News229 stories
RSS ↗
via PlanetF1Brundle and Rosberg in disagreement over Hamilton vs Leclerc, Monza analysis – roundupThe Italian Grand Prix saw Kimi Antonelli secure his seventh win of the 2026 season, overcoming an engine penalty to finish first after starting from 19th. His victory further extended his lead in the championship standings over teammate George Russell, who finished second, while Max Verstappen took third place. The race was notable for a clash between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, which sparked a disagreement between pundits Nico Rosberg and Martin Brundle regarding who was at fault.
Additionally, the FIA issued reprimands to Franco Colapinto and Sergio Perez for not adhering to race director instructions. The event also highlighted concerns about the current F1 regulations, as the top speed recorded at Monza was lower than in previous years. The FIA confirmed a double investigation into the incidents that occurred during the race, indicating ongoing scrutiny of driver conduct and race regulations.
via CrashWild Lance Stroll stat highlights Charles Leclerc's 2026 F1 strugglesCharles Leclerc's 2026 Formula 1 season has been marked by significant struggles, culminating in a crash during the Italian Grand Prix. This incident has added to his tally of failures to finish races, contrasting sharply with Lewis Hamilton's flawless performance this season, where he has completed every lap. The points gap between Leclerc and Hamilton has widened again to 36 points after a brief narrowing earlier in the season due to Leclerc's victory at the British Grand Prix.
In a surprising twist, Lance Stroll, often criticized for his performance, has managed to crash only once this season, while Leclerc has crashed four times. The financial implications of their crashes are stark, with Leclerc facing nearly $1.9 million in damages compared to Stroll's $375,000. This season has proven to be particularly challenging for Leclerc, as he continues to struggle to match his teammate's performance and maintain competitiveness in the championship.
via f1oversteer.comNico Rosberg knows Lewis Hamilton’s ‘Hollywood story’ about Ferrari move is ‘complete nonsense’Nico Rosberg has dismissed Lewis Hamilton's narrative about a potential move to Ferrari, asserting that Hamilton had no interest in leaving Mercedes during their successful partnership. Rosberg revealed that Hamilton did have discussions with Ferrari's Stefano Domenicali in the early 2010s but believes that Alonso's influence played a role in preventing the move. Hamilton's consideration of Ferrari in 2017 was also thwarted by Vettel's contract extension at that time.
Hamilton ultimately decided to leave Mercedes at the age of 40 after a significant decline in the team's performance, finishing over 450 points behind Red Bull in the championship. Throughout his 12 years with Mercedes, Hamilton extended his contract five times, indicating his commitment to the team during their dominant years. Rosberg noted that Hamilton's departure could have provided him with a clearer path to the title.
via PlanetF1Nico Rosberg makes feelings clear on Lewis Hamilton vs Charles Leclerc clashNico Rosberg and Martin Brundle had a disagreement regarding the clash between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc during the Italian Grand Prix. Rosberg firmly placed the blame on Leclerc, asserting that he was fully responsible for the incident, while Brundle had a different perspective on the matter. The clash resulted in Hamilton dropping to 10th place, and the stewards decided not to take any action against Leclerc, which Rosberg found questionable given the circumstances of the race at Monza, Ferrari's home track.
Following the incident, Hamilton's championship deficit to Kimi Antonelli grew to 76 points, leading him to believe that it was too late for Ferrari to implement team orders to assist him. Despite acknowledging Hamilton's aggressive approach during the overtaking attempt, Rosberg maintained his stance that Leclerc should have been penalized for the clash. The differing opinions between Rosberg and Brundle highlight the ongoing debates surrounding race incidents in Formula 1.
via gpfans.comNico Rosberg astonished by Martin Brundle F1 take: 'I thought you knew what you were talking about!'During the Italian Grand Prix, a controversial incident occurred on Lap 1 involving Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, leading to a heated debate between analysts Nico Rosberg and Martin Brundle. Hamilton expressed his frustration over the radio, claiming Leclerc pushed him off the track, which sparked differing opinions on the culpability of the drivers involved.
Rosberg firmly believed that Leclerc was at fault according to the rules, while Brundle offered a contrasting view, suggesting that Leclerc had the inside line. Despite their disagreement, both analysts managed to find some common ground in their discussion.
via Motorsport.comWho slept worst last night: George RussellGeorge Russell faced a tough race at the Italian GP, finishing in second place behind his teammate Kimi Antonelli, who made an impressive comeback from 19th on the grid to win. This result has left Russell with a significant 66-point gap in the championship standings, prompting him to reflect on his chances of winning the title this season.
In a post-race press conference, Russell expressed acceptance of his current situation, acknowledging Antonelli's dominance and the challenges ahead. He emphasized his intention to enjoy the remaining races and focus on winning, despite the difficult reality of his championship aspirations.
via f1oversteer.comLewis Hamilton claims he was blocked from joining Ferrari years earlier due to ‘veto’Lewis Hamilton revealed that he was prevented from joining Ferrari earlier in his career due to Fernando Alonso's veto rights during the time when Stefano Domenicali was team principal. Hamilton had discussions with Domenicali but felt that Alonso's position as the number one driver at Ferrari hindered his potential move, leading to a lingering 'what if' scenario for him until he finally joined the team in 2025 after a long tenure with McLaren and Mercedes.
In the current season, Hamilton's relationship with Ferrari's team principal Fred Vasseur has been crucial in his integration into the team. Despite Hamilton's championship aspirations, he noted that both he and Charles Leclerc are given equal opportunities, which has led to competitive racing between them. The dynamics within Ferrari have shifted since Alonso's era, with Vasseur aiming to maintain parity in the driver lineup.
via f1oversteer.comNico Rosberg questions Mercedes followed their own rules with George Russell strategy at Italian GPIn the Italian Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli made an impressive comeback from P19 to secure victory, overtaking George Russell in the final stages of the race. Russell initially led after starting from pole but lost his position after a strategic decision to stay out on hard tires during a red flag period, while Antonelli benefited from a pit stop under a virtual safety car to switch to medium tires.
Nico Rosberg criticized Mercedes for their strategy regarding Russell, suggesting that as the race leader, he should have been given the best possible strategy to maintain his lead. Following the race, Russell found himself 66 points behind Antonelli in the championship standings, highlighting the competitive nature of their relationship as they vie for the title.
via Motorsport.comNico Rosberg Addresses Mercedes Favouritism Claims After Italian GPNico Rosberg has dismissed allegations of favoritism by Mercedes during the Italian Grand Prix. The 2016 champion emphasized that the team operates fairly and without bias.
via Motorsport.comNico Rosberg Discusses Ferrari's Position in Title RaceNico Rosberg has stated that it would be impractical for Ferrari to support Lewis Hamilton over Charles Leclerc in the upcoming title race. He emphasized that Ferrari's commitment to Leclerc makes it unlikely for them to prioritize Hamilton, despite his aspirations for an eighth championship.
via Motorsport WeekThe Aston Martin Monza Nightmare: Alonso’s Pit-Lane Start, Stroll’s 100th Q1 ExitAston Martin faced significant challenges during the qualifying session for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Lance Stroll marked a milestone with his 100th Q1 exit, while Fernando Alonso's participation was hindered by a serious power unit issue, forcing him to start the race from the pit lane. The team acknowledged that their performance was lacking, particularly in terms of raw speed, as Stroll qualified notably slower than competitors, including Cadillac, which is positioned at the back of the grid. Alonso highlighted the importance of power at Monza, contrasting it with other circuits where drivability improvements could be more beneficial.
Looking ahead, Alonso remains optimistic about the future, indicating that the team is already focusing on improvements for the 2027 season. He acknowledged the difficulties faced at Monza but emphasized the need to develop both the chassis and engine. Despite the disappointing results, Alonso paid homage to his early career mentor, Adrian Campos, showcasing a personal connection amidst the team's struggles. The overall sentiment suggests that Aston Martin is preparing for a challenging remainder of the season while aiming for better performance in the coming years.
via thejudge13.comHonda F1 engine upgrade deemed a failureAston Martin's performance at the Dutch Grand Prix showed some improvement, with Fernando Alonso finishing ninth and securing points for the team. However, issues with the Honda engine led to Alonso starting from the pit lane at Monza after qualifying difficulties, while teammate Lance Stroll set an unfortunate record by being eliminated from Q1 for the 100th time. The speed differences between Aston Martin and competitors using Mercedes engines were significant, raising concerns about Honda's upgrades.
As the teams prepare for the Monza race, Pirelli forecasts a one-stop strategy as the most effective approach, with various tire options being considered. Red Bull's decision to alter their rear wing setup without FIA approval adds to the intrigue surrounding the race weekend. Overall, the situation highlights the challenges faced by Aston Martin and the competitive dynamics within the F1 grid.
via gpfans.comFIA announce pit lane start for F1 champion at Italian Grand PrixFernando Alonso, the two-time F1 world champion, will begin the Italian Grand Prix from the pit lane after the FIA confirmed he took new engine components beyond his allowed quota. This decision follows ongoing power struggles with his Aston Martin AMR26, attributed to issues with the Honda power unit. Alonso had qualified in 21st place, just ahead of his teammate Lance Stroll, but faced technical difficulties that prevented him from completing a final qualifying run.
Additionally, Liam Lawson will join Alonso in starting from the pit lane due to a significant grid penalty for power unit changes. The race is set to take place on September 6, 2026, with Pierre Gasly starting from pole position. The Aston Martin team made efforts overnight to rectify the problems with Alonso's car in preparation for the race.
via CrashHonda issue that wrecked Fernando Alonso’s Monza F1 qualifying revealedFernando Alonso faced a challenging qualifying session at the Monza Grand Prix, as an engine issue detected by Honda led to a shortened performance. He managed only one flying lap, which was enough to outpace his teammate Lance Stroll, but both Aston Martins finished at the bottom of the grid. Alonso's car will start from the pit lane due to overnight repairs following the qualifying incident.
In addition to Alonso's struggles, Lance Stroll made history by becoming the first driver to reach 100 Q1 eliminations. Both drivers and their team acknowledged the difficulties of the Monza circuit, with Alonso expressing a need for better tracks to improve their performance in future races.
via f1oversteer.comFernando Alonso and Lance Stroll did exactly what Honda implored them not to do at Italian GPFernando Alonso and Lance Stroll openly criticized Honda's engine performance during the Italian Grand Prix weekend, despite warnings from Honda president Koji Watanabe to avoid such comments. Their remarks followed a disappointing showing at the Dutch Grand Prix, where the Spec 2 engine did not meet expectations, leading to concerns about the partnership between Honda and Aston Martin.
Both drivers acknowledged the need for improvements, with Alonso highlighting a significant power deficit and Stroll pointing out that while the chassis is acceptable, the power is lacking. The ongoing criticism has put the relationship between the two parties on thin ice, with discussions of Aston Martin potentially seeking alternative engine suppliers in the future.
via RaceFansGasly Achieves Historic Pole Position at 2026 Italian Grand PrixPierre Gasly secured pole position for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, marking a significant achievement for both him and the Alpine team. This pole is notable as it represents France's first in nearly 30 years and Enstone's first since 2009.
via PlanetF1FIA confirms Lance Stroll punishment after ‘dangerous’ Lando Norris incidentThe FIA has issued a warning to Lance Stroll and Aston Martin following a dangerous incident involving Lando Norris during FP2 at the Italian Grand Prix. Norris expressed his frustration over team radio after being forced to run wide due to Stroll's slow speed on the track, prompting the FIA to investigate the situation. The stewards concluded that Stroll impeded Norris unnecessarily, leading to the warning for both the driver and the team.
Stroll's performance in FP2 was notably poor, as he finished last among all drivers. This incident adds to his struggles in the 2026 season, where he has not yet scored any points, with his best finish being 13th place in Hungary. The FIA's decision reflects ongoing concerns about driver safety and adherence to regulations in Formula 1.
via gpfans.comFernando Alonso fires warning to F1 and finally reveals what will make him stay at Aston MartinFernando Alonso has expressed concerns about the current state of Formula 1, stating that it does not meet the expectations of drivers or fans. He emphasized that his decision to remain with Aston Martin will depend more on the regulations than on the performance of the car itself, as the team struggles in the constructors' standings. Alonso has been critical of the new regulations, labeling the 2026 cars as the worst he has seen, and he hopes to influence future changes in the sport.
As the Italian Grand Prix approaches, Alonso faces challenges, including potential battery issues at the Monza track and Honda's admission of being underpowered compared to competitors. Despite scoring points in the previous race, the outlook for Alonso and Aston Martin remains uncertain as they continue to seek improvements and navigate the current regulations.
via gpfans.comFernando Alonso ends F1 media conference after '80-year-old' referenceFernando Alonso recently concluded a media conference on a downbeat note, expressing concerns about his team's performance ahead of the Italian Grand Prix. Despite achieving a ninth-place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, he acknowledged that Aston Martin is still facing significant challenges, particularly with their Honda engine, which he feels has not shown substantial improvement. Alonso is cautious about the upcoming race at Monza, predicting it could be one of the toughest for the team this season.
During the conference, Alonso emphasized the need for further enhancements to both the chassis and engine for the next year. He remains motivated about his career, stating he could maintain this drive until he is 80 years old. However, uncertainty surrounds his future with Aston Martin, with team principal Mike Krack confirming that a decision regarding Alonso's position for the 2027 season will be made before the next season begins.
via PlanetF1Fernando Alonso makes blunt future verdict; ‘Sad’ Monza weekend predicted – round-upFernando Alonso has announced that he will make a decision regarding his future in Formula 1 after the summer break. He conveyed his dissatisfaction with the current regulations and stated that competing for lower points is insufficient motivation for him to continue racing next year. Alonso also expressed a desire to contribute to the development of future regulations in the sport.
In other news, Kimi Antonelli is set to start from the back of the grid due to a new engine penalty, while Lewis Hamilton paid tribute to Michael Schumacher during the Italian Grand Prix weekend. The FIA has issued a heat hazard warning for the event, allowing drivers to use cooling vests to combat the high temperatures. Additionally, Arvid Lindblad shared his apprehensions about the challenges posed by the Monza circuit.Page 6 of 12