Formula 1: Races, Driver Market and 2026 Rules — 2026-09-10

Top developments

Antonelli’s Historic Comeback at Monza

On September 6, 2026, Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) won the Italian Grand Prix after starting from 19th place, a feat not seen since Ludovico Scarfiotti 60 years ago. George Russell finished second (+3.857s) and Max Verstappen third (+14.718s), while Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri completed the top five for McLaren. The victory underscores Mercedes' dominance in the new regulation era and significantly widens the gap in the Drivers' Championship standings.

Ferrari’s Internal Crisis and Leadership Doubts

Italian media reports indicate deepening tensions within Ferrari following their disappointing home race, where Lewis Hamilton finished sixth and Charles Leclerc crashed out after three laps. Outlets like Virgilio highlight growing dissatisfaction with team principal Frédéric Vasseur’s management of driver relations and technical direction. Vasseur recently dismissed calls for immediate team orders as "too early," but the lack of podium finishes at Monza has fueled speculation about future leadership changes and driver market movements.

Mercedes Prepares "ADUO" Power Unit Update

Mercedes is reportedly preparing to utilize an unexpected "ADUO" (Additional Development Unit Option) token to introduce a major power unit upgrade before the Spanish Grand Prix. Automoto.it suggests this move could decisively shift the competitive balance, potentially forcing Ferrari to abandon their 2026 title hopes and focus entirely on the 2027 regulations. This development highlights the critical role of the new power unit rules in defining the season's narrative.

Spanish GP Debut in Madrid

The paddock turns its attention to the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring circuit, scheduled for the upcoming weekend. This event marks a significant calendar expansion, bringing F1 to the capital of Spain for the first time in the modern era. Local media is buzzing with anticipation, though analysts note it has been a "terrible season" for Spanish drivers Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz in terms of results.

Local view

Italy: La Gazzetta dello Sport describes Antonelli's win as a "race of legend," emphasizing the shock factor of his recovery from P19. Meanwhile, Sky Sport Italia analyzes the qualifying sessions, noting that while Ferrari showed speed in practice, they failed to convert it into race competitiveness, raising questions about their energy management strategy under the 2026 rules.

Spain: ABC features commentary from former drivers Pedro Martínez de la Rosa and Marc Cuquerella, who discuss the impact of the Madring circuit on the city and the challenges faced by Alonso and Sainz. Despite poor results, they note that fan engagement remains high, with fans leaving circuits happy despite the on-track struggles.

Context & numbers

• Race Results (Italian GP): 1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes); 2. George Russell (Mercedes) +3.857s; 3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +14.718s; 4. Lando Norris (McLaren) +19.056s; 5. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) +19.253s.
• Ferrari Performance: Lewis Hamilton finished 6th; Charles Leclerc retired after 3 laps due to a crash.
• Cadillac Status: The new entry remains the only team yet to score a point in their debut 2026 season, having recently appointed Marcin Budkowski as team principal after sacking Graeme Lowdon.

On the radar

• Spanish Grand Prix: The first-ever race at Madring takes place this weekend, with local media focusing heavily on the logistics and potential performance of the new circuit.
• Driver Market Stagnation: Reports suggest the 2027 driver market remains largely frozen due to long-term contracts signed by top drivers like Verstappen, Hamilton, and Leclerc, limiting movement opportunities.