Showing posts with label Kimi Antonelli. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kimi Antonelli. Show all posts
Monday, 27 July 2026
Sunday, 19 July 2026
KIMI ANTONELLI WINS BELGIAN GRAND PRIX TO EXTEND F1 CHAMPIIONSHIP LEAD
Mercedes driver won his sixth GP of 2026 as championship rival and teammate George Russell crashes out on first lap.
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| Kimi Antonelli celebrates winning the Belgian Grand Prix for Mercedes at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, July 19 [Andrej Isakovic/AFP] |
Kimi Antonelli won the Belgian Grand Prix for Mercedes on Sunday to stretch his Formula One lead to 45 points over Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton on a bleak day for teammate George Russell, his closest title rival heading into the race.
Russell had been the 19-year-old Italian’s closest rival before the start at Spa-Francorchamps, but the Briton spun off into the gravel on the opening lap after a collision with Hamilton while trying to make up places lost at lights out.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was second in the 44-lap race, 1.952 seconds behind after leading, thanks to a pit stop while a virtual safety car was deployed, with Max Verstappen third to give Red Bull their 300th Formula One podium.
Hamilton finished fourth, despite serving a five-second penalty for the collision with Russell, but remained under investigation for an unsafe release from a pit stop that could drop him to fifth and further stretch Antonelli’s lead.
It was Antonelli’s sixth win in 10 rounds this season, leaving him 50 points clear of Russell. Antonelli was first in qualifying, continuing Mercedes’ clean sweep of pole positions this season.
“It’s great to be back on the top step after a few difficult rounds,” said Antonelli, who had drawn a blank in two of the past three rounds.
“It was a hard-fought race. We lost first place with the VSC but then we managed to make our way back.
“The momentum was always there. It was just about getting the results,” he added. “Today we were a bit lucky with what happened in terms of the championship but you have to take every opportunity because we saw how much it can swing.”
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished fifth, with Isack Hadjar sixth for Red Bull from last on the grid. Reigning champion Lando Norris was seventh for McLaren after starting 13th due to a 10-place grid drop.
Gabriel Bortoleto brought more points for Audi in eighth place, with Arvid Lindblad ninth for Racing Bulls and Argentine Franco Colapinto completing the scoring in 10th place for Renault-owned Alpine.
- Reuters
Saturday, 4 July 2026
F1 BRITISH GP: KIMI ANTONELLI TAKES FIRST SPRINT WIN WITH PASS ON LEWIS HAMILTON
Championship leader Antonelli makes half-distance overtake on sprint polesitter Hamilton to claim first blood at Silverstone
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| Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes Photo by: Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images |
Formula 1 championship leader Kimi Antonelli beat Lewis Hamilton to win a frantic British Grand Prix sprint race at Silverstone for his first Saturday victory of the 2026 campaign.
The Mercedes driver crossed the line 2.7 seconds ahead of the seven-time world champion in a race where Antonelli and Hamilton had proven dominant over the rest of the field.
McLaren's Lando Norris completed the podium, but was seven seconds behind the Ferrari driver as two separate front-running groups quickly emerged during the 17-lap sprint contest.
This was evident right from the start as pole man Hamilton and Antonelli bolted clear at lights out and built a four-second buffer across the opening three laps, with a scrappy battle behind emerging over third place.
That was a five-way tussle between Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, George Russell, Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc, who all continuously traded places in the return of yo-yo racing at the high-energy Silverstone.
Drivers were running with different levels of energy through the lap and this led to overtakes at various parts of Silverstone, whether it be Verstappen's move on Russell at Abbey, or Leclerc on Piastri at Brooklands.
The battle for third started to die down come the halfway mark and, ultimately, it was Norris who emerged victorious, but as he locked down his podium, the battle for the lead finally heated up.
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| Getty |
That came after Hamilton had built a steady one-second advantage over Antonelli, who closed in come lap eight and made his first attack on the home favourite down into Brooklands.
Hamilton held firm but not for too long, as the 19-year-old eventually moved by into the lead on Hangar Straight before soon boasting too much pace for the Ferrari to keep up.
It was around this point on lap 10 when the fight behind Norris intensified once more, as Verstappen dropped into sixth behind Russell and Leclerc before a steady final seven laps.
Russell therefore took fourth behind Norris, finished a second behind the McLaren, ahead of fifth-placed Leclerc and Verstappen in sixth, with Piastri taking two points for coming seventh.
The final points position went to the Racing Bulls of Liam Lawson, who moved into the top eight Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar fell out of the points-paying positions at the start. Lawson defended the point from his former team-mate late, on but in contentious circumstances as he squeezed his former team-mate under braking at Stowe.
This all leaves Antonelli with a 43-point championship advantage over second-placed Russell ahead of Sunday’s grand prix, with third-placed Hamilton now four behind his fellow Briton.
- Ed Hardy
Sunday, 28 June 2026
Friday, 26 June 2026
Tuesday, 23 June 2026
Saturday, 13 June 2026
Friday, 12 June 2026
DAVID COULTHARD DEFENDS KIM KARDASHIAN AFTER MARTIN BRUNDLE MONACO GP GRID WALK BACKLASH
David Coulthard has defended Kim Kardashian after criticism over her Monaco Grand Prix appearance
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| Kim Kardashian on the grid. Photo by: Guido De Bortoli / LAT Images via Getty Images |
Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has weighed in on the comments surrounding Kim Kardashian's appearance at the Monaco Grand Prix, defending the reality television star after she didn't speak to Martin Brundle.
Kardashian became a big talking point of the Monaco Grand Prix weekend after she turned down an interview with Brundle during his famous Sky Sports F1 grid walk and was later seen picking up race winner Kimi Antonelli's towel after the race.
The incident led to widespread online criticism, but Coulthard believes the online hate was unwarranted.
Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, the 13-time grand prix winner revealed that Kardashian had been very polite to him during his own broadcasting duties on the grid.
"Well, I'll go first as the least following of any of that social thing. I do a grid walk with Viaplay, which is I guess like Sky but more in the northern European countries, and she spoke to me," he said.
"So it feels a little bit like it's a set-up because Martin is as famous for people not talking to him as he is for people talking to him. So it actually helps perpetuate that. Taking a towel, that's maybe a bit not correct but does she actually understand that that's for the driver? She might have just thought it was a Monaco freebie."
When pressed on what he spoke to Kardashian about, Coulthard explained: "I said, 'Having a nice time in Monaco? To which she said, 'yes.' I wasn't going to ask, 'Who are you supporting?' because that would be quite clear. It would be funny if she said Kimi."
Coulthard added that the championship could be a new interest for Kardashian, so it would be unfair to assume she knows the ins and outs of the series.
"I think also what we've seen when you've got big American celebrities coming into the sport, I think the worst thing you can do is put them on the spot," he continued.
"Obviously, it would be easy for her to say she was supporting Lewis, but why would we assume just because we're embedded in Formula 1 that this is anything other than just a new interest?"
- Lydia Mee
Sunday, 7 June 2026
MONACO GP PLUNGED INTO CHAOS WITH RED FLAG TARMAC INSPECTION
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| Photo: Race Pictures |
Charles Leclerc crashed out of the Monaco Grand Prix ahead of the Safety Car restart. After the drivers did a couple of laps on the circuit, the race was stopped with a red flag for tarmac inspection.
That is for inspecting a track break-up at Turn 19, with 10 laps to go. Kimi Antonelli currently leads ahead Lewis Hamilton and Isack Hadjar.
The race will restart at 17:12 local time (16:12 GMT). Follow the Monaco Grand Prix with GPblog's liveblog here!
More drama for Leclerc and Russell
The Ferrari driver was in third place ahead of the Safety Car restart following Lance Stroll's incident, but crashed into the barrier in the last corner. Over the radio, the home favourite was fuming. He said: "I'm not even going to take the blame! These brakes!"
George Russell could also lose further positions after failing to serve his five-second time penalty for speeding in the pit lane during his second stop of the day. The Briton is now under further investigation.
- Kada Sarkozi
Saturday, 6 June 2026
FP3 REPORT: WHAT HAPPENED IN FINAL PRACTICE AT THE MONACO GP
Kimi Antonelli transformed the picture at the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix by topping final practice for Mercedes ahead of qualifying, as Ferrari suddenly found themselves chasing rather than leading.
After Ferrari dominated Friday practice, Antonelli delivered the clearest sign yet that Mercedes had found performance overnight. The championship leader set a 1m 12.720s to finish 0.327 seconds clear of Charles Leclerc, with Lewis Hamilton third, just 0.004 seconds behind his team-mate.
George Russell was fourth in the second Mercedes, while Max Verstappen completed the top five for Red Bull.
The final Formula 1 practice hour suggested qualifying may not be the Ferrari walkover many had expected after Friday. Antonelli looked confident from the moment the soft tyres went on, and his pace was strong enough to leave the rest of the field with serious work to do before the most important qualifying session of the season.
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| Kimi Antonelli during practice for the 2026 F1 Monaco GP | Mercedes |
Antonelli takes control as Ferrari chase answers
Ferrari had looked like the team to beat after finishing one-two in both FP1 and FP2, but FP3 gave Mercedes a major boost.
Antonelli found time early on the soft tyre and then stayed clear of the field, while Leclerc and Hamilton were unable to match his benchmark when the final qualifying simulations began. Traffic played a role, as it always does in Monaco, but the gap to Antonelli was large enough to suggest Mercedes have made genuine progress overnight.
Leclerc still ended the session second, but the Monegasque driver continued to sound uncomfortable over team radio, with the brake issue he revealed on Friday still appearing to be a concern. That could be crucial at Monaco, where confidence under braking is everything.
Hamilton was third and remained close to Leclerc, but neither Ferrari driver could land a response to Antonelli before the late red flag disrupted the final runs.
Bearman crash interrupts final laps
The session was stopped late on after Oliver Bearman crashed his Haas at Massenet. Bearman lost the rear while climbing the hill, shortly after passing Russell, who had moved as far aside as possible to stay out of the way. The Haas driver clipped the barriers and left debris on the track, bringing out the red flag.
“Sorry guys, it’s the ***** bottoming. I’m so sorry,” Bearman said over team radio.
He climbed out of the car unharmed and later returned to the pit lane, but Haas will need to check the car carefully before qualifying, particularly around the rear and gearbox after the impact.
The marshals cleared the car quickly, but barrier checks meant the session resumed with only four minutes remaining. That gave some drivers time for one final run, although out laps were heavily compromised as the field queued up in classic Monaco fashion.
McLaren still searching before qualifying
McLaren still looked short of the very front after a difficult Friday. Oscar Piastri finished sixth, 0.978 seconds off Antonelli, while Lando Norris was ninth after continuing to play catch up following his FP2 stoppage.
McLaren confirmed before the session that it had broken curfew after Norris stopped at the Nouvelle Chicane on Friday. The team replaced the wiring harness and changed the ESME pack within the permitted allocation as part of its investigation into the issue.
Team CEO Zak Brown admitted a second row start might already be an optimistic target, with McLaren still trying to understand its pace before qualifying.
There was also a late traffic moment between Norris and Hamilton, with neither driver sounding impressed over the radio. The incident was not noted by Race Control, but it served as a reminder of how tense qualifying could become when 22 cars fight for space around the narrowest circuit on the calendar.
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| Nico Hulkenberg during practice for the 2026 F1 Monaco GP | Audi F1 Team |
Audi impress again as Cadillac suffer more issues
Audi continued their strong Monaco weekend, with Gabriel Bortoleto seventh and Nico Hulkenberg 10th.
Both Audi cars had finished inside the top 10 in FP1 and FP2, and their FP3 pace suggested the team could be genuine contenders for Q3 if they execute qualifying cleanly.
Isack Hadjar was eighth as he continued to rebuild confidence after his FP1 crash at the Swimming Pool section. Liam Lawson also had another nervous moment at the same part of the track, catching a slide after the rear stepped out.
Cadillac had more brake trouble after Sergio Perez suffered a brake fire in FP2. This time Valtteri Bottas reported smoke and limped back to the pits, avoiding a stoppage but raising fresh concerns for the team.
The final practice message was clear. Ferrari still have pace, Verstappen remains close enough to threaten, and McLaren are not out of the picture. But heading into qualifying, it is Antonelli and Mercedes who suddenly look like the combination to beat.
- John Smith
Thursday, 4 June 2026
FORMULA 1 MONACO GRAND PRIX 2026: MERCEDES RIVALRY HEATS UP, FERRARI LURKING
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| Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect |
Moving from the thrilling speeds of Montreal to the complex layout of Monte Carlo, Formula 1 shifts gears this weekend, offering a stark difference in racing styles. Monaco stands out as a highly esteemed jewel on the racing calendar, a win every driver wants to put on their resume.
With Mercedes facing internal conflicts, Ferrari exuding confidence, and the FIA implementing subtle rule changes specific to this circuit, the scene is prepared for an exciting Monaco Grand Prix in 2026.
Let’s explore the captivating storylines unfolding as F1 returns to Europe for this legendary race.
The Mercedes Problem Toto Wolff Can’t Ignore Much Longer
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| IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect |
Toto Wolff is grappling with a challenge that most team principals would welcome, with a big caveat.
Kimi Antonelli emerged victorious in Canada for the fourth consecutive time, jumping out to a comfortable 43-point lead in the driver’s championship hunt. But what truly stood out in Montreal was how he won his fourth-straight race. The young Italian and his teammate George Russell engaged in intense battles throughout the weekend in Montreal, constantly exchanging positions during both the sprint race and the Grand Prix until Russell’s engine failed on lap 29. It was captivating drama for race fans but a daunting task for those responsible for keeping both cars intact for the remainder of the season.
There was a close call on Saturday when Antonelli ran wide at Turn 1, skidding across the grass and narrowly avoiding collecting Russell on his return to the track. Wolff intervened over the radio to calm the young driver down. While they raced more cleanly on Sunday, the near-misses continued to accumulate. The upcoming race in Monaco presents a challenging scenario where there is minimal room for error and even less opportunity for recovery.
The pressing question on everyone’s mind is whether Wolff will establish clear rules of engagement before the situation escalates beyond repair. Russell hinted to reporters after the Canadian race that the championship was Antonelli’s to lose, a statement typically made when one is not convinced of its accuracy. Considering Antonelli’s struggles in Monaco last year, Russell must aim to start narrowing the 43-point gap on Saturday.
Ferrari Smells a Win, Leclerc Smells Home
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| IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect |
Following their Montreal outing, Ferrari is entering Monaco with a newfound sense of confidence, hinting at a potential breakthrough this weekend. While Lewis Hamilton’s notable second-place finish stood out in Montreal, Charles Leclerc, though not matching that speed, boasts a strong history at his home race in Monte Carlo. The Monegasque driver typically shines on this renowned track and Ferrari is marking his return with a distinctive race attire and cap.
The Ferrari SF-26 showcased impressive performance in slow turns during the Canadian Grand Prix, a trait that fits well with the demands of Monaco’s circuit. McLaren and Mercedes have both pinpointed Ferrari as the team to challenge in Monaco, highlighting the significance of chassis performance over engine power on this track. With Leclerc’s exceptional skills in single-lap racing and a resurgent Hamilton by his side, Ferrari has an opportunity to clinch its first win of the season at this prestigious location.
A Special Regulation Adjustment for F1 in Monaco
Formula 1 has introduced a temporary change to its regulations for the Monaco Grand Prix to bolster safety. The new measure involves deactivating the active aerodynamics feature called straight mode, which enables drivers to adjust their front and rear wings on straights to lessen drag, akin to the past DRS system.
For the Monaco race, straight mode has been completely disabled by the FIA, prioritizing safety concerns despite the historical use of DRS at Monaco in previous seasons. Drivers will still have access to overtake mode, providing an energy boost to those close to the car ahead. Additionally, the energy deployment plan has been adjusted for the narrow Monaco track, with the MGU-K hybrid boost now tapering off at 200 km/h instead of 290 km/h. This adjustment will lead the cars to produce more downforce than at any other point this season on straight paths, introducing a new challenge for drivers as they approach the harbor. This unexpected change brings an element of unpredictability to a race weekend typically known for its predictability.
The Importance of Qualifying in Monaco
For newcomers to Formula 1 seeking to understand the significance of Saturday at the Monaco Grand Prix, the reason is simple: overtaking is extremely difficult on this track. With 19 corners packed into the 2.074-mile circuit, minimal high-speed stretches, and few overtaking chances, securing a good position on the track is crucial.
Lando Norris is the defending champion, while Ayrton Senna holds the record for the most wins on these demanding streets with six victories. The task is straightforward in theory but demanding in practice. Drivers must deliver during qualifying on each lap, aware that even a small mistake could lead to contact with the barriers and an early end to their race. While strategy, safety car appearances, and track position are vital on race day, the groundwork for success is laid during qualifying, well before the race starts.
Increased Traffic Issues on an Already Crowded Circuit
An important development, though seemingly minor, is the increase to 22 cars competing on the narrowest track in Formula 1.
Cadillac’s entry this season expanded the grid to 22 contenders, heightening the challenge during qualifying sessions, especially in Q1 when all cars are simultaneously aiming for a clear lap. Finding room to set a fast lap without obstructing others is already a tough task for strategists on a regular weekend, but the Monaco circuit makes it even tougher.
Practice sessions offer limited relief, as cars operate at different speeds and fuel loads, potentially disrupting drivers on flying laps. Anticipate hearing frustrated radio transmissions as drivers grapple with blocked laps, which can lead to a significant grid penalty in Monaco, where track position is crucial for race success.
- SCOTT GULBRANSEN
Friday, 29 May 2026
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