Hamilton Wants to Include His DNA at Ferrari While McLaren Tests Championship Upgrades
Red Bull shake-ups, emotional tributes and midfield momentum define F1's summer surge
Formula One's summer stretch continues to deliver compelling narratives both on and off the track. Lewis Hamilton's struggles with Ferrari's challenging characteristics have prompted the seven-time champion to push for fundamental changes to next year's car, while championship leaders McLaren are quietly testing upgrades that could extend their dominance.
Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc's touching tribute to Jules Bianchi reminds us of the sport's emotional depth beyond the competition.
Hamilton Demands Ferrari DNA Revolution for 2026
Lewis Hamilton has revealed his determination to embed his driving preferences into Ferrari's 2026 car design, criticising the current SF-25's handling characteristics as fundamentally unsuitable for his style.
The seven-time world champion acknowledged that teammate Charles Leclerc has adapted successfully to the car's quirks, but Hamilton finds the machine's balance uncomfortable and difficult to control, particularly in wet conditions.
Speaking candidly about his struggles, Hamilton explained that he has experimented with various setup directions without success, eventually migrating towards Leclerc's approach just to remain competitive.
However, he emphasised that this represents a temporary solution rather than an acceptable long-term compromise. Working closely with chassis technical director Loic Serra, Hamilton is pushing for significant changes to the 2026 car's fundamental characteristics.
His insistence on having "some of my DNA" in the next car signals Ferrari's need to balance the preferences of both drivers while maintaining competitive performance.
(Sky Sports)
McLaren Confirms New Floor Upgrade After Promising Silverstone Tests
McLaren has confirmed plans to introduce a significant floor upgrade following encouraging data gathered during practice sessions at the British Grand Prix.
The championship-leading team tested a revised floor specification during Friday practice, with the primary objective of gathering early feedback before upcoming sprint weekends where upgrade introductions become more complex.
The team's strategic approach allowed them to collect valuable data in a controlled environment, avoiding the constraints of sprint format weekends where comparative testing becomes more difficult. Initial results from the test have exceeded expectations, prompting McLaren to fast-track the upgrade's introduction.
(Motorsport Week)
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Montreal Collision Paradoxically Boosts McLaren Team Confidence
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has revealed that the collision between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at the Canadian Grand Prix actually strengthened team confidence rather than creating internal tension.
The incident, which eliminated Norris from the race while Piastri continued to fourth place, had been anticipated by the team as their drivers' championship battle intensified through the season's opening phase.
Brown explained that getting the inevitable clash "out of the way" relieved pressure within the organisation and provided clarity about how to manage future on-track battles between the title contenders.
The CEO suggested that addressing the collision openly helped the entire team feel more comfortable with the competitive dynamic between their drivers, rather than dwelling on the possibility of future incidents.
(Formula 1)
Red Bull Power Mystery Solved: 2% Stake Reveals Diplomatic Stability
The mystery surrounding Red Bull's internal power dynamics has been resolved, with investigations revealing that the controversial 2% stake transfer was likely a diplomatic stabilisation measure rather than a hostile takeover.
The shares moved from Chalerm Yoovidhya's direct ownership to Swiss trust company Fides Trustees SA appear to remain under Thai family control, maintaining the existing 51-49% balance between the Yoovidhya clan and Mark Mateschitz.
The transaction, which occurred five weeks before Christian Horner's dismissal as team principal, was initially interpreted as evidence of a power shift within the Red Bull empire. However, detailed analysis suggests the trust arrangement serves as a neutral mechanism for resolving shareholder deadlocks rather than changing fundamental control structures.
The Swiss trust company appears to operate under a mandate from the Thai ownership, effectively preserving their majority position while providing impartial guidance during disputes.
(Motorsport.com)
Leclerc's Emotional Tribute Honours Jules Bianchi's Competitive Spirit
Charles Leclerc has shared deeply personal memories of his godfather Jules Bianchi on the tenth anniversary of the French driver's passing, revealing how Bianchi's competitive nature and determination continue to influence his own approach to racing.
The Ferrari driver described Bianchi as the most competitive person he had ever encountered, with that fierce drive extending beyond racing into every aspect of his life.
Leclerc's earliest racing memories involve rental karting sessions with Bianchi, his brother, and other professional drivers after the track closed to the public. These experiences, facilitated by Bianchi's father who managed the facility, provided Leclerc with his first taste of competitive racing alongside established drivers.
The future Ferrari star looked up to Bianchi not just as a driver but as a mentor who demonstrated unwavering dedication to improvement in everything he attempted.
(Formula 1)
Hulkenberg Hails Kick Sauber's Midfield Breakthrough
Nico Hulkenberg has praised Kick Sauber's transformation into a serious midfield competitor following his breakthrough podium at the British Grand Prix.
The German driver's third-place finish marked his long-awaited first Formula 1 podium and highlighted the team's significant progress since introducing major upgrades at the Spanish Grand Prix.
The 37-year-old veteran acknowledged that changing weather conditions played a crucial role in his Silverstone success, but emphasised that the team's underlying improvements have been genuine.
Since their Spanish upgrade package, Kick Sauber has scored points at every subsequent race, including a double points finish in Austria before Hulkenberg's podium breakthrough. The consistency represents a remarkable turnaround from their pointless streak earlier in the season.
(Formula 1)
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