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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.
via PlanetF1Liam Lawson facing nervous F1 2027 wait as Racing Bulls responds to Verstappen decisionMax Verstappen's recent contract extension with Red Bull until 2030 has brought stability to the team, but uncertainty remains regarding Liam Lawson's future with Racing Bulls. The team has not rushed to finalize its driver lineup for F1 2027, as both Lawson and rookie Arvid Lindblad have been performing well this season, contributing to the team's fifth place in the constructors' championship.
While Lawson's position appears secure for now, he faces competition from junior driver Nikola Tsolov, who is excelling in Formula 2. Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer has indicated that the team is pleased with its current drivers, but decisions regarding the lineup will ultimately be made by team principal Alan Permane, who is focused on maintaining a calm environment as they approach the next season.
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen reveals Red Bull response to playful "shunt" request in 100-driver karting challengeMax Verstappen recently took part in a unique karting challenge where he raced against 100 other drivers on a specially designed track at Silverstone. During a live stream, he humorously inquired with Red Bull about the possibility of 'shunting' his competitors, to which the team advised against it, although they acknowledged the playful nature of the request.
The event, titled 'Max vs 100' and hosted by comedian Mo Gilligan, will showcase Verstappen's karting skills and will be available for streaming on Disney+ on September 16. The bespoke track, designed by a former karting world champion, aims to provide an unforgettable experience as Verstappen navigates through heavy traffic while racing.
via Motorsport.comDrivers Prepare for Challenging Energy Management at MonzaFormula 1 drivers are anticipating a demanding weekend at the Italian Grand Prix, focusing on energy management strategies. Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc have both highlighted the potential for 'yo-yo racing' and the need for careful throttle control.
via f1oversteer.com‘Pessimistic’ Fernando Alonso now disagrees with Aston Martin about the AMR26Fernando Alonso has expressed concerns about the performance of the Aston Martin AMR26 ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, predicting it will be one of the team's most challenging races of the season. Despite securing a P9 finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, Alonso believes the chassis still requires significant improvements, particularly in handling and overall performance, even after Honda's recent engine upgrade.
Aston Martin's management is optimistic, claiming they now have the seventh-best chassis in the 2026 F1 grid and are focused on completing a weight-saving program by the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. However, Alonso remains cautious, suggesting that the upcoming race at Monza may expose the car's weaknesses, especially on high-speed straights.
via RaceFansFernando Alonso to Wear Tribute Helmet at Italian Grand PrixFernando Alonso will pay tribute to his late mentor, Adrián Campos, by wearing a special helmet design during the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The tribute aims to honor Campos, who was Alonso's first manager.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen Shares Health Update Before Italian Grand PrixMax Verstappen has confirmed his recovery from an illness that affected him during the recent Zandvoort race. He expressed relief at feeling better as he prepares for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
via Motorsport.comJack Doohan opens up on Michael Schumacher bond and gift that influenced his careerJack Doohan, the reserve driver for Haas F1 Team, shared insights about his bond with Michael Schumacher, highlighting their relationship as neighbors and family friends. He recalled receiving his first go-kart from Schumacher, which played a significant role in his early career in motorsport. Doohan's reflections come as the Italian Grand Prix weekend prepares to honor Schumacher with special tributes, including Ferrari liveries and an honorary lap by Sebastian Vettel in Schumacher's iconic F2002 car.
Doohan expressed that his experiences with Schumacher went beyond the racing world, emphasizing the human side of top athletes. He noted that Schumacher's achievements, including his seven world championships, are inspiring, but it is the personal connection and the normalcy of their interactions that left a lasting impact on him. This perspective shapes Doohan's approach to Formula 1, reminding him that drivers are just regular people with everyday routines.
via CrashAston Martin's Alonso and Cardile Remain Confident in Honda PartnershipAston Martin's technical chief Enrico Cardile and driver Fernando Alonso have expressed unwavering support for their partnership with Honda despite recent performance challenges. Both emphasized their belief in Honda's potential to improve and succeed in Formula 1.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen Aims for Improved Performance at MonzaMax Verstappen is looking to bounce back at the Italian Grand Prix following a disappointing race in Zandvoort. He has acknowledged the challenges of energy management at Monza and is focused on what Red Bull can achieve this weekend.
via PlanetF1Honda Acknowledges Concerns Over Latest F1 Engine UpgradeHonda has introduced its first power unit update of the Formula 1 season, but concerns have been raised by drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll regarding its performance. Chief engineer Shintaro Orihara has acknowledged that there are still areas needing improvement.
via gpfans.comOscar Piastri to Red Bull is not dead and neither is Max Verstappen dramaThe article discusses the ongoing speculation surrounding Oscar Piastri's future in Formula 1, particularly regarding a potential move to Red Bull. Despite recent rumors linking him to a swap with Max Verstappen, who has signed a lucrative contract extension with Red Bull, Piastri remains a McLaren driver for now. However, the dynamics could change if Verstappen's performance declines, as his new contract may contain similar exit clauses as his previous one.
Furthermore, the article highlights that while the immediate drama has subsided, the possibility of Piastri being replaced by Verstappen in the future remains a significant storyline. With Lando Norris securing his position at McLaren, Piastri's future could be uncertain if Red Bull does not perform well in the coming seasons.
via RacingNews365Max Verstappen 'calms whole system down' as Racing Bulls look to crucial decisionMax Verstappen's recent contract extension with Red Bull has been acknowledged by Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer as a stabilizing factor in the F1 driver market. This development allows Racing Bulls to concentrate on their existing drivers and potential candidates without the uncertainty of Verstappen's future affecting their decisions. The team is particularly monitoring F2 championship leader Nikola Tsolov, who will soon test F1 machinery at Imola.
Bayer reiterated that the team is not in a hurry to finalize driver selections, as both Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad are performing admirably. The team is confident in their junior program and will take their time to ensure the best decision is made regarding driver placements, with team principal Alan Permane leading this process.
via newsonf1.comSchumacher says F1 too easy for ageing starsSep.3 (GMM) Ralf Schumacher has criticised the current Formula 1 rules for making it easier for older drivers to prolong their careers, as Lewis Hamilton is linked with a Ferrari extension into 2028. Hamilton would be 43 during that season, while Fernando Alonso is already 45 and could yet continue beyond his current Aston Martin…
via gpfans.comMonaco built a new $2.3bn district in the sea and F1 star Max Verstappen moved inMonaco has unveiled a new $2.3 billion district called Mareterra, which opened in 2024 and expanded the principality's size by 3 percent. The development features luxury residences, including apartments and villas, as well as commercial spaces and a marina. Max Verstappen, a prominent F1 driver, has moved into this new area and highlighted it to his fellow racers during an event in Monaco.
The Mareterra project was initiated by Prince Albert II in 2013, with construction starting in 2017 after seabed preparations. Property prices in Mareterra are exceptionally high, with listings starting at $75.3 million and the most expensive sale reaching $546 million. The area is home to many F1 drivers, reflecting the sport's strong ties to Monaco.
via gpfans.comRed Bull announce Max Verstappen replacement at F1 Italian Grand PrixRed Bull Racing has announced that Ayumu Iwasa will step in for Max Verstappen during the first free practice session at the Italian Grand Prix, allowing Verstappen to rest. This change is part of the FIA's regulations requiring teams to field rookie drivers in practice sessions, and it marks Red Bull's second of four such changes for the 2026 season. Iwasa, a promising talent from the Red Bull junior program, has already gained experience in several F1 sessions and is currently competing in Japan's Super Formula series.
Additionally, Isack Hadjar will be absent from the race due to a wrist injury, with Liam Lawson taking his place. Yuki Tsunoda will also be involved, stepping in for Lawson at Racing Bulls. This reshuffling highlights the ongoing adjustments teams must make throughout the season due to injuries and regulatory requirements.
via gpfans.comMax Verstappen linked with new series switch as F1 champion rumoured for Portugal raceMax Verstappen is set to return to racing outside of Formula 1 later this year, with speculation surrounding his participation in the GT3 World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup in Portugal from October 16-18. This follows his recent signing of a new contract with Red Bull and previous outings with his own team, Verstappen Racing, earlier in the season. The timing of the GT3 event aligns with an off weekend in the F1 calendar, allowing him the opportunity to compete without conflicting with his F1 commitments.
Currently, Verstappen is sixth in the F1 standings, significantly trailing the championship leader. His recent performance at the Dutch Grand Prix ended in a crash, contributing to his current point deficit. While there are rumors about potential drivers joining him for the GT3 race, including Alex Palou, no official confirmations have been made regarding the lineup.
via RacingNews365Helmut Marko reveals Max Verstappen fear after 'dangerous' accidentHelmut Marko shared his concerns following Max Verstappen's crash at the Dutch Grand Prix, where Verstappen lost control of his car on the opening lap. The incident left his car sideways on the track, posing a risk of collision with oncoming drivers, but fortunately, the field managed to avoid a serious accident thanks to Liam Lawson's quick reflexes.
Marko expressed relief after confirming Verstappen was stable and unharmed, as the driver reassured him with comments indicating he was okay. The crash was alarming and highlighted the potential dangers of racing, especially in high-speed situations like Zandvoort.
via Motorsport.comFIA President Addresses Allegations of Bias Among F1 StewardsFIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has responded to claims of bias among Formula 1 stewards following recent penalties at the Dutch Grand Prix. The controversy arose after drivers Franco Colapinto and Arvid Lindblad received drive-through penalties, prompting discussions about potential favoritism.Page 8 of 26