In this article we take you through the F1 news of Monday 7 September 2026 so you are up to speed again. Monza produced a home winner, two near-disasters for the teams involved, and a booing crowd that one driver simply shrugged off. The thread running through today’s stories is simple: letting drivers race has consequences, and not everyone is dealing with them gracefully.
McLaren questions its own hands-off approach
McLaren will review the Norris-Piastri battle after Andrea Stella let his drivers fight for fourth with no team orders. The pair ended up on the grass together, and by the team’s own reckoning that scrap may have cost them a shot at Verstappen’s podium. Stella’s logic held up in theory but nearly failed in practice, and the review suggests McLaren knows it got lucky rather than clever.
Wolff admits Mercedes gambled and won
Toto Wolff conceded that Mercedes would have looked foolish had Antonelli not escaped the gravel while passing Russell for the lead. Letting team mates race for a home win is a bold call that only looks smart in hindsight, and Wolff’s own words make clear how thin that margin was. Antonelli walked away with the win regardless, but the near miss raises the question of how long Mercedes keeps rolling those dice.
Russell shrugs off a hostile Monza crowd
George Russell was booed on the Monza podium after finishing second to Antonelli in front of the Tifosi. A late virtual safety car handed his team mate the tyre advantage that decided the race, and Russell had to stand through a reception built entirely for someone else. He took it in his stride, which says more about his composure than about the crowd.
Hadjar’s absence rolls into Madrid
Isack Hadjar has been sidelined again for the Spanish Grand Prix, with Liam Lawson keeping the seat alongside Verstappen for a third straight round. Red Bull refuses to put a date on his return, which leaves Hadjar’s season frozen while Lawson banks more mileage in his place.
Hulkenberg has a name for Lawson’s driving
Nico Hulkenberg called Lawson’s Monza squeeze his signature move after their Turn 4 clash cost Lawson a new front wing and a lost result. The stewards let it go with a black-and-white flag, and Hulkenberg’s complaint suggests other drivers share the same frustration behind closed doors.
Ferrari previews a tricky new venue
Ferrari’s filming day gave the first real look at the Madring layout in Madrid, with Hamilton and Leclerc running demonstration tyres on a track still being finished. The onboard footage points to blind crests and few overtaking spots, which is not the ideal advert for a circuit about to host a grand prix for the first time.
Madrid hosts the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend, and Lawson’s continued run alongside Verstappen will be the first thing to watch when the sport gets there. Full details are in the F1 calendar.
