Ferrari’s Decision Not to Issue Team Orders Could Cost Hamilton the Title
Three F1 insiders have warned Ferrari’s refusal to issue team orders at the Hungarian Grand Prix could prove costly to Lewis Hamilton’s championship challenge. Hamilton received a five-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane and finished fifth, dropping points to championship leader Kimi Antonelli. Former Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer said asking Leclerc to hold position would have placed Hamilton two points closer to Antonelli. Former Ferrari engineer Rob Smedley agreed, noting Leclerc was only half a second ahead. Pundit Jake Humphrey warned those two points could decide the title. Hamilton trails Antonelli by 50 points after Hungary.
Sources: GPFans
Former Ferrari Manager Calls Red Bull a “Dog” as Windsor Hails Verstappen’s Best Drive
Former F1 general manager turned pundit Peter Windsor has labelled Verstappen’s second-place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix one of his finest performances, despite the Dutchman battling a power unit issue that left him losing speed on the pit straight. Windsor, speaking on the CameronCC YouTube channel, described the RB22 as a “real dog” with a “horrendous issue” that saw Verstappen stationary on the straight for two to three seconds. “If you want a definition of a world champion, it was Max Verstappen in Hungary,” Windsor said. Verstappen has claimed three podiums from the last four races.
Sources: GPFans
Hamilton Apologises to Ferrari After Costly Hungary Errors
Lewis Hamilton issued a dual apology to Ferrari following a damaging Hungarian Grand Prix that saw him receive a five-second time penalty and lose a position to Max Verstappen. Hamilton said over team radio “Ah, I couldn’t see him coming, guys” after Verstappen made a late dive at Turn 1 on lap 16, before adding “Sorry about losing that position, man.” The seven-time champion also collected a penalty for speeding in the pit lane, which ultimately demoted him to fifth behind team-mate Charles Leclerc. Hamilton has received four penalties across the last three race weekends.
Sources: GPFans
Verstappen Flies to Red Bull Headquarters as New Long-Term Contract Is Tabled
Max Verstappen flew by private jet from Sardinia to Red Bull’s headquarters in Salzburg as contract discussions intensified between the four-time world champion and his team. German newspaper BILD reported Red Bull tabled a deal running through 2029, without an exit clause. Verstappen has so far declined to confirm his 2027 plans, and his existing contract contains a performance clause now active after dropping to sixth in the championship standings after Hungary. Red Bull had previously offered Verstappen an extension with a pay rise, according to GPFans. No deal has yet been announced.
Sources: GPFans
F1 to Make Final 2026 Calendar Decision in September With Imola in the Frame
Formula 1 will make a definitive decision on the remaining 2026 race calendar by mid-September, according to Racer. Stefano Domenicali confirmed a potential additional US race has been ruled out due to NFL scheduling conflicts. Imola remains under consideration as a possible venue, with Domenicali quoted saying “Imola is in the basket.” The RaceFans July 30 roundup noted Imola as a potential backup location if other scheduled rounds cannot proceed. The next race on the calendar is the Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort, scheduled for August 21–23, as the series returns from its summer break.
Domenicali Says Fans Love 2026 Racing but Don’t Understand Clipping Controversy
F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali has defended the 2026 regulations, telling RaceFans that fans “don’t understand our technology, definition of ‘clipping’” yet believe the racing is great. Domenicali cited the positive fan response as evidence that the on-track product is compelling, even as several drivers have publicly criticised the regulations this season. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are among those who have spoken out against the 2026 rules. The remarks come as the clipping debate has featured prominently throughout the season, with Domenicali’s position appearing to contrast with the criticism voiced by drivers on track.
Sources: RaceFans
Spanish Sources Say Alonso Is Leaning Toward Staying at Aston Martin in 2027
Spanish journalist Carlos Miquel reports Fernando Alonso is “closer to deciding to continue” with Aston Martin, according to Spanish media cited by GPFans. The two-time world champion’s future had been uncertain heading into the summer break, with pundit Ted Kravitz describing the situation as “50/50” between retirement and staying on. Aston Martin made Q2 for the first time this season at the Hungarian Grand Prix, having introduced 16 chassis upgrades under technical director Adrian Newey. Team owner Lawrence Stroll sent a message to the squad after the breakthrough weekend. No official announcement has been made by Aston Martin or Alonso.
Sources: GPFans
Mercedes Explain Anti-Stall System Triggered Russell’s Poor Hungary Start
Mercedes have explained that George Russell’s poor start at the Hungarian Grand Prix was the result of his car’s anti-stall system engaging incorrectly at the beginning of the race. Technical director Bradley Lord said the activation caused Russell to lose significant ground immediately off the line. The team confirmed the cause has been identified and will be resolved before the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort on August 21–23. GPFans reported that the issue was not driver error but a systems fault. Russell’s race at the Hungaroring was heavily compromised by the opening-lap anti-stall setback, according to the team.
Sources: GPFans
Honda Confident New Package Will Boost Aston Martin at Dutch Grand Prix
Honda has expressed confidence that a new update package for Aston Martin will make a meaningful difference when the team returns from the summer break at the Dutch Grand Prix. GPFans reported Honda is “bullish” about the upgrade, which will be introduced at Circuit Zandvoort on August 21–23. Aston Martin showed encouraging form at the Hungarian Grand Prix, making Q2 for the first time this season following the introduction of 16 chassis updates under technical director Adrian Newey. The update arrives as Fernando Alonso weighs his future with the team for the 2027 season.
Sources: GPFans
Drivers' Championship
1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) — 219 pts
2. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) — 169 pts
3. George Russell (Mercedes) — 160 pts
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) — 138 pts
5. Lando Norris (McLaren Mastercard) — 128 pts
6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) — 109 pts
7. Oscar Piastri (McLaren Mastercard) — 92 pts
8. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull Racing) — 68 pts
9. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) — 43 pts
10. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) — 42 pts
11. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) — 23 pts
12. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) — 19 pts
13. Oliver Bearman (Haas) — 18 pts
14. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi Revolut) — 10 pts
15. Carlos Sainz (Williams) — 6 pts
16. Alex Albon (Williams) — 5 pts
17. Esteban Ocon (Haas) — 3 pts
18. Nico Hülkenberg (Audi Revolut) — 2 pts
19. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) — 1 pts
20. Sergio Pérez (Cadillac) — 0 pts
21. Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) — 0 pts
22. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) — 0 pts
Constructors' Championship
1. Mercedes — 379 pts
2. Ferrari — 307 pts
3. McLaren Mastercard — 220 pts
4. Red Bull Racing — 177 pts
5. Racing Bulls — 66 pts
6. Alpine — 61 pts
7. Haas — 21 pts
8. Audi Revolut — 12 pts
9. Williams — 11 pts
10. Aston Martin — 1 pts
11. Cadillac — 0 pts