'Verstappen vents his frustrations as Antonelli begins 2026 title fight'

14:01, 19 Mar
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Is Max Verstappen really alone in his crusade against the new F1 rules? Can Kimi Antonelli truly challenge George Russell for the title? Kim Jimberley and Ben Hunt break down all this and much more in the latest GPblog F1 Paddock Update!
There is certainly plenty to unpack after a Chinese Grand Prix that proved historic in several ways, most notably thanks to Kimi Antonelli’s sensational first Formula 1 victory. The Italian not only secured his maiden win in the sport, but did so in record-breaking fashion, continuing a meteoric rise that has quickly turned him into one of the most talked-about drivers on the grid.
The episode also looks at Ferrari’s internal battle between Leclerc and Hamilton, which produced one of the cleanest and most fascinating on-track duels of the race. With Hamilton securing his first podium in Ferrari colours after a tense fight with his teammate, the seven-time world champion now appears to have rediscovered his form after a first season in red in which he had struggled considerably in comparison with the Monegasque.
Another key talking point is Verstappen’s growing criticism of the new 2026 Formula 1 regulations. The Dutchman has been one of the most outspoken voices against the new generation of cars, describing the racing as increasingly artificial and even comparing it to Mario Kart in the way battles now unfold on track.
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Finally, the discussion broadens to the competitive picture emerging after the Chinese Grand Prix, including the surprising struggles faced by teams like McLaren and Red Bull, as well as a look at the weekend’s biggest winners and losers.
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Japanese Grand Prix
Overview
Upcoming race
Friday 27.03.26
Practice 1
Fri 02:30 AM
Practice 2
Fri 06:00 AM
Saturday 28.03.26
Practice 3
Sat 02:30 AM
Qualification
Sat 06:00 AM
Sunday 29.03.26
Race
Sun 05:00 AM

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