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via CrashToto Wolff Unfazed by Max Verstappen's Red Bull Contract ExtensionToto Wolff expressed that he is not disappointed by Max Verstappen's decision to extend his contract with Red Bull until 2030. Meanwhile, Red Bull has addressed speculation regarding the financial details of Verstappen's new deal.
via PlanetF1Max Verstappen ‘$80 million’ Nico Rosberg claim triggers Mekies responseMax Verstappen has officially extended his contract with Red Bull Racing until 2030, which has quelled ongoing rumors about his future with the team. This announcement was made during the Dutch Grand Prix, where Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies highlighted the importance of Verstappen's trust in the team and their commitment to providing him with a competitive car for future races.
Nico Rosberg, during his commentary, made claims regarding Verstappen's salary and the team culture under Mekies, both of which were denied by Mekies. He clarified that the figures mentioned by Rosberg were incorrect and emphasized the team's dedication to supporting Verstappen as they aim to return to the top of the sport.
via RacingNews365Nico Rosberg offers 'disaster' verdict over Mercedes team orderDuring the Dutch Grand Prix, George Russell was instructed by Mercedes to allow teammate Kimi Antonelli to pass, which he did on lap 66. This decision came after a virtual safety car period and raised concerns for Russell about losing a potential double podium finish due to the presence of Ferrari drivers behind him. Nico Rosberg commented on the situation, stating that it was a difficult decision that could negatively impact Russell's championship hopes.
Rosberg acknowledged that while the team order was tough for Russell, it was necessary to ensure the best outcome for the team. Ultimately, the decision allowed Antonelli to secure second place, while Russell finished third, maintaining his position in the championship but falling further behind Antonelli, who now leads by 59 points.
via f1oversteer.comAdrian Newey’s Aston Martin still breaks the first rule of engineering despite Dutch GP pointsAston Martin is facing significant performance issues due to excess weight in their car, which is estimated to be around 30 kilograms heavier than the ideal limit. This weight problem is causing the team to lose approximately a second per lap, as noted by former driver Nico Rosberg. Despite introducing a new chassis and an upgraded Honda engine, the team is still struggling to optimize their performance on the track. Fernando Alonso's ninth-place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix is their best result this season, but it highlights the challenges they face in competing effectively against other teams.
The team acknowledges the need to shed weight to unlock the car's true potential. Rosberg pointed out that achieving the weight limit is crucial for improving lap times, as lighter cars generally perform better in racing conditions. While Aston Martin has made some progress, they are unlikely to reach a competitive level consistently before the next racing season, indicating a long-term challenge ahead for the team.
via f1technical.netFernando Alonso Achieves P9 Finish at Dutch Grand PrixFernando Alonso delivered a strong performance at the Dutch Grand Prix, finishing in ninth place and earning two points for Aston Martin. Starting from 18th on the grid, Alonso's drive was notable, while his teammate Lance Stroll had to retire due to a handling issue.
via f1oversteer.comAlex Brundle says Lewis Hamilton is realising he’s no longer the ‘top dog’ like he was at MercedesLewis Hamilton's recent performance at the Dutch Grand Prix highlighted his frustrations with Ferrari, particularly regarding team orders that he felt cost him a podium finish. He expressed his dissatisfaction after being unable to overtake teammate Charles Leclerc, ultimately finishing just behind George Russell from Mercedes. This incident has led to discussions about Hamilton's changing status within the team, as he adjusts to a more equal standing with Leclerc compared to his previous role at Mercedes.
Commentators, including Alex Brundle, have pointed out that Hamilton is coming to terms with not being the dominant driver he once was. After the race, Hamilton's championship position has worsened, falling behind both Leclerc and Russell, with Lando Norris now also closing in on him. The dynamics within Ferrari and Hamilton's assertive communication during the race suggest a significant shift in his competitive environment.
via f1oversteer.comFernando Alonso picks between Max Verstappen and Michael Schumacher after racing bothFernando Alonso, a veteran Formula 1 driver, shared his thoughts on Max Verstappen and Michael Schumacher, highlighting his experience racing against both. In a recent interview, he ranked Verstappen as his toughest competitor, giving him a score of 9.9 out of 10, while acknowledging that he has no major weaknesses in his driving style. Alonso noted that Verstappen has improved significantly since his early years, where he made minor mistakes, and now consistently performs at a high level.
Alonso's career has seen him compete in the midfield for teams like McLaren, Alpine, and Aston Martin while Verstappen has been a dominant force in recent seasons. Alonso also reflected on his past rivalries, including his battles with Schumacher, Hamilton, and Vettel, emphasizing the competitive nature of the sport and the evolution of drivers over time.
via Motorsport.comFernando Alonso hailed as "actual GOAT" after F1 Dutch GP: "Just a machine"Fernando Alonso received significant praise from fans after his impressive performance at the Dutch Grand Prix, where he moved from 18th to 9th place, earning his first points since the Monaco Grand Prix. This result comes after a challenging start to the season for Aston Martin, which saw multiple retirements for both Alonso and his teammate, Lance Stroll, before the introduction of car upgrades at recent races.
Fans celebrated Alonso's achievement, dubbing him the 'actual GOAT' and highlighting his ability to perform well even in less competitive machinery. Currently, Alonso sits 19th in the drivers' championship with three points, tied with Esteban Ocon, while several other drivers have yet to score any points this season.
via PlanetF1Untelevised Adrian Newey, Fernando Alonso team radio emerges after Dutch GPUntelevised team radio footage from the Dutch Grand Prix revealed Adrian Newey congratulating Fernando Alonso for his performance after finishing ninth. This result marked Aston Martin's second points finish of the 2026 Formula 1 season, aided by the debut of Honda's upgraded power unit. Alonso's ninth-place finish was significant as it was his first points-scoring race since Monaco in early June.
During the race, Alonso faced challenges with his team radio, which affected communication with his engineers. Despite these issues, he confirmed that the race strategy remained clear and did not impact his performance significantly. Alonso expressed gratitude towards his team for their support and acknowledged the car's improved performance.
via PlanetF1F1 points all-time rankings: Where do Hamilton, Verstappen and Alonso feature?The article discusses the all-time points rankings in Formula 1, highlighting the top drivers currently active and their historical standings. Lewis Hamilton leads the list with over 5200 points, followed by Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel, showcasing the impact of the revised points system introduced in 2010.
It also notes how the current scoring system, which rewards more drivers and includes points for fastest laps and sprint races, has contributed to the high point totals of modern drivers. The article provides insights into the careers of other notable drivers like Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen, emphasizing the differences in scoring systems throughout F1's history.
via Formula1.comNorris edges Alonso to clinch Zandvoort fan voteLando Norris was voted Driver of the Day following his victory at the Dutch Grand Prix, marking his second consecutive win in the 2026 season. He started from pole position and demonstrated a strong performance throughout the race, ultimately clinching the win at Zandvoort for the second time in three years.
Fernando Alonso finished as the runner-up in the fan voting, contributing to Aston Martin's points. The voting percentages highlighted Norris's popularity among fans, with Alonso closely trailing behind. Other notable drivers in the voting included Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Antonelli, and Yuki Tsunoda.
via Motorsport.comNico Rosberg says George Russell is "back at his best" after difficult F1 startNico Rosberg has praised George Russell for returning to his best form following a challenging start to the 2026 Formula 1 season. After winning the Australian Grand Prix and the Chinese sprint race, Russell struggled with various issues, including car problems and strategic setbacks caused by safety cars. Meanwhile, his teammate Kimi Antonelli excelled, winning six races in the first half of the season.
After the summer break, Russell showed improvement by winning the Dutch sprint race and qualifying well for the Dutch Grand Prix. Rosberg highlighted the unexpected nature of Russell's early season struggles, while Russell himself noted a newfound confidence and intuition with his car, looking forward to a competitive race ahead.
via Motorsport.comNico Rosberg warns Kimi Antonelli of F1 title "demons"Nico Rosberg has expressed concerns about the psychological challenges facing Kimi Antonelli, the current leader in the Formula 1 championship. As Antonelli competes for his first title, Rosberg draws from his own experiences to highlight the mental strain that can arise as the season progresses, particularly when a championship victory feels within reach.
Antonelli, who has impressed in his second year and is the youngest driver to lead the championship, currently holds 224 points. Rosberg emphasizes that the pressure of the title race can lead to intrusive thoughts that may hinder a driver's performance, recalling his own struggles during his championship-winning season in 2016.
via RacingNews365Fernando Alonso makes 'amazing' three-second claim as Aston Martin wait endsFernando Alonso has highlighted a significant improvement for Aston Martin, claiming they have reduced their qualifying deficit by three seconds over the last two races following recent upgrades. Despite not making it to Q2 at the Dutch Grand Prix, Alonso noted that the team is closing the gap to the leaders, with a marked difference in performance compared to previous races. He emphasized the need for continued development to maintain this momentum.
While Alonso is optimistic about the upgrades, teammate Lance Stroll has a more cautious view, suggesting the improvements are minimal. Alonso pointed out that their chassis performs well in races, which could help them capitalize on competitors with older tires. However, he also acknowledged the challenges posed by the track layout, particularly regarding overtaking opportunities.
via gpfans.comTop Sky Sports F1 stars absent at Dutch Grand PrixSeveral prominent Sky Sports F1 commentators and pundits are missing from the coverage of the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort. Notable absences include Martin Brundle, David Croft, Ted Kravitz, and Simon Lazenby, with Natalie Pinkham taking the lead as presenter and others filling in their roles. The reasons for their absence vary, with some having prior commitments and others likely on scheduled breaks from the demanding F1 calendar.
The Dutch Grand Prix weekend runs from August 21 to August 23, 2026, and the coverage continues with different personnel stepping in to ensure fans still receive commentary and insights. The article highlights the challenges of the F1 schedule, which often requires commentators to miss certain races.
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.
via gpfans.comAston Martin Drivers Critique Honda Engine Upgrade After Dutch GPLance 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.
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.
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.Page 8 of 11