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via f1oversteer.comAston Martin keep using one word for the AMR26 after Fernando Alonso’s best result of 2026 so farAston Martin have a new keyword for the AMR26 after Fernando Alonso had his best result of the 2026 season so far with ninth place ...
via Motorsport WeekGuenther Steiner credits Alonso for Aston Martin pointsAston Martin achieved a points finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, with Fernando Alonso playing a crucial role in the team's success. However, team principal Mike Krack has expressed caution, indicating that more challenging races lie ahead.
via the-race.comSchumacher help + Alonso blindsided: When Ferrari signed VettelThe article discusses the events surrounding Sebastian Vettel's signing with Ferrari, which began with his emotional first day at the team on November 29, 2014. The announcement of his departure from Red Bull took place on October 4, 2014, but it was not coordinated with Ferrari's announcement regarding Fernando Alonso's future, leaving Alonso blindsided as he was negotiating to extend his contract with the team at that time.
The timeline of Vettel's move to Ferrari was established well before the 2014 season, with discussions dating back to 2013. Michael Schumacher played a key role in advising Ferrari to focus on Vettel as their future star driver. Meanwhile, Alonso, who was under contract until the end of 2016, was unaware of the internal dynamics at Ferrari and believed he was in a strong position despite the team's struggles, culminating in a winless season.
via f1oversteer.comLawrence Stroll just ‘sounded out’ two F1 engine manufacturers as Aston Martin seek Plan-B to HondaAston Martin is exploring alternatives to their current engine supplier, Honda, due to disappointing performance in the 2026 F1 season. Lawrence Stroll has reached out to Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains to discuss potential engine supply deals for 2028, as Honda's engine has been criticized for being underpowered and problematic. Despite a recent points finish by Fernando Alonso, the team is considering a backup plan if Honda does not deliver significant improvements by 2027.
The partnership with Honda has faced challenges, including staff redistribution and design issues that have led to excessive vibrations in the engine. Stroll is aware of the financial implications and is weighing the possibility of returning to Mercedes or switching to Red Bull Powertrains. Meanwhile, Honda's leadership has committed to enhancing their engine's performance, but there are uncertainties about Aston Martin's future engine partnerships and the willingness of other manufacturers to accept them as customers.
via the-race.comWhat next for Aston Martin, Alonso and HondaAston Martin has shown significant improvement in performance, with Fernando Alonso achieving the team's best finish of the season at the Dutch Grand Prix. The new Honda engine has met its initial performance targets, but both drivers have expressed concerns about its driveability, which remains a critical issue for the team as they prepare for future races.
Honda is working on enhancing the engine's calibration and software to address these driveability challenges. Despite some progress, the team acknowledges that further improvements are necessary to unlock the engine's full potential, which could influence Alonso's decision regarding his future with Aston Martin.
via gpfans.comF1 2027 Grid: The 7 seats still open with Alonso future now clearer as signing confirmedThe 2027 Formula 1 driver grid is taking shape, with only seven seats remaining unfilled. Alpine has confirmed that Franco Colapinto will continue alongside Pierre Gasly, while Fernando Alonso's future with Aston Martin is still in question as he considers whether to sign a new contract or retire. The situation is complicated by recent performance issues with Honda's power unit, which Alonso is keen to see improved before making a decision.
Currently, 15 drivers have secured their spots for the upcoming season, including notable names like Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz, and Max Verstappen. Teams such as McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari have confirmed their lineups, while others like Aston Martin and Haas still have vacancies. The driver market remains fluid, with many contracts having options that could affect the final grid.
via PlanetF1Lance Stroll calls for FIA penalty action in untelevised Dutch GP team radioDuring the Dutch Grand Prix, Lance Stroll urged the FIA to impose penalties on drivers who disregarded a red light at the pit lane exit. This call came after Oliver Bearman and Gabriel Bortoleto were reprimanded for their infractions during the restart procedure following a red flag caused by Max Verstappen's crash. Stroll's frustration was evident as he communicated with his team, insisting that those who violated the rules should receive stop-and-go penalties.
Stroll was the first driver to recognize the red light and halted his car, while his teammate Fernando Alonso managed to finish ninth, contributing to Aston Martin's second points finish of the season. Stroll, however, retired from the race after experiencing significant damage to his car, which he stated affected his performance throughout the event.
via PlanetF1Alonso provides latest Aston Martin and Honda assessment after Dutch GPFernando Alonso provided an assessment of Aston Martin's performance following the Dutch Grand Prix, where he finished in ninth place. He highlighted that the team made progress with new components and fine-tuning upgrades, although he faced challenges with engine performance and communication issues during the race. Alonso felt that the result was justified, especially considering the DNF of Max Verstappen, and expressed hope for better outcomes in future races, particularly on circuits that favor their car's strengths.
Alonso's comments reflected a mix of optimism and realism regarding the team's capabilities. He acknowledged the difficulties faced with the car's drivability and engine braking but remained confident that improvements could be made as they continue to adapt to different circuits. His insights suggest a focus on ongoing development and strategic adjustments as the season progresses.
via gpfans.comF1 paddock insider shares fascinating verdict on Aston Martin's billionaire owner Lawrence StrollRalf Schumacher has praised Lawrence Stroll, the billionaire owner of Aston Martin, for his significant contributions to Formula 1 since entering the sport in 2018. Stroll's leadership has seen the team evolve from Force India to Aston Martin, with substantial investments in infrastructure and personnel, including the hiring of Adrian Newey and the signing of Fernando Alonso as a driver.
Schumacher believes that Stroll's assertiveness and passion for the sport are beneficial for F1, and he is optimistic about Aston Martin's prospects for the remainder of the season. Following a major car upgrade, the team has shown improvement, with Alonso recently scoring points, indicating a positive trajectory for their performance.
via f1oversteer.comAston Martin have started ‘exploring’ another Mercedes engine deal with Toto WolffAston Martin is currently in discussions with Mercedes to explore alternative engine options after a disappointing performance with Honda. The team, which switched to Honda engines at the end of the 2025 season, has faced significant challenges, including a loss of over a second per lap despite recent upgrades. Meetings between Aston Martin and Mercedes have taken place throughout the season, indicating a potential shift back to Mercedes engines in the future.
While Aston Martin has not issued an ultimatum to Honda, they are clearly seeking to apply pressure for improvements. The team has also been in talks with other companies regarding power unit options, with a deal with Mercedes being viewed as the most logical next step. Honda's recent performance has not met expectations, leading to uncertainty about the partnership's future.
via gpfans.comHonda boss wants to 'make history with Fernando Alonso', he just doesn't know whenAt the recent Dutch Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso showcased his skills by finishing ninth, contributing to Aston Martin's second points finish of the season. This performance was supported by a new Honda power unit, which has been under scrutiny for its competitiveness this year. The team has also implemented aerodynamic upgrades that have positively impacted their performance.
Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing Corporation, emphasized the company's ambition to achieve a historic victory with Alonso, although he refrained from specifying a timeline for this goal. He highlighted the importance of Alonso's feedback in their development process and expressed a strong desire for him to re-sign with Aston Martin for the 2027 season.
via f1oversteer.comPaddock ‘whispers’ claim Fernando Alonso’s 2027 decision is made as Madrid announcement plannedFernando Alonso is nearing the end of his contract with Aston Martin, which expires after the 2026 season. He has an option to extend his contract for 2027, and there are rumors that he has already decided to remain with Aston Martin. Alonso plans to make an official announcement regarding his future at the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix.
Despite facing challenges with Honda's engine this season, Alonso recently secured P9 in the Dutch GP, marking a significant improvement in his performance. His decision to stay with Aston Martin appears influenced by the team's potential for success and his desire to avoid leaving just as they begin to make progress.
via f1oversteer.comBernie Collins ‘shocked’ by what Fred Vasseur said about Lewis Hamilton’s Dutch GP strategyBernie Collins expressed her surprise at Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur's comments regarding Lewis Hamilton's race strategy during the Dutch Grand Prix. Hamilton extended his first stint significantly longer than his teammate Charles Leclerc, leading to a situation where he was stuck behind Leclerc without team orders to switch positions, which ultimately cost him time in the race. Collins criticized Ferrari for not anticipating the convergence of their drivers and forming a clear plan, suggesting that they were caught off guard by the unfolding events on track.
Hamilton's strategy was complicated by a lack of communication from Ferrari about whether he would one-stop or two-stop during the race. He eventually pitted late due to a virtual safety car, but Collins noted that the decision-making process was flawed, leaving Hamilton uncertain about how to manage his tires. The article highlights the critical nature of strategic decisions in Formula 1 and the impact they can have on race outcomes.
via f1oversteer.comBernie Collins ‘shocked’ by what Fred Vasseur said about Lewis Hamilton’s Dutch GP strategyBernie Collins expressed her surprise at Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur's comments regarding Lewis Hamilton's race strategy during the Dutch Grand Prix. Hamilton extended his first stint significantly longer than his teammate Charles Leclerc, leading to a situation where he was stuck behind Leclerc without team orders to switch positions, which ultimately cost him time in the race. Collins criticized Ferrari for not anticipating the convergence of their drivers and forming a clear plan, suggesting that they were caught off guard by the unfolding events on track.
Hamilton's strategy was complicated by a lack of communication from Ferrari about whether he would one-stop or two-stop during the race. He eventually pitted late due to a virtual safety car, but Collins noted that the decision-making process was flawed, leaving Hamilton uncertain about how to manage his tires. The article highlights the critical nature of strategic decisions in Formula 1 and the impact they can have on race outcomes.
via f1oversteer.comHonda president makes major promise to Lawrence Stroll and Aston Martin about 2027 engineHonda's president, Koji Watanabe, has made a commitment to Aston Martin regarding significant improvements to their engine by 2027. Despite recent upgrades, Aston Martin's drivers have expressed dissatisfaction, citing a performance gap of 1.5 seconds per lap compared to Mercedes. Honda is permitted to make multiple upgrades in the coming years, and Watanabe is optimistic about closing the gap to top teams in the standings next season.
Lawrence Stroll, Aston Martin's team owner, has a long-term vision that began in 2021, aiming for competitive success. Watanabe has reassured fans of their dedication to improvement and has brought back top engineers to enhance their performance. While he cannot promise championships, he emphasized Honda's goal to win in the future.
via f1technical.netMcLaren wins final Dutch Grand Prix at ZandvoortMcLaren celebrated a significant win at the last Dutch Grand Prix held at Zandvoort, mirroring their success from 1985. Lando Norris delivered an impressive performance, while Oscar Piastri finished sixth, which did not fully showcase his potential.
via f1technical.netFernando Alonso earns points with P9 finish in ZandvoortFernando Alonso delivered a strong performance at the Dutch Grand Prix, finishing in ninth place and earning two points for Aston Martin. Starting from 18th on the grid, Alonso's drive was notable, while his teammate Lance Stroll had to retire due to a handling issue.
via f1oversteer.comFernando Alonso picks between Max Verstappen and Michael Schumacher after racing bothFernando Alonso, a veteran Formula 1 driver, shared his thoughts on Max Verstappen and Michael Schumacher, highlighting his experience racing against both. In a recent interview, he ranked Verstappen as his toughest competitor, giving him a score of 9.9 out of 10, while acknowledging that he has no major weaknesses in his driving style. Alonso noted that Verstappen has improved significantly since his early years, where he made minor mistakes, and now consistently performs at a high level.
Alonso's career has seen him compete in the midfield for teams like McLaren, Alpine, and Aston Martin while Verstappen has been a dominant force in recent seasons. Alonso also reflected on his past rivalries, including his battles with Schumacher, Hamilton, and Vettel, emphasizing the competitive nature of the sport and the evolution of drivers over time.
via Motorsport.comFernando Alonso hailed as "actual GOAT" after F1 Dutch GP: "Just a machine"Fernando Alonso received significant praise from fans after his impressive performance at the Dutch Grand Prix, where he moved from 18th to 9th place, earning his first points since the Monaco Grand Prix. This result comes after a challenging start to the season for Aston Martin, which saw multiple retirements for both Alonso and his teammate, Lance Stroll, before the introduction of car upgrades at recent races.
Fans celebrated Alonso's achievement, dubbing him the 'actual GOAT' and highlighting his ability to perform well even in less competitive machinery. Currently, Alonso sits 19th in the drivers' championship with three points, tied with Esteban Ocon, while several other drivers have yet to score any points this season.
via PlanetF1Untelevised Adrian Newey, Fernando Alonso team radio emerges after Dutch GPUntelevised team radio footage from the Dutch Grand Prix revealed Adrian Newey congratulating Fernando Alonso for his performance after finishing ninth. This result marked Aston Martin's second points finish of the 2026 Formula 1 season, aided by the debut of Honda's upgraded power unit. Alonso's ninth-place finish was significant as it was his first points-scoring race since Monaco in early June.
During the race, Alonso faced challenges with his team radio, which affected communication with his engineers. Despite these issues, he confirmed that the race strategy remained clear and did not impact his performance significantly. Alonso expressed gratitude towards his team for their support and acknowledged the car's improved performance.Page 11 of 16