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via RacingNews365Fernando Alonso confirms alternative option to F1 for 2027Fernando Alonso is considering a move to the World Endurance Championship (WEC) for the 2027 season, although he has not yet made a formal commitment regarding his future in Formula 1. Aston Martin, his current team, is keen to keep him on board as they aim to improve their performance with Honda as their engine partner.
Despite his struggles this season, where he has only scored three points in 13 races, Alonso has indicated that his decision will be based on his enjoyment of the new regulations rather than the competitiveness of the car. He has stated that any announcement about his future is not imminent, as he focuses on the upcoming challenges of racing on a new street circuit in Madrid.
via f1oversteer.comNico Rosberg says Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin performances reveal the truth about his F1 careerNico Rosberg has expressed strong opinions about Fernando Alonso's current performances with Aston Martin, stating that they highlight the reality of Alonso's Formula 1 career. At 45 years old, Alonso continues to demonstrate exceptional skill, particularly in his head-to-head competition with teammate Lance Stroll, whom he has consistently outperformed this season. Rosberg believes that Alonso's talent is evident, and he remains one of the top drivers in the sport today.
Rosberg also reflected on Alonso's career choices, suggesting that with better decisions, Alonso could have easily secured five world championships. Despite criticism of his move to Aston Martin, Rosberg remains optimistic about Alonso's potential, especially with recent chassis upgrades that could enhance the team's performance. As the team prepares for the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix, there is hope that Alonso will showcase the true capabilities of the Aston Martin AMR26.
via CrashFernando Alonso 'keeps Ayrton Senna history alive' with early running in SpainFernando Alonso participated in a special track day in Barcelona, showcasing iconic cars from his personal collection, including two vehicles previously raced by Ayrton Senna. This event occurred just before the Spanish Grand Prix, highlighting Alonso's passion for motorsport and his connection to racing history.
Alonso's collection, valued at around £32 million, features a variety of cars, but the standout models were Senna's 1984 Toleman and the 1989 McLaren MP4-5. He shared his excitement on social media, emphasizing the importance of preserving and enjoying the history of motorsport. As his contract with Aston Martin is set to expire, the upcoming race in Madrid may mark his final appearance in F1 on home soil.
via Formula1.comPedro de la Rosa praises Aston Martin's successful upgradesPedro de la Rosa highlighted the positive impact of Aston Martin's recent car upgrades during the Hungarian Grand Prix. He described Fernando Alonso's reaction as a standout moment of the season, emphasizing the effectiveness of the team's strategic changes.
via f1oversteer.comOne F1 driver was ‘99% sure’ he’d become Lewis Hamilton’s teammate before last-minute phone callIn 2008, Pedro de la Rosa believed he was on the verge of becoming Lewis Hamilton's teammate at McLaren after Fernando Alonso's departure. He had been in contact with team principal Ron Dennis and felt confident about securing the seat, even making personal changes to impress the team.
However, de la Rosa was ultimately informed by Martin Whitmarsh that McLaren had decided to sign Heikki Kovalainen instead. This news was a disappointment for de la Rosa, who felt he was competitive enough for the role, but Whitmarsh pointed out Kovalainen's youth as a significant factor in the decision.
via Motorsport WeekFernando Alonso delivers F1 retirement update ahead of Madrid debutFernando Alonso has confirmed that he will not announce his retirement from Formula 1 during the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit. This race marks his first appearance at a Spanish street circuit since his victory in Valencia in 2012. Despite a challenging start to the season with Aston Martin, where he has only managed to score three points, Alonso remains focused on the team's potential for improvement in 2027.
After a disappointing performance at the Italian GP, where he retired early due to damage, Alonso expressed cautious optimism about the upcoming race at Madring. He acknowledged the team's struggles but indicated that certain circuits might offer better opportunities for performance. Alonso's comments suggest he is considering his future with Aston Martin, hinting at a possible commitment to continue racing in 2027.
via RacingNews365What is behind Fernando Alonso's F1 contract delay?Fernando Alonso's future in Formula 1 remains uncertain as his contract with Aston Martin is set to expire at the end of the current season. Despite the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix being seen as a potential opportunity for an announcement, sources indicate that no updates will be provided this weekend. Alonso has been a topic of discussion throughout the season, especially given Aston Martin's underwhelming performance with Honda powertrains, which has led to speculation about his next steps.
While there were rumors of a possible return to Alpine, the team's current driver contracts have closed that door. Alonso has consistently denied retirement rumors and is likely to remain with Aston Martin, where discussions about a contract extension are ongoing. The negotiations are complex, with considerations for a potential pay raise and future roles within the team after his racing career. Alonso has expressed trust in Honda's capabilities and is eager to continue racing, indicating a desire to finalize his future soon.
via f1oversteer.comJuan Pablo Montoya says Adrian Newey can help Fernando Alonso show he is 'as good as' Max VerstappenJuan Pablo Montoya has expressed confidence that Adrian Newey can enhance Fernando Alonso's performance to match that of Max Verstappen, particularly as Alonso navigates a challenging 2026 season with Aston Martin. Despite the team's struggles, Montoya believes that Alonso's skills remain on par with the best in the sport, contingent on having a competitive car and engine.
Montoya also discussed Alonso's longevity in Formula 1, attributing it to the reduced testing demands of the current era. He reflected on the rigorous testing schedules of the past, suggesting that modern drivers benefit from a more manageable workload, which helps them avoid burnout and maintain their performance levels.
via PlanetF1‘Wake up!’ – Tense Lance Stroll exchange in untelevised Italian GP team radioDuring the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll had a heated exchange with his race engineer, urging him to "wake up" as he faced technical issues. Stroll retired from the race after 26 laps due to a suspected hydraulic problem, while his teammate Fernando Alonso also withdrew, marking a disappointing outing for the team.
The race was won by Kimi Antonelli, who started from 19th position. Stroll's struggles were compounded by energy management issues, which he acknowledged contributed to his loss of positions. Looking ahead, Stroll expressed optimism about the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix, suggesting that the new Madring circuit may suit Aston Martin's car better.
via newsonf1.comDomenicali encourages Alonso to stay in F1 beyond 2026Stefano Domenicali has expressed his desire for Fernando Alonso to continue racing in Formula 1 beyond the 2026 season. The final decision regarding Alonso's future, however, will ultimately be up to the two-time world champion.
via RacingNews365George Russell makes grid penalty declaration as Fernando Alonso quizzed on retirement - RacingNews365 ReviewGeorge Russell has confirmed that he is likely to incur a grid penalty due to engine issues as his chances for the championship diminish. Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso has stated that he will not be making any announcements regarding his retirement ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, which is his home race. Lewis Hamilton has also addressed concerns from Ferrari fans about his relationship with teammate Charles Leclerc, assuring them there is no cause for alarm.
In addition to these developments, Red Bull took a lighthearted jab at the recent ADUO engine rankings, while Kimi Antonelli celebrated his victory at the Italian GP in a unique way, prompting Toto Wolff to make a biblical reference to his performance. The article provides insights into these events and anticipates the upcoming Madrid race.
via grandprix.comAston Martin expects Madrid to suit AMR26 betterAston Martin anticipates that the AMR26 will have a more favorable performance at the Madrid circuit compared to Monza, as the mixed layout may mitigate the team's power deficit. Mike Krack noted that the circuit's combination of straights and tighter sections will require effective drivability and tire management, which could play to Aston Martin's strengths, especially with Honda's improved power unit specifications. The team is also considering the impact of the track surface and temperature on tire degradation.
In addition to performance expectations, Aston Martin is still waiting for Fernando Alonso to make a decision about his future with the team. Krack respects Alonso's desire for more evidence of the team's progress before committing to a decision. While the Madrid race won't solely determine Alonso's future, it could clarify whether the issues faced at Monza were specific to that circuit or indicative of a broader challenge for the AMR26.
via F1iFernando Alonso criticises Monza's speed reputationFernando Alonso has expressed his belief that Monza no longer deserves the title of 'Temple of Speed' due to significantly reduced top speeds in modern Formula 1. He argues that the circuit's reputation has diminished in the current era of the sport.
via Formula1.comHow Carlos Alcaraz’s bromance with Alonso made him an F1 fanCarlos Alcaraz, the Spanish tennis star, has developed a strong interest in Formula 1, particularly inspired by compatriot Fernando Alonso. His journey into F1 fandom began after he publicly supported Alonso during the 2023 Miami Open, showcasing his newfound enthusiasm for the sport. Alcaraz has since visited the F1 paddock multiple times, forming connections with various teams and drivers, including Alonso and Carlos Sainz.
Alcaraz's engagement with F1 reflects a broader trend of crossover between tennis and motorsport, with other tennis stars also participating in F1 events. The article highlights how both sports have attracted celebrities from each other’s domains, creating a unique blend of fandom and camaraderie among athletes. Alcaraz's admiration for Alonso and his experiences in the paddock illustrate the growing relationship between these two popular sports.
via gpfans.comHonda promise 'big step' for Aston Martin engine and it could be crucial to Fernando Alonso's F1 futureHonda has faced challenges since returning to Formula 1 with Aston Martin, producing a disappointing engine that has struggled on the grid. Following a poor performance at the Italian Grand Prix, where both drivers retired early, Honda's chief engineer has promised significant improvements for the 2027 season, although no major upgrades will be available this year. This situation has raised questions about Fernando Alonso's future with the team, as he is unhappy with the current results and is contemplating whether to continue his F1 career.
Alonso, who has been with Aston Martin, is at a crossroads as he considers his options moving forward. He has indicated that finishing in ninth place is not satisfactory, and the potential for a better engine could influence his decision to extend his time in Formula 1. With his career starting back in 2001, the upcoming developments from Honda may play a crucial role in shaping his future in the sport.
via f1technical.netIsack Hadjar to miss Spanish Grand Prix due to injuryIsack Hadjar will not participate in the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix as he continues to recover from a wrist injury. Red Bull has confirmed that Liam Lawson will once again race alongside Max Verstappen in Madrid.
via CrashWild Lance Stroll stat highlights Charles Leclerc's 2026 F1 strugglesCharles Leclerc's 2026 Formula 1 season has been marked by significant struggles, culminating in a crash during the Italian Grand Prix. This incident has added to his tally of failures to finish races, contrasting sharply with Lewis Hamilton's flawless performance this season, where he has completed every lap. The points gap between Leclerc and Hamilton has widened again to 36 points after a brief narrowing earlier in the season due to Leclerc's victory at the British Grand Prix.
In a surprising twist, Lance Stroll, often criticized for his performance, has managed to crash only once this season, while Leclerc has crashed four times. The financial implications of their crashes are stark, with Leclerc facing nearly $1.9 million in damages compared to Stroll's $375,000. This season has proven to be particularly challenging for Leclerc, as he continues to struggle to match his teammate's performance and maintain competitiveness in the championship.
via RaceFansOvertake Mode meant others passed me like I was a “turtle”, says Verstappen | Formula 1Max Verstappen expressed frustration after the Italian Grand Prix, where he led for a short period but struggled to maintain his position due to the newly implemented Overtake Mode. This mode, introduced in 2026, allows drivers to access additional power when they are close to another car, but Verstappen noted that it hindered his ability to defend against competitors effectively.
The race highlighted the impact of Overtake Mode, particularly as the FIA had set energy harvest limits at their lowest for the fastest track on the calendar. Verstappen remarked that the Mercedes-powered cars had a significant advantage in electrical energy deployment, which contributed to his difficulties in keeping pace with them.
via Motorsport.comWho slept worst last night: George RussellGeorge Russell faced a tough race at the Italian GP, finishing in second place behind his teammate Kimi Antonelli, who made an impressive comeback from 19th on the grid to win. This result has left Russell with a significant 66-point gap in the championship standings, prompting him to reflect on his chances of winning the title this season.
In a post-race press conference, Russell expressed acceptance of his current situation, acknowledging Antonelli's dominance and the challenges ahead. He emphasized his intention to enjoy the remaining races and focus on winning, despite the difficult reality of his championship aspirations.
via Formula1.comWhat the teams said – Race day in ItalyThe 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza saw Kimi Antonelli make history by becoming the first Italian winner at the venue since 1966, starting from 19th position. His victory was marked by a strong performance, particularly during the race's second start and a strategic pit stop under the Virtual Safety Car, which allowed him to reclaim the lead from teammate George Russell, who finished second after leading early in the race.
Max Verstappen completed the podium in third place, showcasing strong race pace despite challenges. The race featured significant strategic decisions influenced by the red flag and VSC, with Mercedes achieving a notable 1-2 finish. The results were a boost for the team in the championship standings, while other drivers like Liam Lawson faced difficulties, finishing 14th after starting from the pit lane.Page 8 of 16