Samwise F1 Newsletter
Friday, September 11, 2026
Leclerc declared fit for Spanish GP after Italian GP crash
Charles Leclerc has been declared fit to race at this weekend's Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid after the frightening crash he suffered at the Italian Grand Prix. The Ferrari driver was involved in a heavy accident at the Parabolica corner at over 230 km/h, spinning rearwards into the barrier on the second lap while defending from Oscar Piastri's McLaren. Leclerc was required to undergo FIA concussion protocol checks before receiving medical clearance. He reported blurred vision in his right eye and neck pain in the immediate aftermath, telling reporters: "The right eye was not showing me great vision, but now it's all good."
Leclerc accepts blame for Hamilton collision after face-to-face Ferrari talks
Charles Leclerc has accepted responsibility for his first-lap collision with Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton at the Italian Grand Prix, following face-to-face talks between the pair ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix. Leclerc told Hamilton that in Turn 2, "I didn't behave the way I should have" and acknowledged he went too far when he held the inside line at the second corner of the chicane, forcing Hamilton off onto the gravel. Hamilton confirmed the pair had a candid conversation, saying they were "open and honest" and "squashed it." No formal disciplinary action was taken against either driver.
Vasseur rejects Hamilton request for formal Ferrari inter-driver rules
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has declined Lewis Hamilton's request to introduce formal written rules of engagement between him and Charles Leclerc following the pair's collision at the Italian Grand Prix. Hamilton revealed in Madrid that despite sitting down with Vasseur for what he described as a "positive" conversation, Ferrari has not moved to implement a structured framework governing how the two drivers race each other. Hamilton said the team had "different opinions" but added he does not want preferential treatment from Ferrari. Vasseur separately pushed back against suggestions of an internal Ferrari crisis, insisting the team is united and focused on the remaining 10 rounds of the season.
Verstappen predicts Madrid's Madring circuit is 'probably a car killer'
Max Verstappen has predicted the new Madring circuit in Madrid is "probably a car killer" as Formula 1 opens its inaugural Spanish Grand Prix weekend at the venue. Drivers including George Russell described the 22-corner track as "arguably the most risky circuit of the whole calendar," with high-speed sections where walls are extremely close to the racing surface and a large banked corner in the middle sector. Cars are expected to reach 340 km/h on the main straight. A recent F3 test event at the venue resulted in 19 red-flag periods across two days. Free practice sessions open Friday as teams encounter the circuit for the first time.
Sources: Sky Sports F1
Russell claims he has answer to Antonelli despite 66-point championship deficit
George Russell arrived in Madrid insisting he "has an answer" to Kimi Antonelli's pace, despite trailing his Mercedes teammate by 66 points in the Drivers' Championship with 10 rounds remaining. Russell said he will need good fortune to overhaul Antonelli, who extended his lead to 267 points with his victory from 19th on the grid at Monza. Russell, who finished second at the Italian Grand Prix, has shown signs of qualifying improvement — outpacing Antonelli in the last three sessions since the summer break — but acknowledged he remains behind his teammate on race pace. The Spanish GP in Madrid is the 14th round of 2026.
Sources: Sky Sports F1
Audi appeals FIA decision to clear Tsunoda over Monza formation lap penalty
Audi has submitted an FIA appeal over the stewards' decision not to penalise Racing Bulls' Yuki Tsunoda for causing an additional formation lap at the Italian Grand Prix restart. Tsunoda was investigated after lining up at an angle in his grid slot at Monza, prompting race director Rui Marques to order an extra formation lap. Stewards cleared Tsunoda, ruling he did not technically cause the delay. Audi driver Gabriel Bortoleto finished 11th, outside the points. Bortoleto said the case is "quite straightforward in the rules" — any driver causing an extra formation lap must start from the pit lane. The FIA has not set a date for the hearing.
Verstappen confirms serious talks with McLaren and Mercedes before Red Bull stay
Max Verstappen has publicly confirmed for the first time that he held serious talks with both McLaren and Mercedes before choosing to remain at Red Bull. Speaking to BBC Sport, Verstappen said: "Of course, any kind of chat you take seriously. They're all very respectful chats. There's nothing wrong with that." The four-time world champion signed a new deal to continue with Red Bull and said his decision to stay came down to personal conviction: "I felt that staying was, for me, the right choice." Red Bull had faced extended speculation over the summer about whether Verstappen would seek a move to one of the championship-contending teams.
Alonso gives two-word answer on 2027 F1 future at home Spanish GP
Fernando Alonso replied with just two words — "Not soon" — when asked at the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid about when he will announce a decision on his Formula 1 future for 2027. The 45-year-old Aston Martin driver, whose home circuit debuts in Madrid this weekend, has previously suggested this season could be his last depending on the team's performance, but has since shifted his position to tie any continuation to the direction of F1 regulations. Aston Martin design chief Adrian Newey has reportedly expressed a desire to keep Alonso for 2027. The team has scored just three constructors' championship points in 2026.
Drivers' Championship
| Pos | Driver | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | K. Antonelli | 267 |
| 2 | G. Russell | 201 |
| 3 | L. Hamilton | 191 |
| 4 | L. Norris | 171 |
| 5 | C. Leclerc | 155 |
| 6 | M. Verstappen | 127 |
| 7 | O. Piastri | 116 |
| 8 | I. Hadjar | 71 |
| 9 | L. Lawson | 51 |
| 10 | P. Gasly | 41 |
| 11 | A. Lindblad | 29 |
| 12 | F. Colapinto | 21 |
| 13 | O. Bearman | 18 |
| 14 | G. Bortoleto | 10 |
| 15 | N. Hülkenberg | 6 |
| 16 | C. Sainz | 6 |
| 17 | A. Albon | 5 |
| 18 | E. Ocon | 3 |
| 19 | F. Alonso | 3 |
| 20 | Y. Tsunoda | 1 |
| 21 | L. Stroll | 0 |
| 22 | V. Bottas | 0 |
| 23 | S. Pérez | 0 |
Constructors' Championship
| Pos | Constructor | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mercedes | 468 |
| 2 | Ferrari | 346 |
| 3 | McLaren | 287 |
| 4 | Red Bull | 204 |
| 5 | Racing Bulls | 75 |
| 6 | Alpine | 62 |
| 7 | Haas | 21 |
| 8 | Audi | 11 |
| 9 | Williams | 5 |
| 10 | Aston Martin | 3 |
| 11 | Cadillac | 0 |
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