News176 stories
RSS ↗
via f1technical.netBrowning to drive Alex Albon’s Williams in Monza FP1Luke Browning, the reserve driver for Williams, will take over Alex Albon's FW48 during the first practice session at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. This marks Browning's second appearance in FP1 for the 2026 season and his sixth overall with the team. His previous experience with the FW48 at the Austrian Grand Prix will aid him in gathering valuable data to support Williams' development efforts during this session, which is part of the team's mandated rookie testing requirements for the season.
Browning, who is also racing full-time in Japan's Super Formula series, is focused on maximizing his experience in the FW48 to enhance his understanding of the car. The data collected during the Monza session will be crucial for Williams' simulator program and overall performance analysis. Browning's participation not only contributes to his own development as a potential future Formula 1 driver but also helps the team improve their understanding of the new-generation machinery.
Mon 31 Aug · 08:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Carlos Sainz gesture comes to light after Albon clashCarlos Sainz and Alex Albon demonstrated their camaraderie following a collision during the Dutch Grand Prix by sharing breakfast in Monaco, where Sainz covered the bill. The meal included a luxurious dish ordered by Albon's fiancée, and the two drivers engaged in a lighthearted debate over their pancake-making skills, with Albon claiming they could outperform Sainz in that area.
Despite the incident on the track, both drivers affirmed that there are no lingering tensions between them. Albon emphasized that the media's portrayal of their relationship was exaggerated, and both drivers are set to continue racing together for Williams in the upcoming 2027 season.
Sat 29 Aug · 14:39 UTC
via CrashF1 to ‘review’ chaotic Zandvoort start after Max Verstappen’s shuntThe Dutch Grand Prix experienced a chaotic start due to mixed track conditions, leading to Max Verstappen crashing into the barriers. Pierre Gasly noted that the drivers would review the situation, as the final corner remained damp while the rest of the track was dry, complicating the race start. Gabriel Bortoleto narrowly avoided a serious incident during the initial lap, highlighting the challenging conditions faced by the drivers.
Gasly expressed a preference for a different starting procedure, suggesting that a normal out-lap could have better prepared the drivers for the race. The FIA has the option to adjust starting procedures in wet conditions, and feedback from the drivers will be considered for future races to improve safety and performance.
Sat 29 Aug · 12:30 UTC
via RaceFansAlpine confirm Colapinto will remain alongside Gasly in 2027 line-up | Formula 1Alpine Racing has announced that Franco Colapinto will continue with the team for the 2027 Formula 1 season. Colapinto, who is 23 years old, joined Alpine last season and replaced Jack Doohan mid-season. Despite a challenging first year where he finished without points, he has shown improvement in 2026, achieving a sixth-place finish at the Canadian Grand Prix and accumulating 19 points, placing him 12th in the championship standings.
Colapinto's performance has been notable this season, and he is currently two places behind his teammate Pierre Gasly. The confirmation of their continued partnership was made public on August 29, 2026, solidifying Alpine's driver lineup for the upcoming season.
Sat 29 Aug · 07:35 UTC
via Motorsport.comAlex Albon on why Williams cannot afford team-mate secrets in F1Alex Albon discussed the importance of collaboration between him and his Williams teammate Carlos Sainz, emphasizing that sharing set-up information is crucial given the team's performance struggles in the 2026 Formula 1 season. With Williams sitting ninth in the constructors' standings, both drivers have found it beneficial to work together rather than withhold information, as is common in other teams.
Albon explained that the limitations of their car necessitate a united approach, allowing them to test various setups and share feedback effectively. He acknowledged that while some teams may foster secrecy among drivers, such tactics would not be advantageous for Williams, where cooperation is key to improving their performance.
Fri 28 Aug · 09:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Aston Martin given surprise outlook as Alpine make Franco Colapinto decision - RacingNews365 ReviewCarlos Sainz has praised Aston Martin's recent upgrades, claiming they have elevated the team above Williams in performance. Meanwhile, Alpine has made a significant decision by confirming that Franco Colapinto will remain with them through the 2027 season, indicating a commitment to developing young talent.
In other news, Guenther Steiner has hinted that George Russell's role for the remainder of the 2026 season will focus on aiding teammate Kimi Antonelli in his championship pursuit. Additionally, Yuki Tsunoda has opened the door for a potential return to F1 in 2027, while the FIA has officially confirmed the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities allocations.
Thu 27 Aug · 20:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comAlex Albon opens up about burnout amid growing F1 demandsAlex Albon has opened up about his struggles with burnout during the 2025 Formula 1 season, citing the relentless commercial demands of the sport as a significant factor. He shared his experiences on The Fast And The Curious podcast, explaining how the pressures, particularly during American races, left him feeling drained and overwhelmed. Albon emphasized the importance of taking time for himself to recharge, especially after a frustrating race weekend.
To cope with the demands of his role, Albon has found solace in simple activities during his downtime, such as spending time at home and engaging in everyday chores. He also seeks to escape the intense atmosphere of the F1 environment by choosing quieter dining options away from the track. Albon's reflections highlight the challenges faced by drivers in balancing their professional commitments with personal well-being.Thu 27 Aug · 19:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Colapinto confirmed, Hamilton sends Ferrari message, Schumacher livery plan – roundupFranco Colapinto has been confirmed to stay with Alpine for the 2027 Formula 1 season after a successful run since joining the team. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton has called on Ferrari to intensify their efforts to compete with Mercedes, as both he and teammate Charles Leclerc have only secured one victory each in the current season. Hamilton's comments come after a disappointing performance at the Dutch Grand Prix, where he lost his second place in the standings to George Russell.
In addition, Ferrari plans to honor Michael Schumacher with a special livery at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, marking significant anniversaries in Schumacher's career with the team. Yuki Tsunoda is also seeking a seat for the 2027 season, having recently returned to racing, while Liam Lawson's sarcastic remarks about Verstappen's driving during the Dutch GP have surfaced, highlighting the competitive tensions on the track.Thu 27 Aug · 18:27 UTC
via RacingNews365Alpine explain decision to extend Franco ColapintoAlpine F1 Team has confirmed that Franco Colapinto will continue with the team for the 2027 season, partnering with Pierre Gasly. This decision follows a successful year for Colapinto, who stepped in as a full-time driver last season, and comes amid speculation about potential changes in the lineup. Alpine's executive advisor, Flavio Briatore, emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency as the team aims to improve its performance in the constructors' standings.
With Alpine currently sitting sixth in the championship after a challenging previous season, Briatore noted that the team can now concentrate on developing a competitive car. He praised Colapinto's growth as a driver, particularly highlighting his results in Miami and Montréal, and expressed optimism for both drivers to contribute significantly to the team's success moving forward.Thu 27 Aug · 16:20 UTC
via Formula1.comVowles highlights Sainz's role in Williams' rebuildJames Vowles has highlighted Carlos Sainz's unique temperament as a crucial factor in Williams' current rebuilding phase. Both Sainz and teammate Alex Albon have shown commitment to the team's efforts during a challenging season.
+ 1 moreThu 27 Aug · 14:32 UTC
via PlanetF1FIA to decide on McLaren and Red Bull's Monaco appealThe FIA has announced a timeline regarding the appeals from McLaren and Red Bull concerning Pierre Gasly's podium finish at the Monaco Grand Prix. The outcome of these appeals will be determined by the FIA's International Court of Appeal.+ 1 moreThu 27 Aug · 14:17 UTC
via Motorsport.comF1 fans declare 'silly season now serious season' after Franco Colapinto dealFranco Colapinto has officially extended his contract with Alpine, ensuring his place in Formula 1 through the 2027 season. This decision follows his impressive performance since stepping in as a driver in 2025, where he has consistently shown his capabilities alongside teammate Pierre Gasly. Currently, Colapinto ranks 12th in the drivers' championship, while Gasly is in 10th place. The news of his extension has garnered positive reactions from fans, who appreciate his growth and contributions to the team.
The recent contract extensions for several drivers, including Max Verstappen and those at Williams, have led to a decrease in rumors regarding potential driver changes. Fans have expressed their support for Colapinto, highlighting his performance and the sponsorship benefits he brings to Alpine. Overall, the current state of driver contracts has shifted the narrative from speculation to stability within the F1 paddock.Thu 27 Aug · 13:24 UTCvia Motorsport.comF1 fans declare 'silly season now serious season' after Franco Colapinto dealFranco Colapinto has officially extended his contract with Alpine, ensuring his place in Formula 1 through the 2027 season. This decision follows his impressive performance since stepping in as a driver in 2025, where he has consistently shown his capabilities alongside teammate Pierre Gasly. Currently, Colapinto ranks 12th in the drivers' championship, while Gasly is in 10th place. The news of his extension has garnered positive reactions from fans, who appreciate his growth and contributions to the team.
The recent contract extensions for several drivers, including Max Verstappen and those at Williams, have led to a decrease in rumors regarding potential driver changes. Fans have expressed their support for Colapinto, highlighting his performance and the sponsorship benefits he brings to Alpine. Overall, the current state of driver contracts has shifted the narrative from speculation to stability within the F1 paddock.Thu 27 Aug · 13:24 UTC
via thejudge13.comIs It Time for F1 to Ditch Blue Flags? Ask Alex AlbonThe blue flag rule in Formula 1, which instructs slower drivers to yield to faster cars, is under scrutiny following comments from Williams driver Alex Albon. He highlighted the challenges faced by slower teams like Williams, particularly in the context of the 2026 season where performance gaps have widened, leading to frequent blue flag situations that complicate their racing strategies.
Albon's remarks suggest that the current enforcement of blue flags may hinder competitive racing, especially for midfield drivers. The article discusses the potential for reassessing the blue flag rule, comparing it to practices in other racing series like IndyCar and the World Endurance Championship, where blue flags are not strictly enforced.
Thu 27 Aug · 11:14 UTC
via Motorsport.comArvid Lindblad criticises Zandvoort penalty as extremeArvid Lindblad received a drive-through penalty during the Dutch Grand Prix, which has drawn criticism from various commentators. F1 analyst Alex Brundle described the penalty as harsh, suggesting that it was unfair to penalize drivers for secondary overtakes.+ 1 moreThu 27 Aug · 10:06 UTC
via Motorsport.comWilliams collapses in F1 pecking order: ‘Aston is a different league right now’The Williams Formula 1 team is experiencing a significant decline in performance, now only outperforming Cadillac. After a promising start to the 2026 season, where they scored 11 points and placed eighth in the constructors' standings, the team has struggled to achieve better than 15th place in recent races, leading to frustrations among drivers Carlos Sainz Jr. and Alexander Albon. Albon highlighted the frequent blue flags they encounter, which hinder their racing efforts and contribute to their poor results.
Despite some optimism about the upcoming Monza and Baku races, both drivers remain skeptical about their chances of scoring points. Sainz pointed out issues with car setup consistency, while Albon noted that the characteristics of Monza could suit their car. Currently, Williams sits ninth in the standings, trailing Audi and Aston Martin, indicating a challenging season ahead for the team.Thu 27 Aug · 08:54 UTC
via the-race.comWill this big upgrade swing a key F1 fight? Gary Anderson's takeAlpine Racing has introduced a significant upgrade kit at the Zandvoort circuit, which they believe could enhance their performance by two to three tenths of a second. The upgrade was only fitted to Pierre Gasly's car, and during the weekend, he consistently outperformed his teammate Franco Colapinto in practice and qualifying sessions, although the gap closed as the weekend progressed. The changes included modifications to the sidepod and radiator intakes, aimed at optimizing airflow and improving the car's overall performance.
Despite these upgrades, Gary Anderson expressed doubts about Alpine's ability to surpass their competitors, particularly the Racing Bulls. He noted that many of the developments merely bring Alpine in line with what other teams have already implemented. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of budget cap management in the current season, suggesting that teams must balance development with financial constraints.
Thu 27 Aug · 05:42 UTC
via Motorsport WeekAlpine confirms 2027 driver line-up with ColapintoAlpine has officially announced its driver line-up for the 2027 Formula 1 season, featuring Franco Colapinto alongside Pierre Gasly. This confirmation leaves only seven open driver seats remaining for the upcoming season.
Thu 27 Aug · 05:00 UTC
via Formula1.comLuke Browning to drive for Williams at MonzaWilliams has announced that Luke Browning will participate in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. This marks Browning's second outing of the season in a Formula 1 car for the team.+ 1 moreWed 26 Aug · 13:15 UTC
via PlanetF1Alex Albon to miss Italian GP FP1 as Luke Browning steps into WilliamsWilliams Racing has announced that Luke Browning will take over Alex Albon's seat for the first practice session at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. This change is part of the team's requirement to run rookie drivers in four FP1 sessions throughout the season. Browning has previously participated in an FP1 session at the Austrian Grand Prix and is currently involved in Japan's Super Formula championship as part of Williams' Driver Academy. His upcoming session will be his sixth with the team, although he faced an electrical issue during a previous practice in Barcelona that prevented him from completing laps.
Browning, who finished fourth in the 2025 F2 championship, is seen as a potential future driver for Williams, especially with both Albon and Carlos Sainz confirmed for the 2027 season. He has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to drive and emphasized the importance of gaining experience and providing valuable feedback to the team. Browning's journey to this point has been marked by financial struggles and a determination to succeed, showcasing his resilience and commitment to making a name for himself in Formula 1.Wed 26 Aug · 13:00 UTCPage 6 of 9
