Hamilton Confirms Ferrari Is Massively Down on Power Versus Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton has confirmed that Ferrari's SF-26 is "massively down" on power compared to Mercedes' W17, speaking ahead of this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix. The seven-time champion collected a podium in Canada — finishing second after a race-long duel with Max Verstappen — but acknowledged it is "really hard" to stay with Mercedes on power circuits, even when Overtake Mode is engaged. Mercedes has won all five races of the 2026 season, with Hamilton crediting their Straight Mode deployment as the key performance differentiator. Ferrari is expected to qualify for the FIA's Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) scheme alongside Audi and Honda, which Hamilton hopes will close the gap.
Sources: PlanetF1
Mercedes Engine Loophole Closed as New FIA Compression Ratio Rules Take Effect at Monaco
A mid-season engine regulation change aimed at closing a suspected Mercedes performance advantage comes into force from June 1, just in time for Monaco. The FIA announced in February that new compression ratio tests at 130 degrees ambient temperature would be introduced, addressing concerns from rival manufacturers that Mercedes had been exploiting how the 16:1 limit was measured in cold and static conditions. Audi, Honda, and Ferrari had lobbied to have the matter resolved before the season began. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff described the situation as "a storm in a teacup," while Ferrari's Fred Vasseur said the ADUO scheme, rather than this rule change, is the more significant equaliser.
Sources: Crash.net
Antonelli Warns Mercedes W17 Upgrade Not Yet at Full Benefit Ahead of Monaco
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli has warned rivals that Mercedes has not yet unlocked the full benefit of the major upgrade package introduced at the Canadian Grand Prix. Antonelli, who extended his drivers' championship lead to 43 points over team-mate George Russell in Montreal, said cold conditions limited the team's ability to maximise the new W17 parts. The Italian said Monaco and Barcelona should provide a "much better" picture of the upgrade's performance. Team principal Toto Wolff was more measured, cautioning that Montreal is a favourable circuit for Mercedes and that the full data picture will only emerge over the coming rounds.
Sources: PlanetF1
Red Bull Confirms Upgrade Turnaround with 41 Points Scored in Last Two Races
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has confirmed that the upgrade package introduced at the Miami Grand Prix has delivered a genuine performance turnaround, with further steps made at the Canadian Grand Prix. After collecting just 16 points across the opening three races, Red Bull scored 41 points in Miami and Canada combined. Verstappen qualified second in Miami and took third place in Canada, his first podium of 2026. Mekies cautioned that individual track characteristics may be flattering the gains, but said the team is "going in the right direction." Red Bull sits fourth in the Constructors' Championship with 57 points, 162 behind Mercedes.
Sources: PlanetF1
Audi Rules Out Verstappen Move as Red Bull Exit Speculation Continues
Audi F1 boss Mattia Binotto has ruled out a move for Max Verstappen, saying the team is "not yet ready" to offer a race-winning platform. Verstappen has been linked with a Red Bull exit after a pointless opening three rounds, before recovering to take his first podium of 2026 in Canada. The four-time champion is seventh in the standings, 88 points behind leader Kimi Antonelli. Despite his father Jos being spotted in conversation with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff in Montreal, Red Bull's Mekies downplayed any significance, noting Verstappen had competed in a Mercedes GT3 at the Nürburgring 24 Hours days earlier.
Sources: PlanetF1
Alonso Accepts Aston Martin Will Struggle Until After F1 2026 Summer Break
Fernando Alonso has accepted that Aston Martin will remain hamstrung by a "fundamental problem" until after the F1 2026 summer break, citing the need for more engine power from Honda and a more effective aerodynamic package. The two-time world champion retired from the Canadian Grand Prix with seat discomfort despite starting from 19th and briefly running in the points. Alonso noted the deficit to the leaders narrowed in qualifying — from over a second in Miami to approximately 0.3 seconds in Canada — but said the three-second race pace gap will require a significant post-summer upgrade. Honda is targeting power unit improvements to be introduced after July's Hungarian Grand Prix.
Sources: PlanetF1
Williams Signs Former McLaren Chief Piers Thynne in Four-Person Recruitment Drive
Williams has confirmed the signing of former McLaren chief operating officer Piers Thynne as part of a four-person recruitment drive by team principal James Vowles. Thynne played an instrumental role in McLaren's consecutive constructors' championships in 2024 and 2025, and will join Williams in August to lead and transform manufacturing operations. Williams also announced the arrivals of Claire Simpson (head of aerodynamic development) and Fred Judd (head of performance optimisation) from Mercedes, where both previously worked alongside Vowles, plus Steve Booth from Alpine as head of vehicle engineering. Williams scored just two points across the opening three races of 2026 but has shown improvement since Miami.
Sources: PlanetF1
Sainz Chose Williams Against His Father’s Advice, Binotto Reveals
Audi F1 chief Mattia Binotto has revealed that Carlos Sainz chose Williams over Audi in 2024, going against the preference of his father, rally legend Carlos Sainz Sr. Binotto said Sainz Sr. had pushed for his son to join Sauber ahead of the German brand's arrival as Audi, but Sainz signed a multi-year deal with Williams. Binotto praised Sainz for making his own call, noting Audi subsequently secured Gabriel Bortoleto, with whom Binotto said he is "very pleased." The comments come amid speculation over Sainz's Williams future, with team principal James Vowles insisting both Sainz and Alex Albon remain committed to the team.
Sources: PlanetF1
Drivers' Championship
1. Kimi Antonelli — 131 pts
2. George Russell — 88 pts
3. Charles Leclerc — 75 pts
4. Lewis Hamilton — 72 pts
5. Lando Norris — 58 pts
6. Oscar Piastri — 48 pts
7. Max Verstappen — 43 pts
8. Pierre Gasly — 20 pts
9. Oliver Bearman — 18 pts
10. Liam Lawson — 16 pts
11. Franco Colapinto — 15 pts
12. Isack Hadjar — 14 pts
13. Carlos Sainz — 6 pts
14. Arvid Lindblad — 5 pts
15. Gabriel Bortoleto — 2 pts
16. Esteban Ocon — 1 pt
17. Alex Albon — 1 pt
18. Nico Hülkenberg — 0 pts
19. Valtteri Bottas — 0 pts
20. Sergio Pérez — 0 pts
21. Fernando Alonso — 0 pts
22. Lance Stroll — 0 pts
Constructors' Championship
1. Mercedes — 219 pts
2. Ferrari — 147 pts
3. McLaren — 106 pts
4. Red Bull — 57 pts
5. Alpine — 35 pts
6. Racing Bulls — 21 pts
7. Haas — 19 pts
8. Williams — 7 pts
9. Audi — 2 pts
10. Cadillac — 0 pts
11. Aston Martin — 0 pts
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