- Why it matters: Top F1 team principals shared critical insights into current team performance, long-term strategies for the 2026 regulations, and the immense pressure on young drivers.
- Williams' Outlook:
- Zandvoort Performance: James Vowles confirmed the Williams car performs well at Zandvoort, aiming for points.
- P5 vs. 2026 Focus: Williams introduced its final upgrade in Spa. Vowles stated they will fight for P5 in Constructors' but prioritize 2026 development, even if it means finishing 6th or 7th this year to make "big steps forward."
- Mercedes' Strategy & Drivers:
- 2026 Priority: Toto Wolff emphasized giving "highest priority" to the "extremely complicated" 2026 regulations, leveraging wind tunnel time advantages for future success.
- Valtteri Bottas's Move: Wolff praised Bottas's "tremendous speed" and supported his Cadillac move, retaining him as Mercedes' 2025 reserve.
- Kimi Antonelli's Pressure: Wolff admitted putting Kimi Antonelli under "maximum pressure" with his F1 debut but reaffirmed his belief in Antonelli as a "long-term investment."
- Alpine's Challenges & Future:
- Driver Lineup: Flavio Briatore confirmed Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez were not considered for Alpine.
- Franco Colapinto: Briatore expressed disappointment, suggesting Colapinto faced "too much pressure" and needs more time outside F1.
- Steve Nielsen's Role: Steve Nielsen, joining Alpine, is expected to take charge "from A to Z" as managing director.
- 2026 Objectives: Briatore confirmed new Renault CEO support, setting podium finishes for 2026, acknowledging a "big handicap with power" in their current engine.
- Young Driver Pressures:
- Wolff, Briatore, and Vowles highlighted the intense pressure on young F1 drivers, where small mistakes are magnified. Vowles noted a tenth of a second can drop a car from points to last in the tight midfield.
- George Russell's Contract: Wolff stated Russell's contract is a "formality," with discussions resuming to optimize performance.
- 2026 Car Speed: Wolff jokingly suggested 2026 cars could theoretically hit 400 km/h on a single straight if all energy was deployed.
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