No "numbers game" so far as Webber speaks out.
"I’m truly thrilled by the progress he’s making."
Oscar Piastri’s impressive performance at the Dutch GP has provided him with a comfortable lead in the championship, boasting a 34-point advantage over McLaren teammate Lando Norris with only nine races remaining. Starting from pole position, the Australian driver led every lap, secured the fastest lap, and appeared to have everything under control. Norris was close behind in second place until a late oil leak forced him to retire, allowing Piastri to enjoy his most decisive weekend to date.
This achievement even elicited rare comments from Mark Webber, Piastri’s manager and a former F1 race winner, who typically avoids interviews. "I don’t generally engage in interviews like this," he stated to Sky Deutschland. "But today was a significant day for him.
"I’m truly thrilled by the progress he’s making."
Oscar Piastri’s impressive performance at the Dutch GP has provided him with a comfortable lead in the championship, boasting a 34-point advantage over McLaren teammate Lando Norris with only nine races remaining. Starting from pole position, the Australian driver led every lap, secured the fastest lap, and appeared to have everything under control. Norris was close behind in second place until a late oil leak forced him to retire, allowing Piastri to enjoy his most decisive weekend to date.
This achievement even elicited rare comments from Mark Webber, Piastri’s manager and a former F1 race winner, who typically avoids interviews. "I don’t generally engage in interviews like this," he stated to Sky Deutschland. "But today was a significant day for him.
Domenicali: We must set ever higher goals.
Stefano Domenicali took part in a press conference held in the Italian town of Brianza devoted to the forthcoming Italian Grand Prix.
"For Formula 1 and for our country the Italian Grand Prix is a symbol of sporting and cultural heritage; this race has always been part of the championship," emphasized the Formula 1 president, addressing those gathered via video link. "It's wonderful that Italy is represented by such a legendary team as Ferrari, but Racing Bulls are also performing with growing confidence, and Isack Hadjar's podium last Sunday was proof of that.
Stefano Domenicali took part in a press conference held in the Italian town of Brianza devoted to the forthcoming Italian Grand Prix.
"For Formula 1 and for our country the Italian Grand Prix is a symbol of sporting and cultural heritage; this race has always been part of the championship," emphasized the Formula 1 president, addressing those gathered via video link. "It's wonderful that Italy is represented by such a legendary team as Ferrari, but Racing Bulls are also performing with growing confidence, and Isack Hadjar's podium last Sunday was proof of that.
Toto Wolff: In Monza we must give it our all.
Before the Italian Grand Prix, Toto Wolff, the head of the Mercedes team, set his staff the task of continuing to reduce the gap to Ferrari in the Constructors' Championship, while trying to avoid problems similar to those that occurred the previous weekend.
Toto Wolff: "We are going to Monza determined to work more consistently this weekend than in Zandvoort and to try to avoid complications. At times it seemed we had a fairly decent pace that would allow us to fight for a podium.
Kimi, although he started from 11th, made decent progress, and if it hadn't been for the contact with Charles Leclerc's car, he would most likely have been able to challenge the drivers ahead of him closer to the finish. As for George, his race was also affected by the incident with the Ferrari.
Before the Italian Grand Prix, Toto Wolff, the head of the Mercedes team, set his staff the task of continuing to reduce the gap to Ferrari in the Constructors' Championship, while trying to avoid problems similar to those that occurred the previous weekend.
Toto Wolff: "We are going to Monza determined to work more consistently this weekend than in Zandvoort and to try to avoid complications. At times it seemed we had a fairly decent pace that would allow us to fight for a podium.
Kimi, although he started from 11th, made decent progress, and if it hadn't been for the contact with Charles Leclerc's car, he would most likely have been able to challenge the drivers ahead of him closer to the finish. As for George, his race was also affected by the incident with the Ferrari.
Every year the Ferrari team prepares something special for the Italian Grand Prix, and this time the livery of its cars at Monza is inspired by memories of the first title Niki Lauda won for the Scuderia 50 years ago.
"The past meets the present," was the comment with which the Italian team's press office accompanied the series of photos of Charles Leclerc's and Lewis Hamilton's cars released today. "We celebrate the 50th anniversary of Niki Lauda's world championship victory at the wheel of the legendary Ferrari 312T."
Back then, in 1975, Scuderia's drivers were Niki Lauda and Swiss racer Clay Regazzoni, the world championship runner-up, who was in his sixth season in Formula 1.
Lauda was ten years younger and had less experience, yet that year he took five victories, claimed nine poles, including at Monza, stood on the podium eight times in total and scored 64.5 points versus 25 for his team-mate. Ferrari, however, comfortably beat Brabham to the Constructors' Cup and won both championship titles.
"The past meets the present," was the comment with which the Italian team's press office accompanied the series of photos of Charles Leclerc's and Lewis Hamilton's cars released today. "We celebrate the 50th anniversary of Niki Lauda's world championship victory at the wheel of the legendary Ferrari 312T."
Back then, in 1975, Scuderia's drivers were Niki Lauda and Swiss racer Clay Regazzoni, the world championship runner-up, who was in his sixth season in Formula 1.
Lauda was ten years younger and had less experience, yet that year he took five victories, claimed nine poles, including at Monza, stood on the podium eight times in total and scored 64.5 points versus 25 for his team-mate. Ferrari, however, comfortably beat Brabham to the Constructors' Cup and won both championship titles.
Andrea Stella: There should be no room for complacency.
McLaren has not yet officially confirmed which driver Alex Dunne will replace in the first practice in Monza, but he is expected to pilot Oscar Piastri's car. The Australian leads the drivers' championship by 34 points, but Lando Norris is not going to give up and is determined to fight for wins.
Lando Norris: "I'm looking forward to returning to Monza. The Italian Grand Prix is always great — the fans there are truly passionate and the speeds are very high, so driving on this circuit is fun.
I'm focused on preparing for this weekend; I intend to give it my all and fight for the win. The team is doing a great job, we have a very fast car, so I'll try to extract its potential as much as possible. Time to get to work!"
Oscar Piastri: "I'm genuinely excited ahead of the Monza weekend.
McLaren has not yet officially confirmed which driver Alex Dunne will replace in the first practice in Monza, but he is expected to pilot Oscar Piastri's car. The Australian leads the drivers' championship by 34 points, but Lando Norris is not going to give up and is determined to fight for wins.
Lando Norris: "I'm looking forward to returning to Monza. The Italian Grand Prix is always great — the fans there are truly passionate and the speeds are very high, so driving on this circuit is fun.
I'm focused on preparing for this weekend; I intend to give it my all and fight for the win. The team is doing a great job, we have a very fast car, so I'll try to extract its potential as much as possible. Time to get to work!"
Oscar Piastri: "I'm genuinely excited ahead of the Monza weekend.
The FIA announced the lineup of participants for the official press conferences of the Italian Grand Prix.
On Thursday the circuit’s press centre will be visited by six drivers, split into two groups of three. In the first group questions will be answered by Franco Colapinto (Alpine), Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) and Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes). In the second — Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari), Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) and Carlos Sainz (Williams).
On Friday team principals will answer journalists’ questions: Aio Komatsu (Haas), Frederic Vasseur (Ferrari) and Laurent Mekies (Red Bull).
On Saturday and Sunday the top three of the day will answer questions.
On Thursday the circuit’s press centre will be visited by six drivers, split into two groups of three. In the first group questions will be answered by Franco Colapinto (Alpine), Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) and Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes). In the second — Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari), Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) and Carlos Sainz (Williams).
On Friday team principals will answer journalists’ questions: Aio Komatsu (Haas), Frederic Vasseur (Ferrari) and Laurent Mekies (Red Bull).
On Saturday and Sunday the top three of the day will answer questions.
Ferrari's chief race engineer Jock Clear has left the team. This was reported by the Italian Corriere dello Sport, citing its sources.
Ferrari has not officially announced Clear's departure, so it is unclear who will take on his duties as chief race engineer and what the 61-year-old Briton will do in the future. However, the paper writes that Marc Gené is now fully responsible for the Ferrari Driver Academy, which Clear also oversaw.
Jock Clear joined Ferrari in 2015. Over the course of his Formula 1 career he has worked at Benetton, Williams, Honda, Brawn GP and Mercedes. In those teams he worked with world champions Jacques Villeneuve, Jenson Button, Michael Schumacher, Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton.
Ferrari has not officially announced Clear's departure, so it is unclear who will take on his duties as chief race engineer and what the 61-year-old Briton will do in the future. However, the paper writes that Marc Gené is now fully responsible for the Ferrari Driver Academy, which Clear also oversaw.
Jock Clear joined Ferrari in 2015. Over the course of his Formula 1 career he has worked at Benetton, Williams, Honda, Brawn GP and Mercedes. In those teams he worked with world champions Jacques Villeneuve, Jenson Button, Michael Schumacher, Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton.
Wolff states that no 'official announcement' is required for 2026.
"We want our drivers to perform at their best."
Toto Wolff has aimed to put an end to rumors regarding Mercedes’ lineup for 2026, confirming that both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will continue with the team. With Max Verstappen certain to remain at Red Bull at least until 2026, the uncertainty surrounding Brackley’s drivers seems to have diminished. Nonetheless, Russell has been suggested to be seeking more than just a one-year extension.
Wolff, however, states that the delay is insignificant. In an interview with TZ newspaper, the Austrian elaborated: "We need to optimize the travel and marketing schedule. It’s about determining how many hours should be committed. We want our drivers to perform at their best, and I believe we’ve placed considerable pressure on them with marketing and media commitments.
"We want our drivers to perform at their best."
Toto Wolff has aimed to put an end to rumors regarding Mercedes’ lineup for 2026, confirming that both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will continue with the team. With Max Verstappen certain to remain at Red Bull at least until 2026, the uncertainty surrounding Brackley’s drivers seems to have diminished. Nonetheless, Russell has been suggested to be seeking more than just a one-year extension.
Wolff, however, states that the delay is insignificant. In an interview with TZ newspaper, the Austrian elaborated: "We need to optimize the travel and marketing schedule. It’s about determining how many hours should be committed. We want our drivers to perform at their best, and I believe we’ve placed considerable pressure on them with marketing and media commitments.
Team leaders dismiss the idea of Verstappen moving to Racing Bulls as a joke.
"We are two teams that operate in different ways."
Fernando Alonso humorously noted after Zandvoort that if Max Verstappen had been driving a Racing Bulls car, he might already be a world champion again. This remark came after Isack Hadjar's impressive podium finish in the junior Red Bull-affiliated team, which is also driven by Liam Lawson.
Verstappen himself acknowledged after finishing second that the performance of the senior team's car was lacking. "I'm happy to be on the podium," he mentioned to Viaplay, "but in terms of speed, it wasn’t great. I secured third place purely because of qualifying." He only moved up to second when Lando Norris had to retire. "We were racing against Racing Bulls, our smaller team, the entire race," Verstappen stated. "It's not ideal. The car simply isn't fast enough.
"We are two teams that operate in different ways."
Fernando Alonso humorously noted after Zandvoort that if Max Verstappen had been driving a Racing Bulls car, he might already be a world champion again. This remark came after Isack Hadjar's impressive podium finish in the junior Red Bull-affiliated team, which is also driven by Liam Lawson.
Verstappen himself acknowledged after finishing second that the performance of the senior team's car was lacking. "I'm happy to be on the podium," he mentioned to Viaplay, "but in terms of speed, it wasn’t great. I secured third place purely because of qualifying." He only moved up to second when Lando Norris had to retire. "We were racing against Racing Bulls, our smaller team, the entire race," Verstappen stated. "It's not ideal. The car simply isn't fast enough.
Domenicali indicates an increase in sprint races - as well as reverse grids.
"The drivers are convinced they need them"
Stefano Domenicali has provided the clearest indication yet that Formula 1 may broaden its sprint race format and even test reverse grids. In an interview with Italian media prior to this weekend’s Monza event, the F1 CEO noted that there is increasing demand from all quarters for shorter Saturday races and sprint qualifying to substitute traditional practice sessions.
"We need to discuss the formats for the upcoming years," he stated. "Everyone desires more sprint races instead of the free practice on Fridays, including promoters and fans. The drivers are convinced they need them—18 are in favor, and perhaps two are opposed. Even Max (Verstappen) is starting to come around, and things are shifting in that direction.
"The drivers are convinced they need them"
Stefano Domenicali has provided the clearest indication yet that Formula 1 may broaden its sprint race format and even test reverse grids. In an interview with Italian media prior to this weekend’s Monza event, the F1 CEO noted that there is increasing demand from all quarters for shorter Saturday races and sprint qualifying to substitute traditional practice sessions.
"We need to discuss the formats for the upcoming years," he stated. "Everyone desires more sprint races instead of the free practice on Fridays, including promoters and fans. The drivers are convinced they need them—18 are in favor, and perhaps two are opposed. Even Max (Verstappen) is starting to come around, and things are shifting in that direction.
Domenicali acknowledges that fans are bewildered as the upcoming V8 era approaches.
"Many new Formula 1 fans are not acquainted with this realm."
Formula 1 faces pressure to convince skeptical fans of its groundbreaking 2026 engine regulations, even as discussions about the subsequent set of rules have already begun. The 2026 power units will see a significant increase in electric power, accompanied by complex energy management systems. Some individuals in the paddock worry that the overall excitement may decline, particularly as new fans find it challenging to grasp the technology.
"We must be practical, effective in our communication, and simplify," stated F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali to Italian media prior to the Monza event. "Many new Formula 1 fans are unfamiliar with this world. And yes, the drivers will need to relearn their driving techniques.
"Many new Formula 1 fans are not acquainted with this realm."
Formula 1 faces pressure to convince skeptical fans of its groundbreaking 2026 engine regulations, even as discussions about the subsequent set of rules have already begun. The 2026 power units will see a significant increase in electric power, accompanied by complex energy management systems. Some individuals in the paddock worry that the overall excitement may decline, particularly as new fans find it challenging to grasp the technology.
"We must be practical, effective in our communication, and simplify," stated F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali to Italian media prior to the Monza event. "Many new Formula 1 fans are unfamiliar with this world. And yes, the drivers will need to relearn their driving techniques.
Marko suggests that even a podium finish for Verstappen at Monza seems improbable.
"You need to be realistic."
Dr. Helmut Marko has cautioned that Red Bull may find it challenging to even secure a podium finish at Monza this weekend, despite the track layout appearing more advantageous compared to Zandvoort. Max Verstappen managed to finish second at his home Grand Prix, but both he and Marko now agree that the championship battle is effectively concluded.
"Up front, (Oscar) Piastri will simply breeze through the next race - now that the championship seems settled for him," Marko told Osterreich newspaper. "You need to be realistic," the 82-year-old emphasized. "McLaren feels like they're from another planet. When they accelerate, they’re nearly three-quarters of a second faster per lap than us.
"You need to be realistic."
Dr. Helmut Marko has cautioned that Red Bull may find it challenging to even secure a podium finish at Monza this weekend, despite the track layout appearing more advantageous compared to Zandvoort. Max Verstappen managed to finish second at his home Grand Prix, but both he and Marko now agree that the championship battle is effectively concluded.
"Up front, (Oscar) Piastri will simply breeze through the next race - now that the championship seems settled for him," Marko told Osterreich newspaper. "You need to be realistic," the 82-year-old emphasized. "McLaren feels like they're from another planet. When they accelerate, they’re nearly three-quarters of a second faster per lap than us.
Marko suggests Hadjar for a position at Red Bull alongside Verstappen.
"The speed was always present."
Isack Hadjar appears increasingly likely to join Max Verstappen at Red Bull in 2026. The 20-year-old French rookie impressed everyone with his podium finish at Zandvoort in the junior Racing Bulls car, making him the youngest driver from France to reach a Formula 1 podium while Yuki Tsunoda continues to face challenges with the senior team. Dr. Helmut Marko, who has consistently praised Hadjar, stated that the result was expected.
"Not really surprising," he commented to Osterreich newspaper, "if you’ve followed Hadjar’s journey into Formula 1 and how well he’s done." Marko then challenged his interviewer for previously praising 19-year-old Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli. "You echoed Toto Wolff, who said what a great driver Kimi Antonelli is," Marko retorted.
"The speed was always present."
Isack Hadjar appears increasingly likely to join Max Verstappen at Red Bull in 2026. The 20-year-old French rookie impressed everyone with his podium finish at Zandvoort in the junior Racing Bulls car, making him the youngest driver from France to reach a Formula 1 podium while Yuki Tsunoda continues to face challenges with the senior team. Dr. Helmut Marko, who has consistently praised Hadjar, stated that the result was expected.
"Not really surprising," he commented to Osterreich newspaper, "if you’ve followed Hadjar’s journey into Formula 1 and how well he’s done." Marko then challenged his interviewer for previously praising 19-year-old Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli. "You echoed Toto Wolff, who said what a great driver Kimi Antonelli is," Marko retorted.
Thai GP plans face new political challenges.
The situation is becoming unstable for Thailand's aspiration to join the Formula 1 calendar.
Earlier this year, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali praised Thailand’s ambitions as "impressive" during high-level discussions in Bangkok, as the nation swiftly progressed from a Memorandum of Understanding to cabinet approval for a five-year, $1-2 billion initiative to establish an F1 street circuit in the capital. However, the situation now appears less certain.
Former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who led the March delegation alongside Domenicali, was recently removed from her position by Thailand’s Constitutional Court, which reportedly cited an ethics violation.
In her absence, seasoned politician Phumtham Wechayachai has assumed the role of acting prime minister. This leadership change raises concerns about the ongoing support for the Bangkok race from Formula 1.
The situation is becoming unstable for Thailand's aspiration to join the Formula 1 calendar.
Earlier this year, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali praised Thailand’s ambitions as "impressive" during high-level discussions in Bangkok, as the nation swiftly progressed from a Memorandum of Understanding to cabinet approval for a five-year, $1-2 billion initiative to establish an F1 street circuit in the capital. However, the situation now appears less certain.
Former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who led the March delegation alongside Domenicali, was recently removed from her position by Thailand’s Constitutional Court, which reportedly cited an ethics violation.
In her absence, seasoned politician Phumtham Wechayachai has assumed the role of acting prime minister. This leadership change raises concerns about the ongoing support for the Bangkok race from Formula 1.
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Piero Ferrari remembers Niki Lauda.
When Niki Lauda won his first title with Ferrari in 1975, Piero Ferrari, the son of the Scuderia's founder, was only four years older than the Austrian driver. He witnessed how Lauda's collaboration with the Ferrari team developed, and his memories of that time are the subject of an interview the Italian company's vice-president gave to the team's press office.
Question: This year at the Italian Grand Prix Ferrari will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first title Niki Lauda won with the team. What convinced your father to choose Niki, the young Austrian who in 1974 was still little known?
Piero Ferrari: It was a combination of two factors: intuition and trust. Clay Regazzoni told my father that Niki was an exceptional talent and felt the car much better than the average driver.
When Niki Lauda won his first title with Ferrari in 1975, Piero Ferrari, the son of the Scuderia's founder, was only four years older than the Austrian driver. He witnessed how Lauda's collaboration with the Ferrari team developed, and his memories of that time are the subject of an interview the Italian company's vice-president gave to the team's press office.
Question: This year at the Italian Grand Prix Ferrari will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first title Niki Lauda won with the team. What convinced your father to choose Niki, the young Austrian who in 1974 was still little known?
Piero Ferrari: It was a combination of two factors: intuition and trust. Clay Regazzoni told my father that Niki was an exceptional talent and felt the car much better than the average driver.
Formula 1 wants to radically change the weekend format.
On the eve of the Italian Grand Prix, Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali shared long-term plans regarding what changes await the race weekend format. In particular, Formula 1 is considering doing away with Friday practice sessions, shortening race distances and using a reverse starting grid.
“We are discussing the weekend format that will be used in the coming years, and first and foremost we’re talking about sprint weekends,” Stefano Domenicali said via videolink at a press conference in Brianza ahead of the Monza round. “We need to understand whether we should increase the number of sprint rounds, how to do that, and whether to use other formats. We will have several discussions with the teams to choose the way forward.
I must say that, apart from some old, loyal fans, everyone wants sprint weekends.
On the eve of the Italian Grand Prix, Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali shared long-term plans regarding what changes await the race weekend format. In particular, Formula 1 is considering doing away with Friday practice sessions, shortening race distances and using a reverse starting grid.
“We are discussing the weekend format that will be used in the coming years, and first and foremost we’re talking about sprint weekends,” Stefano Domenicali said via videolink at a press conference in Brianza ahead of the Monza round. “We need to understand whether we should increase the number of sprint rounds, how to do that, and whether to use other formats. We will have several discussions with the teams to choose the way forward.
I must say that, apart from some old, loyal fans, everyone wants sprint weekends.
Paul Aron will replace Colapinto in the first practice in Monza.
Estonian driver Paul Aron will return to the Formula 1 cockpit in the first practice session of the Italian Grand Prix. Alpine's reserve driver will replace Franco Colapinto for one hour, with Colapinto set to take over in the second practice.
Paul Aron: "I'm looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the A525 in my first Grand Prix with the team in Monza. I have known everyone at Alpine well since I joined them at the end of last year as a test and reserve driver. I appreciate the team's trust in letting me drive in the first Friday practice.
I want to do my job as well as possible and help set up the car so the team can fight at a competitive level this weekend. Personally, it's useful for me to build on the experience gained on the simulator and in testing.
Estonian driver Paul Aron will return to the Formula 1 cockpit in the first practice session of the Italian Grand Prix. Alpine's reserve driver will replace Franco Colapinto for one hour, with Colapinto set to take over in the second practice.
Paul Aron: "I'm looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the A525 in my first Grand Prix with the team in Monza. I have known everyone at Alpine well since I joined them at the end of last year as a test and reserve driver. I appreciate the team's trust in letting me drive in the first Friday practice.
I want to do my job as well as possible and help set up the car so the team can fight at a competitive level this weekend. Personally, it's useful for me to build on the experience gained on the simulator and in testing.
Aizek Hadjar last Sunday reached the podium for the first time in his career, which gives everyone at Racing Bulls extra strength and energy. But the team from Faenza understands that performing equally well at their home track in Monza will not be easy.
Aizek Hadjar: “It’s very good that we’ll be back on the racetrack just a few days after the excellent result shown last week. The race in Monza is one of our home Grands Prix, and we’re looking forward to a special weekend.
The team is in a very confident mood, but we remember that we must temper our expectations and stay composed. It’s possible that we’ll have a rough time, since the Italian circuit has many long straights, but to try to succeed again it’s important to stay in the game and keep fighting.”
Liam Lawson: “I’m set to compete in the second race of the season that the team considers its home round, and that makes me very happy. Last weekend, when Aizek reached the podium, we achieved a huge success.
It’s great that recently our car is capable of very strong speeds, and I intend to make full use of that. We all raced at Monza in junior categories; it has a very rich history, and I’m looking forward to returning to that circuit.”
Tim Goss, chief engineer: “Round 16 of the season is the Italian Grand Prix, which will take place at the historic Autodromo Nazionale Monza, set in a park. The circuit is characterized by high speed, and although over the years there have been numerous attempts to change its layout to reduce speed into some corners, it is still considered one of the fastest on the calendar.
It’s no surprise that at Monza parameters such as top speed, power unit output and aerodynamic efficiency are important. But it is even more important to ensure the car copes well with the slow chicanes and allows the drivers to attack the kerbs, because that is key to a proper exit from the corners onto the straights.
Therefore, the key to success is finding the right compromises in setup work. It’s reassuring that the car performed excellently in the Netherlands, but we do not harbour any illusions, as this weekend will bring very different tests.
That said, we are ready for them and will be fully focused on achieving the best possible results across all three days of the Italian weekend.”
Aizek Hadjar: “It’s very good that we’ll be back on the racetrack just a few days after the excellent result shown last week. The race in Monza is one of our home Grands Prix, and we’re looking forward to a special weekend.
The team is in a very confident mood, but we remember that we must temper our expectations and stay composed. It’s possible that we’ll have a rough time, since the Italian circuit has many long straights, but to try to succeed again it’s important to stay in the game and keep fighting.”
Liam Lawson: “I’m set to compete in the second race of the season that the team considers its home round, and that makes me very happy. Last weekend, when Aizek reached the podium, we achieved a huge success.
It’s great that recently our car is capable of very strong speeds, and I intend to make full use of that. We all raced at Monza in junior categories; it has a very rich history, and I’m looking forward to returning to that circuit.”
Tim Goss, chief engineer: “Round 16 of the season is the Italian Grand Prix, which will take place at the historic Autodromo Nazionale Monza, set in a park. The circuit is characterized by high speed, and although over the years there have been numerous attempts to change its layout to reduce speed into some corners, it is still considered one of the fastest on the calendar.
It’s no surprise that at Monza parameters such as top speed, power unit output and aerodynamic efficiency are important. But it is even more important to ensure the car copes well with the slow chicanes and allows the drivers to attack the kerbs, because that is key to a proper exit from the corners onto the straights.
Therefore, the key to success is finding the right compromises in setup work. It’s reassuring that the car performed excellently in the Netherlands, but we do not harbour any illusions, as this weekend will bring very different tests.
That said, we are ready for them and will be fully focused on achieving the best possible results across all three days of the Italian weekend.”
Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon are optimistic about the Italian Grand Prix. Williams believes that the characteristics of the Monza circuit should suit the FW47.
Carlos Sainz: "This week we head to Monza, which holds many pleasant memories for me from my years in Formula 1. I hope to make new ones with Williams behind the wheel of the FW47 on this incredibly fast circuit. I'm quite confident we'll bounce back after the last weekend. I'm looking forward to a successful outing at this stunning track!"
Alex Albon: "I'm looking forward to returning to Monza this weekend, which will conclude the double-header. At the last round I finished a solid fifth, and now we're heading to another circuit that should suit our car. Besides, it's just an interesting place to drive. Qualifying at Monza always kicks off tactical games, so we have to give it our all and execute without mistakes to stay ahead of our rivals. We'll make every effort to do that."
Carlos Sainz: "This week we head to Monza, which holds many pleasant memories for me from my years in Formula 1. I hope to make new ones with Williams behind the wheel of the FW47 on this incredibly fast circuit. I'm quite confident we'll bounce back after the last weekend. I'm looking forward to a successful outing at this stunning track!"
Alex Albon: "I'm looking forward to returning to Monza this weekend, which will conclude the double-header. At the last round I finished a solid fifth, and now we're heading to another circuit that should suit our car. Besides, it's just an interesting place to drive. Qualifying at Monza always kicks off tactical games, so we have to give it our all and execute without mistakes to stay ahead of our rivals. We'll make every effort to do that."
Verstappen: It's important to get the tyres working effectively.
Last weekend not only Max Verstappen but also Yuki Tsunoda scored points for Red Bull Racing, and now both drivers are determined to perform well at the Italian Grand Prix. Both have their own reasons for confidence ahead of the weekend in Monza, but the team has a number of difficult tasks to address.
Max Verstappen: "Second place in Zandvoort was a decent result for us, and it was great to celebrate it in front of the Dutch fans and feel their support. Now we're heading to Monza, which is a very fast circuit with a rich history, and the fans there are very passionate too. Our team has a lot to do because we need improvements in various areas, including working more effectively with the tyres.
Last weekend not only Max Verstappen but also Yuki Tsunoda scored points for Red Bull Racing, and now both drivers are determined to perform well at the Italian Grand Prix. Both have their own reasons for confidence ahead of the weekend in Monza, but the team has a number of difficult tasks to address.
Max Verstappen: "Second place in Zandvoort was a decent result for us, and it was great to celebrate it in front of the Dutch fans and feel their support. Now we're heading to Monza, which is a very fast circuit with a rich history, and the fans there are very passionate too. Our team has a lot to do because we need improvements in various areas, including working more effectively with the tyres.