Carlos Sainz believes Charles Leclerc’s comeback victory at Silverstone was no surprise, highlighting one quality that has always made the Ferrari driver one of Formula 1’s toughest competitors.

Leclerc’s victory ended a difficult stretch that included costly mistakes, disappointing results, and increasing pressure after teammate Lewis Hamilton had gained the upper hand in recent races. However, according to Sainz, responding to adversity has always been part of Leclerc’s character, making his return to winning form far less surprising than many expected.

Charles Leclerc celebrating his Silverstone victory

Carlos Sainz Says Leclerc Always Finds a Way Back

Reflecting on their years together at Ferrari, Sainz explained that momentum frequently shifted between them throughout the 2021–2024 seasons. Even after several races in which Sainz appeared to have the advantage, Leclerc consistently found a way to respond and return to the front.

The Williams driver described that resilience as one of Leclerc’s defining qualities, noting that his former teammate has repeatedly demonstrated an impressive ability to identify problems, make adjustments, and quickly regain his competitiveness after difficult weekends.

Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc during their Ferrari partnership

Silverstone Victory Ends a Difficult Stretch

Leclerc’s win at Silverstone arrived at a crucial moment in his season. Following several disappointing weekends and increased scrutiny over his performances, Ferrari needed a strong result, and Leclerc delivered with a composed drive that put both himself and the team back at the front.

Sainz praised both Leclerc and Ferrari for the turnaround, explaining that seeing his former teammate respond so strongly only reinforced what he had witnessed during their years together. For Sainz, Silverstone wasn’t an unexpected comeback—it was another example of Leclerc’s proven ability to overcome adversity and return stronger when the pressure is at its highest.

Charles Leclerc driving the Ferrari SF-26 at Silverstone

Leclerc’s performance could also provide an important confidence boost for the remainder of the season. With Ferrari continuing to develop its package and several key races still ahead, the British Grand Prix may prove to be the turning point both Leclerc and the team needed. If history is any indication, as Sainz suggested, counting Leclerc out has rarely been a wise decision.

Cadillac has recruited 16-year-old American driver Aiden Price to support its Formula 1 simulator development ahead of its debut.

As the American manufacturer prepares for its Formula 1 debut, simulator work has become one of the team’s highest priorities.

Aiden Price has joined Cadillac’s Formula 1 simulator development program at just 16 years old.

Simulator development is crucial for Cadillac

Unlike established Formula 1 teams, Cadillac is building its technical infrastructure from scratch.

Without years of track data available for comparison, one of the team’s biggest challenges is creating accurate correlation between CFD simulations, wind tunnel testing and real-world performance. That makes simulator development essential before the team’s first race.

Because race drivers cannot spend enough time in the simulator throughout the season, Cadillac relies on dedicated development drivers to support engineers behind the scenes.

Cadillac is developing its Formula 1 simulator as it prepares to enter the championship.

Aiden Price joins an experienced development group

Price joins an extensive simulator lineup that already includes Guanyu Zhou, Colton Herta, Pietro Fittipaldi, Simon Pagenaud and Charlie Eastwood.

Working from Cadillac’s simulator facility in Charlotte, the 16-year-old helps engineers refine tire models, improve software accuracy and prepare the simulator before senior development drivers carry out more advanced setup work.

Beyond competing in American junior racing categories, Price also has extensive simulator experience at home, making him a valuable addition to General Motors’ expanding Formula 1 project.

Price supports Cadillac engineers by improving simulator correlation and vehicle models.

Cadillac’s investment in young talent highlights how modern Formula 1 development extends far beyond the racetrack. With simulator accuracy becoming increasingly important under today’s regulations, drivers like Aiden Price play a vital role in helping engineers build competitive cars long before they ever reach the circuit.

Adrian Newey says Aston Martin’s lack of updates is a deliberate strategy focused on long-term success in Formula 1.

Aston Martin has repeatedly appeared on the FIA’s Formula 1 update documents without introducing new parts, but the team insists the decision is intentional. Adrian Newey says sacrificing short-term performance is necessary to build a stronger foundation for the future.

The British team is expected to introduce a major upgrade package at the Hungarian Grand Prix, ending several races without significant developments.

Aston Martin has intentionally paused major Formula 1 upgrades in recent races.

Newey defends Aston Martin’s long-term approach

Adrian Newey admitted the decision has been difficult, especially while rival teams continue improving their cars every race weekend.

According to the legendary designer, Aston Martin chose to stop introducing small updates in order to focus its resources on a much larger development package and improve its long-term competitiveness.

Newey also explained that partners such as Honda, Aramco and Valvoline understand the strategy and support the team’s long-term vision.

Adrian Newey believes Aston Martin’s strategy will pay off later this season and beyond.

A major update is coming as Aston Martin rebuilds

Trackside chief Mike Krack stressed that Formula 1 development plans are prepared months in advance and cannot simply be changed after a disappointing race weekend.

Newey also acknowledged that Aston Martin’s first project under the current regulations exposed weaknesses in internal processes, prompting the team to reorganize its engineering structure and development methods.

The focus now is not only on solving immediate aerodynamic and mechanical issues but also on creating stronger systems that will support future car development.

Aston Martin expects its next major Formula 1 upgrade package to arrive at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Despite losing ground to several rivals during recent races, Aston Martin believes its current strategy will deliver greater gains in the second half of the season while laying the groundwork for an even bigger step forward in next year’s Formula 1 campaign.