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via PlanetF1Liam Lawson's Performance Highlights Close Competition with VerstappenLiam Lawson's recent performance at the Dutch Grand Prix showcased a narrow time gap between him and teammate Max Verstappen. Verstappen noted that the current F1 cars have made it easier for drivers to compete closely.
Sat 22 Aug · 16:32 UTC
via RaceFansLawson pleased with “good lap” after qualifying a tenth off Verstappen on return | Formula 1Liam Lawson returned to Red Bull and qualified just one tenth of a second behind teammate Max Verstappen, expressing his satisfaction with the performance. This marks a significant improvement from his previous stint with the team, where he struggled to match Verstappen's pace.
Last year, Lawson was dropped after two races, with his final qualifying time being 0.75 seconds slower than Verstappen's. For the upcoming grand prix, both Red Bull drivers will occupy the fourth row of the starting grid, indicating a competitive position for the team.
Sat 22 Aug · 15:57 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 f1oversteer.comRacing Bulls boss admits he was powerless to stop Red Bull taking Liam Lawson for Dutch Grand PrixLiam Lawson has stepped in for Isack Hadjar at the Dutch Grand Prix after Hadjar was sidelined due to a wrist injury. Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane expressed his lack of influence over Red Bull's decision to field Lawson, highlighting the team's protocol in such situations. Lawson's performance in the practice session saw him finish 14th, while his replacement at Racing Bulls, Yuki Tsunoda, ended up in 17th place.
Hadjar's absence is notable as he had recently achieved his first podium in Formula 1 at the same event the previous year. Permane acknowledged that Lawson's experience made him a suitable choice for Red Bull, reinforcing the typical practice of teams utilizing their drivers even if they are contracted to other teams.
Fri 21 Aug · 19:00 UTC
via gpfans.comFernando Alonso Highlights Engine Issues During Dutch Grand Prix QualifyingFernando 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.comFernando Alonso Highlights Challenges with 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 RacingNews365Racing Bulls highlight reason Arvid Lindblad did not receive Red Bull promotionRed Bull Racing opted to promote Liam Lawson instead of Arvid Lindblad for the Dutch Grand Prix following Isack Hadjar's injury. Team principal Alan Permane explained that Lawson's experience and current performance gave him the edge over Lindblad, who is also a talented driver within the Red Bull program.
Permane acknowledged that he did not have significant influence over the decision-making process and emphasized that it was a pragmatic choice for the team. He noted that Lindblad is content with the outcome and recognizes the reasoning behind the selection.Fri 21 Aug · 12:25 UTC
via Motorsport.comYuki Tsunoda Prepares for Challenging Return with Racing BullsYuki Tsunoda is set to race for Racing Bulls at the Dutch Grand Prix, stepping in for Liam Lawson. He has expressed confidence in his performance so far, despite facing the challenge of adapting to the new 2026-spec machinery.Fri 21 Aug · 10:38 UTC
via Formula1.comMekies on Verstappen’s new deal, Hadjar and LawsonRed Bull Racing has announced that Max Verstappen will remain with the team until at least the end of 2030, a decision celebrated by team principal Laurent Mekies. This renewal comes at a crucial time as the team aims to improve its performance after a difficult start to the 2026 season. Mekies emphasized the importance of having the best driver committed to the team as they work towards regaining their competitive edge in Formula 1.
In addition to Verstappen's contract news, Isack Hadjar will miss the Dutch Grand Prix due to a wrist injury, allowing Liam Lawson to step in as his replacement. Yuki Tsunoda will also return to Racing Bulls in Lawson's absence. Mekies expressed confidence in Lawson's abilities and highlighted the team's ongoing efforts to close the performance gap to their rivals as they strive for victories in the second half of the season.
Thu 20 Aug · 18:22 UTC
via CrashFernando Alonso Uncertain About Future with Aston Martin F1 TeamFernando 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 f1oversteer.comLiam Lawson’s race engineer shares what people ‘forget’ about his difficult Red Bull spellLiam Lawson faced significant challenges during his brief tenure at Red Bull in 2025, where he struggled to adapt to the car and failed to score points in his races. His race engineer highlighted that Lawson's inexperience was often overlooked, as he had only a limited number of substitute appearances before stepping into the Red Bull seat. Despite the difficulties, Lawson expressed gratitude for the opportunity and has since found stability with Racing Bulls in the 2026 season.
As Lawson prepares to return to Red Bull to fill in for the injured Isack Hadjar, his race engineer emphasized the importance of experience in Formula 1. Lawson's previous stint at Red Bull was marked by a lack of development time, which hindered his performance. Now, with a more consistent season under his belt, Lawson is better equipped to handle the challenges ahead.Wed 19 Aug · 20:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Yuki Tsunoda Returns to F1, Qualifies 12th for Dutch GPYuki Tsunoda has made his return to Formula 1, qualifying 12th for the sprint race at the Dutch Grand Prix. His performance comes as Isack Hadjar is sidelined due to a wrist injury.+ 1 moreWed 19 Aug · 20:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLiam Lawson disagrees with Racing Bulls boss Alan Permane about ‘immense’ F1 turnaroundLiam Lawson has shown notable improvement in the 2026 Formula 1 season, currently sitting ninth in the standings. Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane has commended Lawson for his progress, attributing it to a better mental state and a more stable environment compared to his challenging 2025 season. Despite this praise, Lawson himself feels that not much has fundamentally changed in his performance, emphasizing the importance of preparation and teamwork in his recent successes.
Lawson's competitive edge is highlighted by his point lead over teammate Arvid Lindblad, and he is set to make a return to Red Bull at the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix, filling in for the injured Isack Hadjar. While Permane expresses confidence in Lawson's growth, Lawson maintains a more modest view of his development, focusing on the hard work and strategic insights that have contributed to his current form.Wed 19 Aug · 18:00 UTC
via AutosportLiam Lawson Impresses in One-Off Appearance at Dutch Grand PrixLiam Lawson qualified P11 for the F1 Sprint at the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix, marking a notable performance in his one-off race. Analysts Anthony Davidson and Karun Chandhok expressed their encouragement regarding Lawson's efforts during the event.
+ 1 moreWed 19 Aug · 17:03 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 Motorsport WeekLiam Lawson denies ‘ghosts’ haunting Red Bull F1 narrativeLiam Lawson has addressed his brief and challenging stint with Red Bull Racing, stating that he does not dwell on the past or the 'ghosts' of his previous performances. After stepping in for Daniel Ricciardo in 2023 and earning points at the Singapore Grand Prix, Lawson was promoted to a full-time seat but was replaced after just two races in 2024. He is now focused on his current season, where he has shown consistent performance and sits ninth in the standings with 43 points.
Lawson is set to return to the Dutch Grand Prix, where his F1 journey began, this time replacing Isack Hadjar due to injury. He believes that the difficulties he faced last year have contributed to his growth as a driver, and he is committed to maintaining consistency in his performance moving forward.
Wed 19 Aug · 15:00 UTCPage 9 of 13