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via Motorsport.comMercedes' coded messages aided Antonelli's VSC strategyMercedes has disclosed how its coded radio messages aided Kimi Antonelli during the Spanish Grand Prix. The team's engineering director explained that this strategy was crucial in preparing drivers for critical race situations.
+ 1 moreFri 18 Sep · 11:49 UTC
via RacingNews365Fernando Alonso hands Aston Martin 'no urgency' point over retirement decisionFernando Alonso has indicated that he is not in a hurry to make a decision about his future with Aston Martin for the 2027 Formula 1 season. The two-time champion has yet to commit to the team, which is eager to continue their partnership despite a challenging season where the AMR26 car has only secured three points, all attributed to Alonso.
Alonso mentioned that he is evaluating the upcoming changes in regulations and how they might affect his driving experience. He expressed the importance of understanding the new cars before deciding whether to continue racing or take on another role within the team, emphasizing collaboration with Aston Martin in making this decision.
Fri 18 Sep · 08:40 UTC
via PlanetF1Fernando Alonso car collection: $11.7m eye-watering Pagani Zonda Roadster Diamante Verde on the listFernando Alonso, a two-time Formula 1 World Champion, has an impressive car collection that includes several high-value vehicles. His latest addition is a Pagani Zonda Roadster Diamante Verde, valued at approximately $11.7 million. Other notable cars in his collection include the Aston Martin Valkyrie, which he received in September 2024, and a limited-production Lamborghini Sian, among others.
Fri 18 Sep · 07:17 UTC
via PlanetF1Fernando Alonso splashes out $5 million in eye-watering new purchaseFernando Alonso has expanded his impressive car collection by purchasing a Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse for $5 million. This unique supercar features an aluminum body and a striking red interior, making it the most expensive Bugatti Veyron to date. Alonso was seen taking delivery of the vehicle in Monaco, where onlookers watched as he drove away in the eye-catching machine. The Veyron boasts a top speed of 233 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.6 seconds.
In addition to the Bugatti, Alonso's collection includes a bespoke Pagani Zonda 760 Roadster valued at around $11.7 million, a $10 million Mercedes CLK GTR, and a $3.5 million Aston Martin Valkyrie. As he enjoys his new purchase, Alonso is also contemplating his future in Formula 1, particularly regarding the sport's engine regulations. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has expressed interest in discussing Alonso's potential retirement and the future direction of F1 engines, which may shift towards more internal combustion engine power by 2031.Fri 18 Sep · 07:16 UTCHulkenberg open to racing beyond 40Nico Hulkenberg has expressed his willingness to continue racing in Formula 1 beyond the age of 40, as he prepares to race with Audi through 2027. Having recently turned 39, he is currently one of the older drivers on the grid, alongside Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton. Hulkenberg indicated that his future in the sport will depend on his performance and motivation levels.
In his comments, Hulkenberg praised Alonso's impressive performance at his age and highlighted the importance of being happy and motivated to compete. He also dismissed any excessive nostalgia for the older, lighter F1 cars, suggesting that drivers adapt to the current vehicles and that idealizing the past is not realistic.
via grandprix.comCharles Leclerc to face grid penalty in AzerbaijanFerrari's Charles Leclerc is expected to take a grid penalty at the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The team is preparing a new power unit despite the previous engine being deemed usable after inspections.
via Motorsport WeekLewis Hamilton denies pushing for Ferrari staff changesLewis Hamilton has publicly refuted claims that he has requested personnel changes at Ferrari, following reports suggesting tension with team principal Fred Vasseur. The allegations emerged after challenging performances at recent races in Monza and Madrid.
+ 3 moreThu 17 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comDavid Coulthard tells Charles Leclerc to stop treating F1 weekends like a family ‘picnic’David Coulthard has expressed concerns about Charles Leclerc's approach to Formula 1 weekends, suggesting that the presence of his wife and pet dog may indicate a lack of seriousness. Despite Leclerc's achievements this season, including one win and four podiums, Coulthard believes that the Ferrari driver should focus more on his racing rather than personal distractions, especially as he competes against seasoned drivers like Lewis Hamilton.
Coulthard emphasized that F1 is a serious and dangerous sport, urging Leclerc to adopt a more professional mindset. He noted that while many drivers bring family members to the paddock, Leclerc's situation seems excessive. As Leclerc approaches his 200th Grand Prix start, he remains competitive but has faced challenges, including high-profile mistakes in key races.
Thu 17 Sep · 15:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comFred Vasseur shuts down claims Ferrari split Spanish GP strategy to separate driversFerrari team principal Fred Vasseur has addressed speculation regarding the team's strategy during the Spanish Grand Prix, specifically the differing tyre choices for drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. Vasseur emphasized that the decision to split strategies was not intended to separate the two drivers, pointing out that other teams employed similar tactics without concern for potential collisions. Hamilton started on soft tyres but faced a braking issue that led to his early retirement from the race.
Leclerc, who opted for hard tyres, expressed confidence in his strategy, believing it was the best choice given the circumstances. He noted that starting on soft tyres would not have been advantageous and that he was waiting for a safety car to optimize his race. Despite the challenges, Vasseur has consistently defended the team's unity and dismissed any notions of a brewing crisis between the drivers.Thu 17 Sep · 15:15 UTC
via Motorsport WeekLeclerc hopeful Monza-damaged Ferrari power unit can be saved, avoiding grid penaltyCharles Leclerc has provided an update regarding the Ferrari power unit that was damaged during his crash at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. The team is currently evaluating whether the power unit can be salvaged, with the possibility of a grid penalty looming if it cannot be recovered. Following the incident, Leclerc had to use an older engine specification in the next race, and he reported a significant impact during the crash, measuring 60G.
In addition to the power unit concerns, Leclerc highlighted a more systemic issue with Ferrari's performance, noting a disparity between their race pace and qualifying speed. He emphasized that the team needs to improve energy deployment during qualifying sessions, as this has been a consistent struggle. Leclerc believes that even minor enhancements in qualifying performance could lead to better race outcomes, indicating that the team is secure in its race-day setup but still searching for solutions to their qualifying challenges.Thu 17 Sep · 13:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Ferrari driver intervention shut down: 'Not an option for them'The article discusses the current dynamics between Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc as they navigate their second season together. Following an incident at the Italian Grand Prix, where Leclerc pushed Hamilton wide, there have been calls for Ferrari to establish a clear number one driver. However, former F1 driver David Coulthard argues that such a strategy is not feasible given the caliber of both drivers.
Coulthard emphasizes that both Hamilton and Leclerc are top-tier talents, making it challenging for Ferrari to impose a hierarchy. He suggests that while there may be existing rules of engagement in their contracts, the team must manage the relationship between the two drivers carefully. Hamilton himself noted that it may be too late for the team to implement any significant changes to their approach this season.Thu 17 Sep · 12:45 UTC
via f1oversteer.comDavid Coulthard says Lewis Hamilton ‘shouldn’t’ be outscoring Charles Leclerc at FerrariIn the 2026 Formula 1 season, Lewis Hamilton has managed to outperform Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, a situation that David Coulthard finds surprising. Despite both drivers having secured one victory each, Hamilton holds a 24-point lead over Leclerc in the championship standings, placing him third overall, while Leclerc's performance has raised questions about team dynamics and engagement rules within Ferrari.
Coulthard notes that Hamilton's success is unexpected considering his age and nearing the end of his career, especially when compared to Leclerc, who is in his twenties and possesses significant raw speed. The relationship between the two drivers has been scrutinized, particularly following a controversial incident at Monza, indicating potential conflicts within the team as they prepare for future seasons.Thu 17 Sep · 11:00 UTC
via F1iDe la Rosa: Stroll ‘unbeatable in many corners’ – as fast as AlonsoPedro de la Rosa, an ambassador for Aston Martin, expressed strong support for Lance Stroll, claiming he is as fast as teammate Fernando Alonso in many corners. De la Rosa emphasized that Stroll is often unbeatable on certain circuits and highlighted his impressive race pace and tire management skills. However, he acknowledged that Stroll has faced challenges in qualifying, which have affected his overall performance.
Despite de la Rosa's glowing remarks, the statistics tell a different story, with Alonso significantly outperforming Stroll in qualifying and points scored. Stroll's recent record of 100 Q1 eliminations raises questions about his qualifying consistency, contrasting with de la Rosa's assertion that Stroll is a world-class driver when the car is performing optimally.
Thu 17 Sep · 10:49 UTC
via RacingNews365Leclerc updates on Ferrari power unit after Monza crashCharles Leclerc has provided an update regarding the power unit used during his crash at the Italian Grand Prix. Ferrari is currently evaluating whether the damaged engine can be repaired.+ 1 moreThu 17 Sep · 09:05 UTC
via gpfans.comMartin Brundle claims he would AXE Fernando Alonso from Aston MartinMartin Brundle has expressed that Aston Martin should consider moving on from Fernando Alonso, who is currently weighing his options regarding retirement or continuing for another season. Despite hopes for a competitive 2026 season following chassis upgrades and the signing of Adrian Newey, the team has struggled with performance, sitting at the bottom of the Constructors' standings with only three points.
While Aston Martin is not pressuring Alonso for a quick decision, Brundle believes the team should focus on rebuilding with younger drivers. Team ambassador Pedro De La Rosa acknowledges the existence of a backup plan should Alonso retire but emphasizes the importance of allowing him time to decide. Alonso's recent performance at the Dutch Grand Prix showcased his abilities, but the team's future direction remains uncertain.
Thu 17 Sep · 08:45 UTC
via gpfans.com'Lewis knew it, it's clear in the contract' - Ferrari boss confirms Hamilton vs Leclerc truthFerrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, has confirmed that Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will continue to be treated as joint number one drivers, a fact that Hamilton was aware of when he signed his contract. This decision comes amidst recent tensions between the two drivers, particularly highlighted during the Dutch Grand Prix where Leclerc's actions hindered Hamilton's performance. Despite Hamilton's criticisms regarding the team's lack of clear rules, Vasseur remains firm that Ferrari will not prioritize one driver over the other this season.
As the championship progresses, Hamilton finds himself significantly behind leader Kimi Antonelli, trailing by 101 points. Vasseur acknowledged that while Ferrari's strategy is to support both drivers equally, there may be a shift in focus if Hamilton becomes the sole contender for the championship later in the season. This approach is part of Ferrari's broader philosophy, which aims to maintain respect and equality among its drivers.Thu 17 Sep · 07:56 UTC
via f1oversteer.comKimi Antonelli addresses Ferrari future speculationKimi Antonelli has responded to ongoing speculation regarding a potential move to Ferrari from Mercedes. During recent events, he acknowledged the support from fans but reiterated that he is focused on his current team.+ 3 moreThu 17 Sep · 07:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Alonso requests Aston Martin review over ‘very bad’ Honda issues at Spanish GPFernando Alonso has called for an investigation into the Honda engine performance following a disappointing race at the Spanish Grand Prix, where he finished in 17th place. He reported significant issues with the engine, particularly with boost control, which hindered his performance and caused him to lose time during the race.
Meanwhile, his teammate Lance Stroll also faced difficulties, retiring from the race due to a brake pedal issue after sustaining damage from debris. Stroll's struggles contributed to Aston Martin's ongoing challenges this season, as they currently sit in 10th place in the Constructors' standings with only three points.Thu 17 Sep · 04:59 UTC
via Motorsport.comHow Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes made their own luck in MadridKimi Antonelli secured victory at the Spanish Grand Prix, benefiting from a timely virtual safety car caused by Lance Stroll's retirement. While Lando Norris missed the opportunity to pit due to the VSC deployment, Antonelli's strategic decision to slow down allowed him to enter the pit lane just in time, gaining the lead in the race.
The Mercedes team played a crucial role in this outcome by predicting the likelihood of a VSC and relaying this information to Antonelli promptly. This quick communication and Antonelli's ability to adjust his speed effectively contributed to his success, showcasing both the driver's skill and the team's strategic foresight.Wed 16 Sep · 12:58 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFernando Alonso’s unheard Spanish GP radio shows Carlos Sainz owes him an apologyDuring the recent Spanish Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz was penalized for an incident involving Fernando Alonso, which led to a heated exchange between the two drivers. Sainz expressed his frustration, claiming Alonso's radio complaints were an attempt to influence the stewards' decision against him.
Alonso's radio messages revealed that he felt Sainz had squeezed him into the wall, and he communicated this to his race engineer. Despite the tension, both drivers had a challenging race, with Sainz retiring early and Alonso finishing far down the order.Wed 16 Sep · 12:30 UTCPage 5 of 22
