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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.
Fri 28 Aug · 08:00 UTC
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.
Fri 28 Aug · 07:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton sent Ferrari 'reminder' after team radio frustrationLewis Hamilton voiced his displeasure over team radio during the Dutch Grand Prix, where he found himself behind teammate Charles Leclerc. He requested that Ferrari allow him to pass Leclerc to enhance his chances of finishing on the podium, but his teammate's pit stop came too late for Hamilton, leading to further frustration expressed over the radio.
Former F1 driver Jean Alesi criticized Hamilton's approach, suggesting that his complaints were unwarranted and that Ferrari deserved respect. Ultimately, neither Ferrari driver finished on the podium, with Lando Norris claiming victory, which has positioned him as a strong contender for the championship.
Fri 28 Aug · 04:30 UTC
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton vs Charles Leclerc laid bare as team announces driver change - F1 RecapThe article discusses the ongoing rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, highlighted by a recent incident at the Zandvoort Grand Prix. It notes that this conflict has been brewing for over a year, indicating a deeper competitive tension between the two drivers. Additionally, the piece covers various team announcements, including Williams' decision to replace Alex Albon with Luke Browning for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix and Alpine's confirmation of Franco Colapinto's position for 2027.
Furthermore, it touches on Christian Horner's legacy at Red Bull, where his prior decisions have positively influenced the team's future, particularly in retaining star driver Max Verstappen. The article also mentions Carlos Sainz's comments on Aston Martin's advancements, suggesting they have outpaced Williams in terms of development. Overall, the piece encapsulates significant developments in the F1 landscape as teams prepare for upcoming races.
Thu 27 Aug · 21:57 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFerrari ‘debrief’ reveals costly mistake with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s cars at Dutch GPIn addition to the qualifying mishap, George Russell of Mercedes managed to out-qualify both Ferrari drivers, securing second place on the grid. As the team prepares for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza, they are contemplating the introduction of an upgraded engine, aware that any mistakes in qualifying could have serious consequences. The Dutch GP marked the end of racing at Zandvoort for the time being, prompting Ferrari to refocus their strategy for the next race.Thu 27 Aug · 16:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comFred Vasseur identifies Ferrari's next target after "stronger than Mercedes" Zandvoort paceFerrari's performance at the Dutch Grand Prix showcased strong race pace, which team principal Fred Vasseur believes was better than that of Mercedes. However, the team struggled during qualifying, with both drivers failing to secure positions higher than the third row, which ultimately hindered their race outcomes. Leclerc's slow start and a poor pit stop further complicated their efforts to capitalize on their pace.
Vasseur highlighted the importance of improving tyre management and preparation for qualifying sessions, noting that this has not always been a weakness for Ferrari throughout the season. He acknowledged that while upgrades to the car could help, understanding the nuances of tyre performance is crucial for future success.
Thu 27 Aug · 15:46 UTC
via Motorsport WeekFerrari told to prepare for ‘first real test’ of Lewis Hamilton-Charles Leclerc relationshipThe recent Dutch Grand Prix highlighted potential tensions between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, as both drivers faced challenges with Ferrari's race strategy. Hamilton finished fourth, just behind George Russell, while Leclerc ended up fifth after a promising second place in the Sprint race. The race raised questions about how Ferrari will manage the dynamics between their two star drivers moving forward.
Will Buxton emphasized that this situation could serve as a critical test for Ferrari, particularly in balancing the needs and expectations of both Hamilton, a seasoned champion, and Leclerc, who is seen as the team's future. As Ferrari heads into the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, the team is under pressure to ensure both drivers can perform optimally and avoid further conflicts.
Thu 27 Aug · 15:00 UTC
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.Thu 27 Aug · 13:57 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 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.
Thu 27 Aug · 08:35 UTC
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.Thu 27 Aug · 06:37 UTC
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.Wed 26 Aug · 21:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comFerrari's engine upgrade decision for Monza pendingFerrari is set to decide whether to debut its updated engines at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix in Monza. The team has prepared two upgraded power units under the ADUO system, but cost constraints may impact their availability.+ 1 moreWed 26 Aug · 16:01 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFerrari ‘blacked out’ Charles Leclerc radio after he nearly collided with Lewis Hamilton at Dutch GPDuring the Dutch Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton had a close encounter on the final lap, with Leclerc trying to overtake Hamilton but having to back off to avoid a collision. Following the race, Ferrari decided to restrict Leclerc's radio communications, likely to manage the situation after the race's tensions escalated between the drivers. Hamilton was upset that Ferrari did not issue team orders to allow him to pass Leclerc, which he believed cost him a podium finish.
Leclerc expressed his frustration regarding the team's strategy, particularly their decision to pit him shortly after George Russell, which he felt compromised his race. The competitive dynamic between Leclerc and Hamilton was evident, as both drivers are currently evenly matched in their qualifying and race head-to-heads, reflecting the close nature of their rivalry within the team.Wed 26 Aug · 13:30 UTC
via grandprix.comFerrari team-order debate deepens after ZandvoortThe article discusses the ongoing debate surrounding Ferrari's decision-making regarding team orders during the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. Lewis Hamilton's frustration over being held up by Charles Leclerc has reignited discussions about when teams should prioritize championship standings over equal treatment of drivers. Former Ferrari engineer Luigi Mazzola defended the team's choice not to intervene, citing Hamilton's significant points deficit to championship leader Kimi Antonelli as a reason against issuing team orders.
Conversely, Timo Glock criticized Ferrari for missing an opportunity to better manage their drivers' performance to protect Antonelli's lead. The article highlights the challenges teams face in balancing driver equality with strategic decisions that could impact championship outcomes, emphasizing that indecision can be more problematic than the unpopular nature of team orders.
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.Wed 26 Aug · 10:30 UTC
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.Wed 26 Aug · 09:57 UTC
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.Wed 26 Aug · 09:30 UTC
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.Tue 25 Aug · 17:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comThe Ferrari strategy call Charles Leclerc “didn’t really understand” at ZandvoortCharles Leclerc expressed confusion over Ferrari's pitstop strategy during the Dutch Grand Prix, which he believes cost him a chance at a podium finish. He was instructed to pit just three laps after George Russell, which he felt limited his ability to compete effectively in the closing stages of the race. Leclerc had been close to Russell before the latter's pitstop and believed extending his stint could have provided a strategic advantage.
After the race, Leclerc reflected on the decision, indicating that he was surprised by the early pitstop and felt it compromised his race. He noted that the team could have benefited from a longer stint to create a tire delta, similar to the successful strategy employed by Lando Norris. Ultimately, both Ferrari drivers finished behind the Mercedes cars, with Leclerc unable to capitalize on his pace due to the timing of the pitstops.Tue 25 Aug · 15:24 UTCPage 15 of 22
