via gpfans.comNico Rosberg reveals the Lance Stroll problem Aston Martin have with Fernando Alonso decisionNico Rosberg has pointed out a significant issue within Aston Martin's driver lineup, which features Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. The duo has been together for four seasons, with Alonso being the clear lead driver. However, the team is struggling this season, having only accumulated three points, which has raised concerns about their competitiveness. New team principal Adrian Newey and the switch to Honda as a power unit supplier have not yielded positive results so far, leading to calls for a revamp within the team.
Despite these challenges, Rosberg believes that the current pairing of Alonso and Stroll is acceptable for the time being. He noted that while Alonso consistently outperforms Stroll, the team faces a dilemma in finding a younger driver to partner with Alonso, as Stroll's position is secure due to his father's ownership of the team. Alonso's future remains uncertain as he is out of contract at the end of the season and has expressed thoughts about retirement, particularly in light of the team's performance and new regulations in Formula 1.
gpfans.comFri 18 Sep · 20:44 UTC
via PlanetF1Hamilton delusion, Antonelli opens door to Ferrari future, Alonso’s $5m buy – roundupFerrari has confirmed a multi-year partnership with Japanese technology company Rakuten, set to begin in the 2027 Formula 1 season. This announcement comes as the team continues to compete in the 2026 season, where they currently hold second place in the constructors' standings with several races remaining.
In addition to the sponsorship news, Kimi Antonelli has expressed that he is not ruling out a future move to Ferrari, despite his current focus on achieving success with Mercedes. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton faces scrutiny following a period of tension within the team, contrasting with the optimism following his win in Barcelona earlier this year. Fernando Alonso has also made headlines by adding a $5 million Bugatti to his car collection.
PlanetF1Fri 18 Sep · 18:06 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRUMOURAston Martin man issues 'very lucky' verdict on Lance Stroll's seat at the F1 teamPedro de la Rosa, an ambassador for Aston Martin, expressed that the team is fortunate to have both Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso in their lineup. He highlighted Stroll's insightful feedback, which is crucial for the engineers, and noted that the two drivers work well together. De la Rosa praised Alonso's experience and ability to prioritize improvements during practice sessions, showcasing why he is a two-time world champion.
Despite facing criticism regarding his position in F1, Stroll has demonstrated his capability on the track, achieving notable results including three podium finishes. His near victory at the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix is a highlight of his career, although he has faced challenges, including speculation about his future in the sport after the 2023 season.
f1oversteer.comFri 18 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLewis Hamilton once revealed his thoughts on a Sprint race being held at the Monaco Grand PrixLewis Hamilton previously voiced his concerns regarding the addition of a Sprint race at the Monaco Grand Prix, emphasizing that the iconic track requires a new approach rather than simply adding more races. He highlighted the challenges of overtaking on the narrow streets of Monaco and expressed a desire for a wider track, which is unlikely due to the location's constraints.
The announcement of the 2027 F1 calendar, which includes Monaco as one of ten Sprint races, has sparked discussions about the increasing number of races in the season. With a total of 34 races scheduled over 39 weeks, concerns about driver fatigue have been raised, especially compared to the 17 races during Hamilton's rookie season two decades ago.f1oversteer.comFri 18 Sep · 16:30 UTC
via Motorsport WeekDe la Rosa praises Newey for uniting Aston MartinPedro de la Rosa, an ambassador for Aston Martin, highlighted the importance of Adrian Newey's leadership in maintaining team unity. His guidance has been pivotal in helping the team improve its performance throughout the season.
Motorsport Week+ 1 moreFri 18 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comAston Martin man pinpoints where officials can introduce a prime 'overtaking spot' at the MadringPedro de la Rosa, an ambassador for Aston Martin, has addressed the criticism directed at the Madring circuit following the disappointing inaugural Spanish Grand Prix. He acknowledged that while overtaking proved to be very difficult during the race, there is no need for a complete redesign of the track. Instead, he suggested that introducing a single overtaking point, particularly at the approach to Turn 5, could significantly improve the racing experience.
Despite the negative feedback, de la Rosa emphasized that the circuit should not be judged too harshly at this early stage. Other drivers and officials have echoed similar sentiments, advocating for patience as the track develops. There are calls for the designers to learn from successful tracks like Silverstone to enhance overtaking opportunities, with hopes that the 2027 Spanish Grand Prix will offer a more thrilling race.f1oversteer.comFri 18 Sep · 13:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton handed 'truly remarkable' verdict as key question posedLewis Hamilton, the most successful driver in Formula 1 history, is currently competing with Ferrari after a challenging previous season. Former driver David Coulthard expressed admiration for Hamilton's continued desire to race, highlighting his impressive performance this year, where he sits third in the drivers' standings, ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc.
Coulthard noted that Hamilton's adaptation to the current car regulations has been favorable, and he believes Hamilton has already established his legacy in the sport. Despite his success, Hamilton's motivation to compete remains strong, prompting questions about his ongoing commitment to racing at such a high level.
RacingNews365Fri 18 Sep · 11:10 UTC
via grandprix.comRUMOURHamilton denies asking Ferrari to replace staffLewis Hamilton has publicly denied reports suggesting he requested changes to the Ferrari team staff. In a statement on Instagram, he emphasized his support for his team and their hard work, stating that he has never sought to replace anyone. This denial comes amid speculation regarding Ferrari's performance and internal dynamics, particularly following recent disappointing results.
The rumors about potential staff changes were fueled by Hamilton's frustrations with team strategy during recent races, including incidents at Zandvoort and Monza. Despite the speculation, Ferrari has not confirmed any personnel changes, and team principal Fred Vasseur continues in his role. The upcoming race in Baku will provide further insight into the team's performance and dynamics.grandprix.comFri 18 Sep · 10:53 UTC
via gpfans.comLewis Hamilton enjoys gala with Kim KardashianLewis Hamilton was seen smiling with girlfriend Kim Kardashian at a gala in Los Angeles, seemingly leaving behind any tensions related to Ferrari. The couple's appearance comes after a challenging period for the seven-time world champion in Formula 1.gpfans.comFri 18 Sep · 08:45 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.RacingNews365Fri 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.PlanetF1Fri 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.PlanetF1Fri 18 Sep · 07:16 UTC
via gpfans.comFerrari already knew about Lewis Hamilton's race ending brake problem before the Spanish GP startedFerrari had prior knowledge of Lewis Hamilton's brake issues before the start of the Spanish Grand Prix, which ultimately led to his retirement during the race. This marked Hamilton's first retirement of the season, ending a streak of finishes dating back to the previous year.
The brake problem, identified as a hydraulic system component failure, severely impacted Hamilton's title hopes, leaving him significantly behind in the championship standings. Despite efforts from Ferrari to diagnose and fix the issue during the race, Hamilton was forced to retire after experiencing worsening brake problems early on.gpfans.comFri 18 Sep · 07:15 UTC
Wikimedia Commons · Off The Track Media · CC BY 2.0Hulkenberg 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.newsonf1.comFri 18 Sep · 06:33 UTC
via gpfans.comRUMOURF1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton releases statement as Mercedes comeback confirmedLewis Hamilton has publicly addressed rumors suggesting he is attempting to replace personnel within Ferrari, as both he and the team face challenges this season. Hamilton and Ferrari have been viewed as significant competitors to Mercedes and Kimi Antonelli, who has had a standout season with eight race wins, positioning him for a potential championship title in just his second year in Formula 1.
In other news, Mike Elliott has been appointed as the new chief technical officer for Alpine, bringing over two decades of experience in the sport. Meanwhile, former F1 team owner Gerard Lopez is facing forgery charges, and Audi is contemplating a minority stake sale in its newly acquired F1 team. Additionally, four-time champion Sebastian Vettel is set to make a racing comeback in 2027.gpfans.comFri 18 Sep · 06:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton makes Ferrari 'silver bullet' claim in Mercedes title chaseLewis Hamilton has expressed skepticism regarding Ferrari's recent engine upgrade, suggesting it won't bring them to the same competitive level as Mercedes. The upgrade, which focuses on turbo efficiency, was introduced at the Italian Grand Prix, but Hamilton believes it still lacks the necessary performance boost to close the gap. He highlighted that while Ferrari showed improvements, they are not yet at the point of having a 'silver bullet' solution.
As Hamilton's title hopes diminish, currently sitting 101 points behind Kimi Antonelli, he stresses the importance of Mercedes concentrating on their own performance. He acknowledges the need for consistency and execution during race weekends, rather than focusing on Ferrari's advancements. Hamilton remains optimistic about Mercedes' progress and aims to capitalize on any mistakes made by their competitors.RacingNews365Fri 18 Sep · 06:10 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLewis Hamilton was 'in awe' of genius Mercedes engineer who's just joined a rival teamAlpine has officially announced the signing of Mike Elliott as their new chief technical officer, bringing extensive experience from his previous roles at Mercedes, McLaren, and Renault. Elliott's tenure at Mercedes was marked by significant contributions to the team's success, particularly during the 2010s, where he played a crucial role in car development. Lewis Hamilton, who worked closely with Elliott, often expressed his admiration for the engineer's intelligence and expertise.
Elliott's departure from Mercedes occurred in the 2023 season, following a shift in the team's design leadership. Despite some criticism of his design philosophy during the 2022 regulations, Elliott's new role at Alpine is expected to enhance the team's technical capabilities. With recent successes, including Pierre Gasly's first pole position, Alpine is optimistic about their future performance in Formula 1.f1oversteer.comThu 17 Sep · 19:00 UTC
via PlanetF1RUMOURHamilton rejects team changes rumour; Ferrari Achilles heel; Russell future clarified – roundupLewis Hamilton has publicly rejected rumors suggesting he is advocating for changes within the Ferrari team. These rumors surfaced following the Spanish Grand Prix, where Hamilton's former teammate Nico Rosberg highlighted issues with Ferrari's strategy and communication that he believes are hindering the team's performance.
In the same context, Charles Leclerc had a challenging race, finishing in fourth place despite leading for much of the event. Hamilton's own race ended prematurely due to a brake failure, further complicating Ferrari's situation as they seek to improve their competitive standing in the championship.PlanetF1Thu 17 Sep · 18:59 UTC
via espn.comRUMOURLewis Hamilton denies claims about Ferrari personnel changesLewis Hamilton has addressed rumors suggesting he is seeking to replace staff at Ferrari. The driver clarified that he has not made any calls for personnel changes amid his own challenging season.
espn.com+ 1 moreThu 17 Sep · 17:29 UTC
via Motorsport.comRUMOURFred 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.
Motorsport.comThu 17 Sep · 15:15 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.RacingNews365Thu 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.f1oversteer.comThu 17 Sep · 11:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comLewis Hamilton's Dawn Apollo Studios signs major new deal with Skydance SportsLewis Hamilton has entered a multi-year first-look production deal with Skydance Sports through his company, Dawn Apollo Studios. This agreement allows Hamilton to develop and produce scripted, unscripted, and animated content, with him acting as executive producer for all projects. Hamilton expressed his belief in the power of storytelling to inspire conversations and bring diverse perspectives to the forefront.
Dawn Apollo Studios, founded by Hamilton in 2022, previously contributed to the successful production of 'F1: The Movie', which earned over $634 million at the box office. Hamilton has indicated that he is working on three movie concepts, two of which are animations, and he is excited about the potential for documentaries and possibly a TV series in the future.Motorsport.comThu 17 Sep · 10:58 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.
F1iThu 17 Sep · 10:49 UTC