Latest news with #McLarenMCL39
Newsweek
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Ferrari Insider Pushing for Lewis Hamilton's Influence on Car Development
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Sky Sports F1 presenter Simon Lazenby has stated that Ferrari's senior performance engineer, Jock Clear, who also worked with Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, must be urging Ferrari to take Lewis Hamilton's feedback seriously for a performance turnaround. Hamilton's journey at Ferrari since his debut this season has been full of ups and downs. The seven-time world champion has been struggling to adapt to the SF-25 F1 car, which is a few tenths off the dominant McLaren MCL39. Ferrari needs to act fast if it has to make up points in the championship. Recent races suggest an improvement, but the tweaks on the car haven't been significant enough to secure a race win. Ferrari's only victory thus far was in the sprint race in China, and the team has yet to win a Grand Prix. Mercedes, Red Bull, and McLaren drivers have secured race wins this season so far, but Ferrari has yet to catch up with performance. Charles Leclerc, who reportedly contributed to the SF-25's development, registered a best finish of P2 at Monaco, an iconic Grand Prix venue where he secured a win last year. Unfortunately for Hamilton, he is yet to secure a podium finish. Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Ferrari speaks in the media pen during the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 29, 2025 in Spielberg, Austria. Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Ferrari speaks in the media pen during the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 29, 2025 in Spielberg, suggest Ferrari is testing a new rear suspension design with both drivers at Mugello today during the filming day session. The upgraded component is expected to help Ferrari resolve the ride height problems that reportedly caused a double disqualification in Shanghai. There has been much talk about the positive effects of the new suspension, and simulation results have also been promising. However, the effectiveness of the new suspension can only be assessed during the test. Hamilton's feedback during his 12 years at Mercedes played a crucial role in uplifting the team to its championship-winning form. However, reports suggest Ferrari hasn't been making full use of Hamilton's knowledge, prompting Lazenby to reveal how eager Clear must be in pushing Ferrari to listen to Hamilton. Speaking on the F1 Show Podcast, he said: "Lewis, who since 2008 has won seven world championships while Ferrari in the meantime brought home zero, means accepting and therefore marrying his vision of work in the car. So you know there's a growing body of people saying listen to Lewis. I spoke to Jock Clear, [who] has worked with Lewis with both [teams]. "He's worked with him at Mercedes and he's worked with him at Ferrari on the performance side and getting the best out of things. "If there's anyone definitely shouting from the rooftops [saying], 'Listen to what Lewis has to say', it's him, because apparently his [Hamilton's] feedback is second to none. "There's a reason he's won seven World Championships. His feedback is amazing." Adding to Lazenby's point, 1996 champion Damon Hill said: "I do think that they've got a chance of doing something with Lewis when I don't think they would have a chance of developing with Charles, because Charles has never been anywhere else. "That's the problem. Going from one team to another, it takes a few years."
Newsweek
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
McLaren F1 Condemns 'Harsh' FIA Penalty That Derailed Oscar Piastri's Victory
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella was happy about Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri's 1-2 finish at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. However, he described Piastri's 10-second penalty as being "harsh." The Australian driver lost his lead to Norris after serving the penalty while pitting. The British Grand Prix saw several twists and turns due to a damp track race start and a mid-race rain spell. But given the dominant performance of the McLaren MCL39, Piastri snatched the lead from Verstappen on the initial laps. However, the race momentum was affected on several instances due to yellow flags. Just as a safety car was ending, Piastri hit the brakes hard, prompting Verstappen to go past him. Just as the Red Bull driver made it back to his spot behind, Piastri accelerated instantly. Verstappen reacted immediately, only to spin out in the next corner. The costly error dropped him from P2 to P10. However, Piastri's brake test came under the stewards' scanner, who then handed him a ten-second penalty for a safety car infringement. Stella was happy about Norris' home win but frustrated by Piastri's penalty. Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after the race, he said: McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella speaks to the media in the paddock during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 28, 2025 in Spielberg, Austria. McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella speaks to the media in the paddock during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 28, 2025 in Spielberg, Austria."Well, we certainly gave our input to the race direction, especially related to the fact that we thought that the safety car was called in relatively late. This didn't give much space for the driver — the leading driver — to take control of the group and go with the restarting procedure. "So we think overall the penalty has been harsh, but we will review the data like usual. We will see if there's any learning from that. At the moment there's not much we can do. We just have to take it on the chin. "A tough one for Oscar because he drove very well today. He drove very well, but it's just midseason — many more opportunities. I think this will give Oscar even more motivation." Addressing the way both McLarens performed and congratulating the team and Norris on a dominant race finish, Stella said: "First of all, I would like to extend the congratulations to the entire team. To the people that today operated really very, very well under the direction of Randi, the race engineers, and together with the drivers — all good calls in difficult circumstances. "Both drivers drove very well, pretty much with no issues at all. Oscar was very aggressive at the start. He gained the lead quite deservedly, and then the penalty unfortunately meant that he couldn't capitalise on a victory. "This went to Lando. I'm sure for Lando this is a very, very, very special day — winning the home Grand Prix. P1, P2 for McLaren. So overall a very strong day. We're very happy, something to celebrate."
The 42
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- The 42
'The best day of my life' - Irish teenager Alex Dunne makes superb F1 debut for McLaren
IRELAND'S ALEX DUNNE was the story of the first free practice (FP1) at the Austrian Grand Prix, turning heads on his Formula 1 debut. Offaly teenager Dunne, a McLaren junior and the current Formula 2 Championship leader, finished fourth in his first ever F1 session as he temporarily deputised for Lando Norris. Racing for the first time in the McLaren MCL39, Dunne finished within a tenth of team-mate and F1 championship leader Oscar Piastri, with George Russell setting the FP1 pace just two tenths up the track. Russell saw off second-placed Max Verstappen by 0.065 seconds. Dunne's joy was immediately apparent upon his finish, with the 19-year-old telling his McLaren team over the radio: 'I want to say a massive thank you. A little boy's dream came true and it's definitely the best day of my life. 'So, thank you, everyone, for letting me do this, and thanks to Lando, as well, for trusting me with his car,' Dunne added. Advertisement 'It means a lot.' Speaking post-race, Dunne said he was 'super, super happy'. 'I think it's fair to say it went pretty well,' he added. 'I think we knew going through the session that the goal wasn't necessarily for performance, it was more to help out with the car, help Lando, and kind of just help the team to improve as much as they can through FP2, FP3, and then onwards into the weekend. 'So, to have the pace that I had and show what I'm capable of on the F1 stage is something pretty special. A massive thank you to McLaren for the opportunity. I'm extremely grateful.' McLaren team boss Andrea Stella was impressed by Dunne's performance, but particularly with how he achieved his team's objectives on his first run-out. 'Before we look at the time, we have to acknowledge that he has gone through quite an extensive plan of testing with some new parts,' Stella said. 'There was some work that won't be seen on TV but keeps the drivers very busy and you have to be very precise, very much on time. 'In all of this, Alex has been quite diligent and impressive. 'He had also a chance to show us his pace. It's no surprise he is a fast driver. 'We have to be careful looking at the lap times because his lap time came later in the stint when the fuel was down. But I think it's encouraging and impressive for Alex himself, and a good session for McLaren.'
Newsweek
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
IndyCar Driver Calls Out F1 After 2026 Calendar Changes: 'Single Handedly Ruined Motorsport Xmas'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. IndyCar driver Scott McLaughlin has called out Formula One for shuffling the 2026 calendar, which has "ruined" the opportunity for fans to watch the "3 crown jewels." The Monaco Grand Prix is usually held on the same day as the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 race in Charlotte and the Indianapolis 500. In 2026, the Monaco GP will be held on 7th June, while the Canadian Grand Prix has been moved to an earlier date, which clashes with the IndyCar and NASCAR races. The swapping of the Monaco and Canadian Grands Prix has led McLaughlin to criticize the shuffle, who pointed out that motorsport fans won't be able to enjoy all the events since the Canadian GP would be held at a similar time. This prompted him to suggest that F1 has "single handedly ruined Motorsport Xmas." Revealing his feelings on X, he wrote: Lando Norris of Great Britain driving the (4) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes leads Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the (16) Scuderia Ferrari SF-25 Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes Max Verstappen of... Lando Norris of Great Britain driving the (4) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes leads Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the (16) Scuderia Ferrari SF-25 Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 and the rest of the field at the start during the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 25, 2025 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. More"Congrats to @f1 who single handedly ruined Motorsport Xmas. Indy 500 will be a scene next year. As well as the Coke 600. Good luck." He added: "FYI.. I'm just sad for the race fan in me that loved watching 3 Crown Jewels on the same day. But instead we've decided to compete with each other instead of just enjoy pure Motorsport. Anyway, that is all." FYI.. I'm just sad for the race fan in me that loved watching 3 Crown Jewels on the same day. But instead we've decided to compete with each other instead of just enjoy pure Motorsport. Anyway, that is all. — Scott McLaughlin (@smclaughlin93) June 10, 2025 F1's 2026 calendar was recently unveiled, with the biggest change being the introduction of Madrid, which will host the Spanish GP. However, to accommodate the new venue in a packed calendar, Imola has been dropped. Notably, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya also faced a threat since its F1 contract expires at the end of 2026. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton admitted that dropping Barcelona from the F1 calendar would be a shame and voiced his support for classic F1 circuits. Newsweek Sports reported his statement: "I think ultimately losing any of the classics, and this is one of the classics, I think would be a shame, because as I said, it's a great city. "There's a great following here in Spain, particularly since Fernando [Alonso] was here. As long as we have a race in Spain, that's what matters most. "This feels like the home of Formula 1 in Spain. But it's okay to progress as a sport, and I know Madrid, as I said, is a great location." He added: "As long as they build a good circuit, which I'm less hopeful for - building new circuits is very, very hit and miss. 90 plus per cent of the time, it's worse. "As long as it's a better circuit, or as good a circuit, I'm not bothered either way."
Newsweek
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Cadillac's 2026 F1 Debut Draws Interest from Mercedes Reserve Driver
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. With the Cadillac Formula One team entering the grid in 2026, Mercedes reserve driver Valtteri Bottas has shown considerable interest in one of the two seats. He also confirmed that Cadillac has a few drivers on the list, and believes he is one of the best options for the new American outfit. Bottas ended his stint with the Sauber F1 team last year after a management restructuring that saw Mattia Binotto take the throne as the team's CEO and CTO. The team's driver lineup was replaced entirely by Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto ahead of Audi's full takeover in 2026. Zhou Guanyu became a Ferrari reserve driver, while Bottas rejoined the team he once experienced huge success with in the past alongside Lewis Hamilton - Mercedes. Despite a lackluster season with Sauber last year, Bottas confirmed that he isn't done with F1 just yet. Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes leads Lando Norris of Great Britain driving the (4) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21... Oscar Piastri of Australia driving the (81) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes leads Lando Norris of Great Britain driving the (4) McLaren MCL39 Mercedes Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 George Russell of Great Britain driving the (63) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W16 Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain driving the (44) Scuderia Ferrari SF-25 Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the (16) Scuderia Ferrari SF-25 and the rest of the field at the start during the F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on June 01, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. MoreSpeaking on the Beyond the Grid podcast, Bottas revealed Cadillac's main priority at present. He said: "I don't think they're in a massive rush, they've been very, very busy trying to get a car on the grid for next year." Bottas then revealed why he is an ideal candidate for Cadillac and opened up on the timeline for deciding about the 2026 season. He added: "I think they have a few drivers on the list. I would imagine my experience will help because now I've raced in three different teams, with one of the teams having mega success. With Williams as well, we had some great results, so I hope I'm in a good position. "I know my timeline, when I want to know about next year and what plans I need to make, which I think is more or less August, which is a pretty good target for that, and hopefully, we'll hear something more soon. "For me, I actually see a very interesting project, something new to F1, an American team with maybe a different view to the sport. "If I were there as a driver, it would be very interesting because you can start from scratch. "The team starts from zero. You could actually make a big influence on certain things, which direction to go, and that would be very motivating and rewarding when the success comes. "I think the rule change is always a good point to jump in because you just never know, if you suddenly get it right, you might actually be doing really well from the get-go." Newsweek Sports reported comments from Cadillac F1 team principal Graeme Lowdon in April, who confirmed that the team was in talks with a few drivers but discussions hadn't reached an advanced stage yet. He said: "We are either planning or have spoken to you know probably seven or eight drivers all together. It would be no surprise that anybody who has got recent Formula 1 experience would be included in that list but I would stress that at the moment, any discussions are very preliminary. "They are just really trying to get to know what people's interest levels are, what their motivations are. We're certainly not in advanced discussions with any driver."
