via F1i‘Not acceptable’: Ben Sulayem won’t let Alonso retire in miseryFIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has expressed his disapproval of the idea that Fernando Alonso might retire from Formula 1 due to the poor performance of his Aston Martin team. Speaking at the New Economy Forum in Madrid, he emphasized that it would be unacceptable for a two-time world champion to leave the sport under such circumstances, suggesting that he would intervene to prevent this outcome.
Ben Sulayem has already engaged in discussions with Aston Martin's owner, Lawrence Stroll, to address the team's competitive issues. He indicated that the FIA has taken measures to assist the team and is open to Alonso's input on how to improve their performance. The FIA president's commitment to keeping Alonso in the sport highlights the complexities of team dynamics and regulatory influence in Formula 1.
F1iFri 11 Sep · 14:26 UTC
via CrashIsack Hadjar to miss another race due to wrist injuryIsack Hadjar will be absent from his third consecutive race due to a wrist injury. Red Bull has stated that his return will depend on him feeling fully fit.
Crash+ 1 moreFri 11 Sep · 13:20 UTC
via Motorsport.com“I f***ed up quite a lot”: How Yuki Tsunoda discovered the complexity of F1 2026 at MonzaYuki Tsunoda is competing in his third race of the 2026 Formula 1 season with Racing Bulls, stepping in for Liam Lawson. After a relatively smooth debut at the Dutch Grand Prix, Tsunoda faced challenges at the Italian GP, where he struggled with pace and made mistakes that affected his grid position and race outcome. His performance is currently under review due to a protest from Audi regarding his actions during the race.
Tsunoda has expressed the complexities of driving the new generation of F1 cars, which require a different approach to energy management and throttle sensitivity. He acknowledged that he underestimated the penalties for not executing the new strategies correctly, which impacted his qualifying performance. Despite criticism from Max Verstappen about the new regulations, Tsunoda remains focused on his individual performance and believes he has done well in his recent races.
Motorsport.comFri 11 Sep · 11:38 UTC
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton claims Ferrari F1 move BLOCKED by Fernando AlonsoLewis Hamilton revealed that his potential move to Ferrari was hindered by Fernando Alonso, who held veto rights during negotiations. Hamilton stated that he spoke with former Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali about joining the team, but Alonso's status as the number one driver played a significant role in blocking the move.
Hamilton and Alonso previously had a tumultuous partnership at McLaren in 2007, which ended with Alonso leaving the team after just one season. While Alonso continued with Ferrari until 2014, Hamilton moved to Mercedes, where he achieved significant success, ultimately joining Ferrari in 2025.
gpfans.comFri 11 Sep · 10:57 UTC
via PlanetF1Alonso considers Aston Martin World Endurance optionFernando Alonso is exploring alternatives as he awaits a final decision from Aston Martin regarding his future in Formula 1. The team's owner, Lawrence Stroll, has taken steps that reflect Alonso's uncertain position.
PlanetF1+ 1 moreFri 11 Sep · 04:59 UTC
via newsonf1.comAlonso says 2027 decision ‘not soon’Sep.11 (GMM) Fernando Alonso says a decision about his 2027 future is still some way off, while openly admitting that options outside the Formula 1 cockpit are part of the discussion. Asked in Madrid when news about next season should be expected, the 45-year-old replied simply: “Not soon.” Alonso continues to insist his hesitation is…newsonf1.comFri 11 Sep · 03:53 UTC
via thejudge13.comAlonso retirement preparations at Aston Martin as 2027 decision looms ahead of Madrid GPFernando Alonso's future in Formula 1 is uncertain as his contract with Aston Martin expires at the end of the 2026 season. The team has begun preparations for the possibility of racing without him in 2027, although Alonso has not made a definitive retirement announcement. He has indicated that the competitiveness of the next-generation cars will significantly influence his decision to continue racing or step away from the sport.
In a recent statement, Alonso expressed the need to evaluate how upcoming technical regulations will affect the driving experience. He remains open to continuing his relationship with Aston Martin in a different capacity, such as competing in other racing series. While he acknowledges the challenges ahead, particularly in the Madrid GP, he is focused on assessing his options and the team's future direction.
thejudge13.comThu 10 Sep · 20:58 UTC
via PlanetF1Fernando Alonso claims rivals visited Lawrence StrollFernando Alonso has stated that several prominent Formula 1 drivers visited Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll during the summer. This revelation comes as Alonso considers his own future in the sport.PlanetF1+ 1 moreThu 10 Sep · 15:05 UTC
via RaceFans‘In Monza I did two or three unwanted overtakes’ – Alonso | Formula 1Fernando Alonso reflected on his performance during the recent Monza race, stating that he executed a few overtakes that he did not intend to make. He emphasized that drivers often find themselves at the mercy of their cars when attempting to overtake, indicating a lack of control in certain situations.
The article also highlights the recent changes to Formula 1's power unit regulations, which were implemented in response to widespread criticism from drivers regarding the artificial nature of racing. Despite the positive feedback from F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali about the Italian Grand Prix, Alonso remains doubtful about the overall racing experience on Sundays compared to the excitement of qualifying.
RaceFansThu 10 Sep · 14:22 UTC
via Motorsport.comLawson and Tsunoda Address Verstappen's 2026 F1 CommentsLiam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda have responded to Max Verstappen's remarks regarding the impact of driver input on the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 cars. Verstappen suggested that recent results indicate a diminished role for drivers, a claim both drivers addressed in their comments.Motorsport.comThu 10 Sep · 13:53 UTC
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.
RacingNews365Thu 10 Sep · 13:20 UTC
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.
f1oversteer.comThu 10 Sep · 12:00 UTC
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.CrashThu 10 Sep · 08:57 UTC
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.
Formula1.com+ 1 moreThu 10 Sep · 00:05 UTC
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.f1oversteer.comWed 9 Sep · 19:30 UTC
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.
Motorsport WeekWed 9 Sep · 17:30 UTC
via RacingNews365RUMOURWhat 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.RacingNews365Wed 9 Sep · 15:30 UTC
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.f1oversteer.comWed 9 Sep · 15:00 UTCvia 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.newsonf1.com+ 1 moreWed 9 Sep · 06:51 UTC
via f1chronicle.comLiam Lawson Gets a Third Straight Red Bull Race in Madrid as Isack Hadjar’s Wrist Injury Drags OnLiam Lawson has been confirmed to race for Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen at the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, as Isack Hadjar continues to recover from a wrist injury. Hadjar's absence has now extended to three consecutive races, impacting his rookie season and the team's lineup strategy. Lawson's recent performances have shown improvement, qualifying closely behind Verstappen at Zandvoort and finishing seventh, contrasting with his earlier struggles in 2025 when he was dropped after two races.
The Madrid race presents a unique challenge as the new Madring circuit is unfamiliar to all drivers, potentially leveling the playing field. Lawson's ability to perform well in this race is critical, not only for immediate results but also for securing his position within the team moving forward. Meanwhile, Hadjar's recovery remains a focal point for Red Bull, as they navigate the implications of his absence on their championship standings.
f1chronicle.comWed 9 Sep · 04:37 UTC
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.RacingNews365Tue 8 Sep · 20:15 UTC
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.grandprix.comTue 8 Sep · 15:18 UTC
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.F1i+ 1 moreTue 8 Sep · 13:07 UTC.webp&w=1200&q=70)
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.Formula1.comTue 8 Sep · 12:02 UTC