Argentine Formula One driver, Alpine challenger
Mercedes are limiting upgrades under the 2026 cost cap while rivals press ahead, widening the performance gap at the front. Norris has won twice in a row for McLaren, with Antonelli leading the standings and Russell close behind. Monza looms as a crucial test for Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes.
Lando Norris has moved within striking distance in the title race after a strategic masterclass in Zandvoort. Norris has overtaken rivals to win the Dutch Grand Prix, with Antonelli still leading the standings and Russell closing in. Verstappen’s dramatic Lap 1 crash disrupted the race and reshaped the podium picture.
Lando Norris has won the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, keeping McLaren competitive as Kimi Antonelli extends his championship lead. Hamilton and Russell struggle with team orders and tyre strategy, while Mercedes respond to the pressure with strategic pit decisions.
Alpine has extended Franco Colapinto’s contract through 2028, keeping the Argentine driver alongside Pierre Gasly. Colapinto has earned a career-best sixth at the Canadian Grand Prix and sits on 19 points this season as Alpine solidifies its driver lineup amid a push to improve performance.
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from the Argentina national team in a handwritten Instagram statement published on 31 August 2026. The 39-year-old has said he has "nothing left to give" after leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup and to the 2026 final. Tributes and plans for a farewell match are under way; Argentina will meet friendly opponents in September.
Kimi Antonelli has extended his lead in the drivers’ standings after winning Monza from 19th on the grid, while Hamilton finishes sixth as Ferrari’s strategy and team dynamics come under renewed scrutiny. Russell remains in contention; Leclerc suffers a high-speed crash.
Kimi Antonelli has won the Monza Grand Prix after passing teammate George Russell with three laps to go, extending his lead in the drivers’ standings to 66 points. Russell finished second as Verstappen completed the podium. Ferrari endured a difficult day, with Leclerc crashing out early and Hamilton finishing sixth.
Kimi Antonelli has extended his championship lead after winning at Madrid’s Madring circuit, where overtaking proved difficult and for many the race failed to live up to expectations. Norris faced misfortune under a virtual safety car, while drivers call for changes to improve racing at the controversial street circuit.
Esteban Ocon has been told Haas will part ways with him at year’s end. He has been racing in F1 since 2016 and has previously won the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix. Ocon says he remains motivated and will push for strong results in the remaining races while seeking future opportunities. Haas thanks him for his professionalism as they move to appoint a replacement.
Russell has secured a dramatic win in the latest F1 race, narrowing the championship gap to 66 points behind Antonelli after a late surge and Verstappen’s close challenge. Hadjar returns to podium, while Norris, Piastri and others face a tough day amid late incidents and safety cars.
Lando Norris has demanded a one-race ban for Franco Colapinto after Colapinto's high-speed restart crash eliminated Norris, Gasly and Colapinto's Alpine teammate in Azerbaijan. Colapinto has apologised and received a five-place grid drop for Malaysia; the FIA is expected to review the incident.