Samwise F1 Newsletter
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Ferrari reveals Schumacher tribute livery for Monza
Ferrari will race at Monza this weekend in a special livery marking 30 years since Michael Schumacher’s first Italian Grand Prix victory with the team. The F310-inspired design features the iconic red cockpit on Lewis Hamilton’s car, gold trim, seven stars representing Schumacher’s world titles, and his MS monogram. Charles Leclerc’s car also carries a period-correct livery update. Hamilton has long publicly expressed a wish for the red cockpit — the tribute makes that a reality this weekend. Ferrari are celebrating their greatest driver with a full programme of events at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.
Kimi Antonelli expects grid penalty and Mercedes payback at Monza
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli has confirmed he will take a grid penalty at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix after Mercedes fitted a new power unit to his car. The Italian, who leads the drivers’ championship with 242 points, acknowledged the grid drop was always the plan. Antonelli also revealed an ongoing prank war with race engineer Pete Bonnington, including a pie-to-the-face incident and a deactivated Mercedes garage access card. Despite the penalty, Antonelli says he approaches Monza with a different mindset from a difficult 2025 campaign and is seeking payback at his home race.
Ukraine appeals FIA Court of Appeal over Russia ban reversal
The Ukrainian Automobile Federation has lodged an appeal with the FIA Court of Appeal against the governing body’s reversal of a ban on Russian and Belarusian competitors. The ban had previously been upheld by the FIA’s International Tribunal, but the decision was reversed effective August 3 and announced August 13. Ukraine argues the reversal is inappropriate given the ongoing conflict. The appeal follows the recent return of Russian driver Nikita Mazepin, whose four-year ban was lifted in August. The case raises significant questions about FIA governance and its handling of politically sensitive decisions in international motorsport.
Red Bull confirm Tom McCullough as Lambiase replacement from 2027
Red Bull have confirmed the signing of Tom McCullough to replace departing race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase. McCullough joins from Aston Martin, where he served as chief technical officer, and will take a Head of Racing role at Red Bull from 2027. Lambiase, who guided Max Verstappen through four consecutive world championship campaigns, will join McLaren as Chief Racing Officer by 2028. The announcement forms part of a broader restructuring at Red Bull under team principal Laurent Mekies as the Milton Keynes squad seeks to rebuild its technical leadership for the sport’s new regulatory era.
Hamilton Ferrari contract extension expected at Italian GP, complicating Bearman future
Lewis Hamilton is expected to sign a contract extension with Ferrari at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, according to reports. The seven-time champion has enjoyed a resurgent 2026 campaign, winning in Barcelona and Silverstone and sitting third in the drivers’ standings with 183 points. A new deal would complicate the future of Haas driver Oliver Bearman, whose pathway to a Ferrari seat would be blocked if Hamilton continues beyond 2027. Reports suggest Bearman could become a free agent after 2027 if no Ferrari vacancy materialises by a 2028 deadline. Ferrari have not commented on the speculation.
Italian GP trophy unveiled: 3D-printed kitchenware art piece ‘FRAGILE’
The Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix trophy for 2026 has been unveiled, and it may be the most unconventional in the race’s history. Designed by artistic duo vedovamazzei — Stella Scala and Simeone Crispino — the piece, titled FRAGILE, consists of stacked 3D-printed cups and bowls inspired by a celebratory cup-stacking tradition. It continues a six-year run of artist-designed trophies commissioned for the Monza race. Previous editions have featured similarly striking artistic interpretations of Italian craftsmanship and racing heritage. The trophy’s distinctly domestic aesthetic has generated considerable interest ahead of this weekend’s grand prix.
Vettel to drive Ferrari F2002 in emotional Monza demonstration
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel will return to the racetrack this weekend, driving the legendary Ferrari F2002 before Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The demonstration run forms part of Ferrari’s tribute to Michael Schumacher, marking 30 years since Schumacher’s first Italian GP victory with the team. The F2002, in which Schumacher claimed his fifth world title, produces 900 horsepower from its naturally aspirated V10 engine revving to 19,000rpm. Rubens Barrichello — Schumacher’s team-mate in 2002 — will also take the car out during Saturday qualifying. Schumacher was Vettel’s childhood idol; the pair later became close friends.
Report: Honda power unit 70hp behind Mercedes, costing Aston Martin 1.2 seconds per lap
Italian outlet Autoracer.it claims Honda’s power unit remains approximately 70 horsepower behind the benchmark Mercedes unit, costing Aston Martin an estimated 1.2 seconds per lap. The report, citing a Ferrari engineer, suggests the deficit could take Honda multiple years to close. Honda introduced a Spec 2 power unit at the Dutch Grand Prix, delivering Aston Martin two points via Fernando Alonso, but driveability issues persisted throughout Zandvoort. With Monza’s high-power demands amplifying existing deficits, chief Honda engineer Orihara acknowledged the team must be realistic about their Italian Grand Prix expectations, with focus on combustion stability rather than peak power output.
Drivers Championship
| Pos | Driver | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | K. Antonelli | 242 |
| 2 | G. Russell | 183 |
| 3 | L. Hamilton | 183 |
| 4 | L. Norris | 159 |
| 5 | C. Leclerc | 155 |
Constructors Championship
| Pos | Constructor | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mercedes | 425 |
| 2 | Ferrari | 338 |
| 3 | McLaren MC | 263 |
| 4 | Red Bull | 186 |
| 5 | Racing Bulls | 66 |
Every newsletter preserved and searchable
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.