Helmut Marko Criticizes Mercedes for Kimi Antonelli ‘Hype’

9 months ago

Helmut Marko Criticizes Mercedes for Kimi Antonelli ‘Hype’

“We don’t create hype around a young driver before they’re in an F1 car,” Marko said, taking aim at Mercedes’ handling of rookie Antonelli. The 17-year-old, who replaced Lewis Hamilton, impressed with a podium in Canada but has struggled in the inconsistent W16. Marko added, “Our juniors first drive for Racing Bulls and aren’t immediately exposed to the pressure.”

By Tanish Chachra

Other articles from Formula 1

Valtteri Bottas Still Owes Grid Drop Despite FIA Rule Change

9 months ago

Valtteri Bottas Still Owes Grid Drop Despite FIA Rule Change

Bottas must serve a five-place penalty from Abu Dhabi 2024 with Sauber on his Cadillac F1 return in 2026. Though new FIA rules time-limit grid drops to 12 months, sanctions imposed under old regulations remain valid. “The penalty will stand,” the FIA told The Race. Jenson Button and Robert Shwartzman also still carry unresolved grid penalties on record.

By Tanish Chachra

Isack Hadjar Set for Red Bull, Arvid Lindblad Debuts With Racing Bulls

9 months ago

Isack Hadjar Set for Red Bull, Arvid Lindblad Debuts With Racing Bulls

Auto Motor und Sport reports Hadjar will join Max Verstappen at Red Bull in 2026 after impressing the board this season. Lindblad is lined up as the year’s first rookie with Racing Bulls, alongside Liam Lawson. The shuffle likely ends Yuki Tsunoda’s F1 stint after five years, as his inability to score points at Red Bull makes him dispensable.

By Tanish Chachra

Fred Vasseur Admits Underestimating Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Switch

9 months ago

Fred Vasseur Admits Underestimating Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Switch

Vasseur conceded he and Hamilton “stupidly expected” an easy Ferrari transition after 18 years at McLaren and Mercedes. “Same engine guys, same culture… then he arrived at Ferrari. We thought we had everything under control,” he said. Hamilton’s debut season has been rocky. He stands P6 on the table with 109 points while teammate Charles Leclerc has been comparatively better.

By Tanish Chachra

Williams Hails Alex Albon as ‘Completely Different Animal’ Since Red Bull Days

9 months ago

Williams Hails Alex Albon as ‘Completely Different Animal’ Since Red Bull Days

Team Principal James Vowles said Albon has “stepped up every year” since joining Williams in 2022. He praised his mental strength: “Even when things go wrong, he deals with it and comes back the next day wanting more.” Comparing him to Max Verstappen, he added: “If you put him up against Max today, he’d be a completely different animal.”

By Tanish Chachra

Never miss an update! Download our app now.