitive results. Mir, who continues to adapt to the nuances of his equipment, believes that the work done during this period will be crucial for the team’s success in the remainder of the season. With hopes for improved performance in Aragon, Mir and HRC aim to turn the hard work done during the break into positive results, solidifying the team’s position and strengthening their prospects for the future.
Sainz: McLaren’s Dutch GP dominance “depressing for all teams”
Carlos Sainz, Ferrari’s driver, did not hide his dissatisfaction with McLaren’s dominant performance at the recent Dutch Grand Prix. After a strong weekend for the British team, Sainz emphasized that Lando Norris’s performance, in particular, was the main factor behind McLaren’s dominance, which he considered “depressing for all teams,” not just Ferrari. The Zandvoort weekend started discouragingly for Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc qualifying 0.9s off pole position and Sainz being eliminated in Q2. However, the Italian team managed to recover during the race, with Leclerc securing a podium finish and Sainz achieving fifth place—a surprising result given the difficult circumstances. Sainz pointed out that McLaren’s dominance was largely due to Norris’s consistent performance. “It’s depressing for everyone, not just Ferrari,” said the Spanish driver. “At least we’re not just behind Red Bull… We even managed to pass a Red Bull today and caught up with a McLaren during the race. Lando must have had a very solid weekend. We need to recognize that. Oscar [Piastri] finished fourth, so it’s not like only McLaren was in a different league. I think Lando had a very good weekend.” Since the Monaco GP, Ferrari has been struggling with the phenomenon of “bouncing,” or porpoising, which affects the car’s balance. As a result, the team has been forced to compromise the car’s setup to avoid the problem, which has hampered their performance in races. Sainz expressed hope that the updates planned for the upcoming races might finally resolve these issues. “Not very compromised, but a little,” he said about the car’s setup. “I hope that once we unlock or discover what is actually generating this porpoising, we can resolve these issues. I feel like we’re a step behind in understanding it. With the new floor or the new upgrades we’ll bring soon, I hope these problems go away, and we can focus on adding downforce to the car.” The expectation now is that Ferrari will be able to improve their performance in the upcoming races, with the new updates promising to solve the porpoising issue and allow the team to focus on maximizing the car’s grip and pace. However, McLaren’s dominance at Zandvoort made it clear that, for Sainz and Ferrari, the path to catching the leaders remains long and challenging.
Sainz: McLaren’s Dutch GP dominance “depressing for all teams”
Carlos Sainz, Ferrari’s driver, did not hide his dissatisfaction with McLaren’s dominant performance at the recent Dutch Grand Prix. After a strong weekend for the British team, Sainz emphasized that Lando Norris’s performance, in particular, was the main factor behind McLaren’s dominance, which he considered “depressing for all teams,” not just Ferrari. The Zandvoort weekend started discouragingly for Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc qualifying 0.9s off pole position and Sainz being eliminated in Q2. However, the Italian team managed to recover during the race, with Leclerc securing a podium finish and Sainz achieving fifth place—a surprising result given the difficult circumstances. Sainz pointed out that McLaren’s dominance was largely due to Norris’s consistent performance. “It’s depressing for everyone, not just Ferrari,” said the Spanish driver. “At least we’re not just behind Red Bull… We even managed to pass a Red Bull today and caught up with a McLaren during the race. Lando must have had a very solid weekend. We need to recognize that. Oscar [Piastri] finished fourth, so it’s not like only McLaren was in a different league. I think Lando had a very good weekend.” Since the Monaco GP, Ferrari has been struggling with the phenomenon of “bouncing,” or porpoising, which affects the car’s balance. As a result, the team has been forced to compromise the car’s setup to avoid the problem, which has hampered their performance in races. Sainz expressed hope that the updates planned for the upcoming races might finally resolve these issues. “Not very compromised, but a little,” he said about the car’s setup. “I hope that once we unlock or discover what is actually generating this porpoising, we can resolve these issues. I feel like we’re a step behind in understanding it. With the new floor or the new upgrades we’ll bring soon, I hope these problems go away, and we can focus on adding downforce to the car.” The expectation now is that Ferrari will be able to improve their performance in the upcoming races, with the new updates promising to solve the porpoising issue and allow the team to focus on maximizing the car’s grip and pace. However, McLaren’s dominance at Zandvoort made it clear that, for Sainz and Ferrari, the path to catching the leaders remains long and challenging.
Williams taps Franco Colapinto to replace Sargeant for 2024
Williams Racing surprised the Formula 1 world by announcing that Argentine driver Franco Colapinto will replace Logan Sargeant for the remainder of the 2024 season. Colapinto, who has been part of the Williams Driver Academy since early 2023, was promoted to the main team after showing promising performances in Formula 2. At just 21 years old, Colapinto has demonstrated his talent in the feeder series, where he currently holds sixth place in the championship, with one win and two second-place finishes. The young Argentine driver made his debut in a Formula 1 weekend during this year’s British Grand Prix, participating in the first free practice (FP1) and gaining experience at the wheel of the FW46. Colapinto’s arrival in Formula 1 marks the return of an Argentine to the category after 23 years, since Gastón Mazzacane’s last races in 2001. Additionally, he becomes the second Argentine driver to compete for Williams, following in the footsteps of Carlos Reutemann, who made history with the British team. In their official statement, Williams made a point of thanking Logan Sargeant for his commitment and contributions over the past two seasons. Despite stepping down from his role as a race driver, Sargeant will remain part of the Williams family, receiving support to continue his racing career. This change comes after a challenging period for the American driver, who suffered a crash during the Dutch Grand Prix, just weeks after it was confirmed that Carlos Sainz would take his seat next season. Franco Colapinto expressed great enthusiasm for the opportunity to debut in Formula 1, acknowledging that joining the category mid-season will be a huge challenge. However, the Argentine is focused and ready to work hard alongside Alex Albon and the team to achieve success. James Vowles, Williams’ team principal, explained that the decision to replace Sargeant mid-season was not taken lightly but was considered the best strategy to maximize the team’s chances in the highly competitive midfield battle. Vowles also highlighted the importance of investing in young talents from the Williams Driver Academy, emphasizing confidence in Colapinto’s potential and speed. The remaining nine races of the 2024 season will serve as a crucial test for Colapinto, who will have the opportunity to showcase his full talent and establish himself as one of the future promises of Formula 1.
Márquez Looks to Confirm Austrian GP Performance at Aragon GP
Marc Márquez, one of MotoGP’s biggest stars, is determined to maintain the competitive pace he displayed at the Austrian GP as he prepares for the upcoming Aragon GP. Although he hasn’t been on the podium since MotoGP returned from its summer break, Márquez showed promising signs in Austria, where a starting device failure hindered him at the start, but he still managed to recover positions and finished in fourth place. Márquez’s performance in Austria was remarkable, especially considering the difficulties he faced at the British GP, where he also finished fourth. However, his performance in Spielberg came on an unusual weekend due to the special construction of the rear tires provided by Michelin. Due to the specific demands of the Red Bull Ring circuit, Michelin opted to use tires with a harder construction, which may have positively influenced Márquez’s performance and that of the other bikes. As the Aragon GP approaches, Márquez has expressed caution about the possibility of maintaining this level of performance. “The [tire] changes again to a standard one in Aragon,” Márquez explained after the Austrian race. “We’ll see if I feel as good on the bike with the special tire for Austria or also with the [standard 2024] tire—we will understand that in Aragon.” Aragon, a circuit that was absent from the 2023 calendar due to a resurfacing process, now returns with a new surface that promises more grip. Additionally, Michelin is bringing harder compounds to Aragon and three rear tire options instead of the usual two, to adapt to the high temperatures expected at this time of year. Historically, Márquez has excelled at Aragon, a circuit that has always favored his riding style. With victories in 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019 in the premier class, he seeks to repeat this success. However, the unique conditions this year, with the new asphalt and tire changes, make the race unpredictable. Piero Taramasso, Michelin’s Two-Wheel Motorsport Manager, highlighted that controlling tire wear and heat will be the main challenge of the weekend. “Given the expected conditions, we have chosen fairly hard rubber compounds from our new ranges, as track temperatures here could reach 50°C,” Taramasso explained. The question remains whether Márquez will be able to confirm his Austrian performance and return to the podium at Aragon. Regardless of the outcome, the race promises to be a true test of skill and strategy for the Spaniard, who seeks to solidify his position among the best of the season.
