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via f1technical.netAston Martin offers its first assessment of the upgraded Honda power unitAston Martin faced a challenging qualifying session at the Dutch Grand Prix, with both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll unable to advance beyond Q1. Despite their disappointing positions, the team expressed optimism about the improvements made with their upgraded Honda power unit and overall package, noting that they are closer to the leading teams than in previous races. Alonso's qualifying time was 1:13.650, while Stroll's was 1:13.818, placing them 18th and 19th respectively.
Team Principal Adrian Newey highlighted the progress in chassis and aerodynamic performance but acknowledged that driveability remains a key issue. Both drivers reported that while their qualifying pace was lacking, they believe their race pace could be more competitive. The team aims to address the driveability concerns to unlock further performance as they head into the race.
Sun 23 Aug · 06:54 UTC
via gpfans.comFernando Alonso praises Aston Martin upgrades but warnsLance Stroll and Fernando Alonso expressed disappointment with Honda's new power unit following their early exit in qualifying at the Dutch Grand Prix. Stroll described the upgrade as a 'lottery' and stated it was 'not nearly enough' to improve their performance.
+ 1 moreSat 22 Aug · 19:15 UTC
via grandprix.comAlonso to meet with owner Stroll for contract talksFernando Alonso is preparing for contract discussions with Aston Martin's owner, Lawrence Stroll, as he evaluates his future with the team. The talks come amid challenges faced by Aston Martin's newly introduced Honda-powered package, which encountered drivability issues during the recent Sprint qualifying at Zandvoort, where Alonso finished last. Despite these setbacks, Alonso acknowledges that the new engine represents progress, although it requires further refinement and understanding.
The ongoing discussions about Alonso's contract are particularly significant as Aston Martin has recently altered its ownership structure. Alonso, who had previously suggested a decision would be made in the summer, now states that there is no immediate deadline. He plans to continue discussions with Stroll and potentially with Adrian Newey at the factory, as the team works to address the technical challenges presented by the new power unit.
via gpfans.comAston Martin confirm pitlane start for Fernando Alonso at F1 Dutch Grand PrixAston Martin has confirmed that Fernando Alonso will begin the sprint race at the Dutch Grand Prix from the pitlane due to issues encountered during qualifying. Alonso's performance was hindered by a malfunctioning straight line mode, resulting in a last-place finish in the qualifying session. The team made overnight setup changes to address these problems, which they hope will improve performance during the race.
The sprint race is set to start at 11:00 UK time, and Alonso expressed that he is still in the early stages of understanding the impact of Honda's recent power unit upgrade. The team had entered the weekend with optimism following a significant upgrade package, but the qualifying issues were an unwelcome setback as they continue to gather data on the new components.Sat 22 Aug · 09:57 UTC
via RacingNews365Sainz and Alonso to start Dutch GP sprint from pit laneCarlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso will begin the sprint race at the Dutch Grand Prix from the pit lane. This decision follows adjustments made to their car setups ahead of the event.
+ 1 moreSat 22 Aug · 08:40 UTC
via CrashFernando Alonso gets Zandvoort F1 sprint penalty, but Aston confirms key car fixFernando Alonso will begin the sprint race at the Dutch Grand Prix from the pitlane due to issues encountered during qualifying. He finished last in the sprint qualifying session, attributing his struggles to problems with Honda's new power unit and a straightline mode issue with his car. His teammate, Lance Stroll, also had a disappointing qualifying performance, finishing 19th on the grid.
Aston Martin has confirmed that they addressed a crucial car issue overnight, which may improve Alonso's performance in the upcoming sprint. Despite the challenges, Alonso remains optimistic about the new engine, acknowledging that it is still early in its development. The sprint race is set to start at 11am BST, with Carlos Sainz also starting from the pitlane after modifications to his vehicle.
Sat 22 Aug · 08:36 UTC
via PlanetF1Fernando Alonso contract discussions on going for ‘many months’Aston Martin is awaiting a decision from Fernando Alonso regarding his future in Formula 1, as his current contract ends after the 2026 season. Discussions about a potential renewal have been ongoing for several months, with team officials expressing optimism about a resolution in the near future. Alonso, however, has emphasized that his focus remains on the current racing events rather than contract negotiations.
The team has recently made significant upgrades to their car, including enhancements to the chassis and a new power unit from Honda, which have shown promising results. Alonso's performance and the evolving nature of F1 racing are factors he is considering as he weighs his options. As the last major unknown in the driver market, his decision will have implications for both his career and Aston Martin's future in the sport.
Sat 22 Aug · 08:32 UTC
via gpfans.comAlonso cites Honda engine issue after Zandvoort strugglesFernando Alonso experienced significant difficulties during the F1 Sprint qualifying at the Dutch Grand Prix. Aston Martin confirmed that a problem with the Honda power unit contributed to Alonso's struggles on track.+ 2 moreFri 21 Aug · 17:45 UTC
via Motorsport.comAlonso calls for more work on Honda's new F1 engineAston Martin driver Fernando Alonso has reported difficulties with Honda's new engine during sprint qualifying at Zandvoort. He emphasized the need for further optimization to improve the car's driveability.
+ 1 moreFri 21 Aug · 16:59 UTC
via CrashFernando Alonso provides update on Aston Martin futureFernando Alonso has stated that he has no set timeline for deciding his future with Aston Martin in Formula 1. The two-time world champion is currently in discussions with team management regarding his potential continuation beyond the current season.+ 5 moreThu 20 Aug · 13:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comLiam Lawson Replaces Isack Hadjar for Dutch Grand PrixLiam Lawson has been selected to replace the injured Isack Hadjar at the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix for Red Bull Racing. This unexpected call-up marks Lawson's return to the team after his previous debut in 2023.+ 5 moreWed 19 Aug · 16:58 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 drivers age: How old are Lewis Hamilton, Verstappen, Norris and co in 2026?The article discusses the ages of various Formula 1 drivers as of the 2026 season, highlighting the age range from the youngest, Arvid Lindblad, at 18 years old, to the oldest, Fernando Alonso, at 45 years old. It notes that Lewis Hamilton will be 41 and Max Verstappen will be 28 during this season, with the average age of drivers on the grid being 28 years old, influenced by the presence of veteran competitors like Hamilton and Alonso.
Additionally, the article provides context on historical age records in F1, mentioning that Juan Manuel Fangio remains the oldest champion at 46 years, while Max Verstappen holds the record for the youngest race winner at 18. The information reflects the evolving landscape of F1, where both experienced and young drivers are competing.Wed 19 Aug · 09:30 UTC
via thejudge13.comBarretto predicts major 2027 F1 driver-market surprise with almost no changesLawrence Barretto forecasts that the 2027 Formula 1 driver grid will largely mirror the current lineup, with Haas likely making the only significant change by replacing Esteban Ocon. Ollie Bearman is expected to keep his seat, while Rafael Camara is in contention for the second seat, ahead of Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli. Most other teams, including Alpine and Williams, are anticipated to retain their current drivers despite ongoing speculation about their futures.
The article highlights the uncertainty surrounding key figures like Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen, with Alonso's potential departure from Aston Martin being the most significant factor that could alter the driver market. Verstappen's contract with Red Bull extends until 2028, which may limit his movement options. Overall, Barretto's analysis suggests a stable driver market for 2027, with more rumors than actual changes expected.
Tue 18 Aug · 19:08 UTC
via f1oversteer.comHelmut Marko ended Yuki Tsunoda’s F1 comeback hopes with one of his final acts at Red BullYuki Tsunoda's hopes of returning to Formula 1 have diminished significantly, leading him to explore opportunities in IndyCar with Meyer Shank Racing. After a five-year stint in F1, Tsunoda's career was effectively halted when Helmut Marko blocked his move to Haas, which was seen as his best chance to re-enter the grid for the 2026 season. The decision came too late for Tsunoda, as Haas could not afford to wait for Red Bull's confirmation regarding his status as a driver.
As the driver market evolves, Tsunoda's prospects have worsened, especially with other drivers like Esteban Ocon underperforming and new talents emerging. With Marko's actions, Tsunoda's chances of a comeback in F1 appear to be over, as he has fallen behind other contenders for available seats. This situation highlights the competitive nature of the driver market and the challenges faced by those seeking to return after being dropped from a team.
Tue 18 Aug · 15:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Honda to debut new power unit at Dutch Grand PrixHonda is set to introduce its upgraded Formula 1 power unit at the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix. This marks a significant milestone for the manufacturer as it aims to enhance performance for Aston Martin drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.+ 1 moreTue 18 Aug · 11:50 UTC
via PlanetF1Alonso blames Honda power unit for qualifying strugglesFernando Alonso faced challenges during sprint qualifying at Zandvoort, attributing his performance issues to the upgraded Honda power unit. Aston Martin introduced this new specification in hopes of improving their competitiveness.+ 3 moreTue 18 Aug · 09:33 UTC
via Formula1.comNikola Tsolov aims for Formula 1 seat in 2027Nikola Tsolov is currently leading the Formula 2 championship and is being considered for a potential Formula 1 seat in 2027. As part of his preparation, he will participate in a test event at Imola to evaluate his performance against fellow driver Liam Lawson.
+ 1 moreMon 17 Aug · 10:36 UTC
via Motorsport.comThe biggest driver transfers in F1 historyThe article discusses significant driver transfers in Formula 1 history, highlighting the anticipation surrounding potential moves by Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen. It details notable past transfers, including Lewis Hamilton's surprising switch to Ferrari for the 2025 season, Daniel Ricciardo's unexpected move to Renault in 2019, and Hamilton's earlier transition from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013.
Additionally, the piece reflects on Jacques Villeneuve's decision to join BAR in 1999, despite being offered a drive at McLaren. These transfers have had a lasting impact on the sport, showcasing the unpredictable nature of driver movements in Formula 1.Mon 17 Aug · 08:11 UTCvia gpfans.comHonda chief delivers reality check to Fernando AlonsoFernando Alonso's aspirations for success with Aston Martin have been impacted by comments from Honda's Chief Engineer Shintaro Orihara. The engineer highlighted the team's ongoing struggles and the collaborative efforts to address early season issues.+ 1 moreMon 17 Aug · 08:00 UTC
via RaceFansAlonso vs Stroll: 2026 F1 team mates’ head-to-head scores at summer break | Formula 1Lance Stroll managed to break a long streak of qualifying defeats against his teammate Fernando Alonso during the 2026 F1 season, achieving a narrow victory by just five hundredths of a second in Spain. This marked the end of Stroll's 42-race losing streak in qualifying sessions, a significant milestone for the driver after nearly two years of consistent losses to Alonso.
Despite this personal achievement, the overall performance of the Aston Martin team has been disappointing throughout the season. Both Stroll and Alonso face challenges beyond their qualifying rivalry, as the team's struggles have overshadowed individual performances.
Mon 17 Aug · 07:09 UTCPage 9 of 11