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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 RacingNews365George Russell delivers clear McLaren pecking order verdictGeorge Russell has expressed that McLaren is now the leading team in Formula 1 after their consecutive victories in Hungary and the Netherlands, with Lando Norris taking the wins. This success follows significant upgrades to their car, which have put pressure on Mercedes, who have lost their early season dominance.
Looking ahead to the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Russell is optimistic about Mercedes' performance but remains cautious of the competition, particularly from Ferrari, who are set to introduce an engine upgrade. He also highlighted McLaren's strengths on high-degradation circuits, suggesting they will continue to be formidable opponents.
via Motorsport.comMercedes searching for answers after Kimi Antonelli’s pace fell off in F1 Dutch GPKimi Antonelli faced challenges during the Dutch Grand Prix, finishing second after a strong start but struggling with car balance in the latter stages of the race. Mercedes is investigating the issues he encountered, particularly the increased oversteer with each tyre change, as they prepare for the next race in Italy where Antonelli will incur an engine penalty due to earlier reliability problems.
Despite his difficulties, Antonelli managed to extend his championship lead, with support from teammate George Russell, who allowed him to pass during the race. The team is focused on resolving the performance issues before the upcoming race, as competition tightens in the championship standings.
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 RacingNews365Nico Rosberg offers 'disaster' verdict over Mercedes team orderDuring the Dutch Grand Prix, George Russell was instructed by Mercedes to allow teammate Kimi Antonelli to pass, which he did on lap 66. This decision came after a virtual safety car period and raised concerns for Russell about losing a potential double podium finish due to the presence of Ferrari drivers behind him. Nico Rosberg commented on the situation, stating that it was a difficult decision that could negatively impact Russell's championship hopes.
Rosberg acknowledged that while the team order was tough for Russell, it was necessary to ensure the best outcome for the team. Ultimately, the decision allowed Antonelli to secure second place, while Russell finished third, maintaining his position in the championship but falling further behind Antonelli, who now leads by 59 points.
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.
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell: “Specialist” Lando Norris always strong at tracks like ZandvoortGeorge Russell highlighted Lando Norris's strengths at circuits like Zandvoort and the Hungaroring, where Norris recently achieved consecutive victories. Russell noted that Norris excels in conditions characterized by long corners and high tyre degradation, which contributed to his success in those races. Russell himself finished third in the Dutch Grand Prix and expressed confidence in Mercedes' performance at the upcoming Monza race, despite its different track layout.
Russell also mentioned that his teammate Kimi Antonelli will face a grid penalty at Monza due to a full power unit change. He acknowledged that while Monza presents different challenges, McLaren and Norris are currently strong contenders, especially with the anticipated Ferrari engine upgrade. Russell's comments reflect the competitive dynamics as the season progresses.
via f1technical.netFernando Alonso Achieves P9 Finish at Dutch Grand PrixFernando 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.
via PlanetF1F1 points all-time rankings: Where do Hamilton, Verstappen and Alonso feature?The article discusses the all-time points rankings in Formula 1, highlighting the top drivers currently active and their historical standings. Lewis Hamilton leads the list with over 5200 points, followed by Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel, showcasing the impact of the revised points system introduced in 2010.
It also notes how the current scoring system, which rewards more drivers and includes points for fastest laps and sprint races, has contributed to the high point totals of modern drivers. The article provides insights into the careers of other notable drivers like Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen, emphasizing the differences in scoring systems throughout F1's history.
via thejudge13.comWolff reveals why Mercedes sacrificed Russell for Antonelli with Controversial Team OrdersDuring the Dutch Grand Prix, Mercedes made a strategic decision to prioritize Kimi Antonelli over George Russell in the closing laps after a Virtual Safety Car was deployed. Russell was instructed to let Antonelli pass to protect their positions from the threat of Ferrari, who were closely behind. This decision was made despite Russell's initial reluctance, as the team aimed to secure valuable points for the Constructors' Championship.
Toto Wolff explained that the team had anticipated such a scenario and had discussed it beforehand. Ultimately, the strategy paid off, with Antonelli finishing second and Russell third, ensuring that both drivers remained ahead of the Ferraris. This incident highlights the complexities of team dynamics and strategy in high-stakes racing situations.
via F1iLeclerc slams Ferrari strategy call after losing out to RussellCharles Leclerc expressed his frustration with Ferrari's strategy during the Dutch Grand Prix, where he finished fifth behind teammate Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. He criticized the timing of his pit stop, which he felt hindered his chances of challenging Russell for third place, and acknowledged that both the virtual safety car and his qualifying performance contributed to the disappointing result. Leclerc's comments reflect a broader concern about Ferrari's strategic execution, which has been a recurring issue for the team.
As the team prepares for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Leclerc remains cautious about their prospects, despite the potential for upgrades. He is unwilling to express false confidence, recognizing that while Ferrari has shown unexpected strength in previous races, they must address their strategic shortcomings to compete effectively for podiums and victories.
via f1technical.net"The pace of both McLaren and Ferrari has surprised us," claims Russell after ...During the Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Park Zandvoort, George Russell of Mercedes faced challenges with pace but managed to secure a third-place finish. He initially lost positions but fought back, aided by a slow pit stop from Oscar Piastri, and ultimately achieved a double podium alongside teammate Kimi Antonelli, who finished second after a strategic pit stop during a Virtual Safety Car period.
Russell noted that both McLaren and Ferrari surprised Mercedes with their speed throughout the race. He highlighted the competitive nature of the field and the necessity of teamwork to protect their positions against the fast-charging Ferraris and McLaren's Lando Norris. Despite the difficulties, Russell's performance, including a Sprint victory the day before, contributed to a strong points haul for Mercedes over the weekend.
via f1oversteer.comLando Norris Challenges Peers on McLaren's Performance StatusLando Norris has expressed his disagreement with Kimi Antonelli and George Russell regarding McLaren's standing in Formula 1. While Antonelli and Russell believe McLaren has the best car following Norris's recent victories, Norris attributes his success to his own driving skills.
via PlanetF1Dutch GP Conclusions: No tears for Zandvoort, Verstappen power play, Lawson makes his caseMax Verstappen's recent contract renewal with Red Bull has sent ripples through the Formula 1 community, particularly affecting the futures of drivers like Oscar Piastri and Liam Lawson. The announcement, which was kept under wraps until its release, suggests that Verstappen's new deal could make him the highest-paid driver in the sport's history, securing his position with Red Bull until 2028. This development alleviates speculation about his potential departure, which could have jeopardized Piastri's role at McLaren.
Piastri's performance has been under scrutiny, especially as he has been outperformed by teammate Lando Norris. The uncertainty surrounding Verstappen's future had added pressure on Piastri, but with that speculation now settled, he showed signs of improvement in recent races. Meanwhile, Lawson, who has faced challenges in gaining trust at Red Bull, is also navigating his own career path amid these developments.
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell "still not there" as Mercedes pressure builds after Dutch GP, says former F1 driverAfter the Dutch Grand Prix, George Russell's performance has come under scrutiny, particularly in comparison to his teammate Kimi Antonelli. Despite finishing third, Russell faced challenges during the race, including difficult starts and a late team order that required him to yield track position to Antonelli, which he initially contested but later accepted as the right decision. This has led to discussions about the pressure he is under within the Mercedes team.
Russell's current standing in the drivers' championship is second, tied on points with Lewis Hamilton, but trailing Antonelli by a significant margin. Former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer highlighted that Russell's performance is not meeting expectations, suggesting he has work to do to match his teammate's consistency and execution on the track.
via BBC SportRussell impresses as Norris shines - driver ratingsLando Norris achieved his second win of the season at the Dutch Grand Prix, which was the last race held at Zandvoort before the event is removed from the calendar. His victory places him fourth in the drivers' standings, 83 points behind leader Kimi Antonelli, who finished second in the race. George Russell's strong performance, including a win in the sprint race, has him tied with Lewis Hamilton in points, both at 183.
The race weekend saw various performances from other drivers, with notable results from Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc. While Norris and Russell excelled, others like Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz faced significant challenges, including poor qualifying positions and race incidents. Overall, the event highlighted the competitive nature of the season as drivers vie for points and positions in the championship standings.Page 11 of 19