Fernando AlonsoOscar Piastri 
via the-race.comF1 teams face challenges with rough Sepang trackOscar Piastri has described the rough surface of the Sepang track as resembling 'sandpaper', creating strategic uncertainties for teams ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. The high levels of degradation expected at the Malaysian circuit are adding to the complexities teams must navigate.
the-race.com+ 2 moreThu 1 Oct · 15:59 UTC
via grandprix.comReport puts Alonso's 2027 deal above his previous contractsFernando Alonso has secured a one-year contract extension with Aston Martin for the 2027 season, although the team has not revealed the financial details. According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, the terms of this new deal surpass any of Alonso's previous agreements in his long Formula 1 career.
While the exact figures remain unverified and should be treated with caution, the extension ensures that Alonso, now 45, will continue racing alongside Lance Stroll. Aston Martin aims to enhance its performance with its Honda power unit and recent investments in technical resources, as they prepare for the upcoming season.grandprix.comThu 1 Oct · 15:09 UTC
via racer.comAlonso hints at ‘surprises’ to come: ‘I want to find the limits of what is possible’Fernando Alonso has extended his contract with Aston Martin until 2027, continuing his Formula 1 career into his mid-40s. The two-time world champion is eager to explore new challenges and hinted at surprises in his future commitments outside of Formula 1, showcasing his adaptability across various motorsport disciplines.
Despite uncertainties about the enjoyment of the upcoming regulations, Alonso remains committed to racing, stating that he feels fast and motivated. He believes in giving the current rules another chance, expressing a desire to push the limits of performance and explore possibilities that others may deem impossible.
racer.comThu 1 Oct · 11:28 UTC
via CrashFernando Alonso explains motivation for Aston Martin stayFernando Alonso has revealed that his decision to continue his Formula 1 career with Aston Martin is driven by a desire to compete at a high level. He expressed that the team's potential and his personal passion for racing are key factors in his commitment to stay until at least 2027.
Crash+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 10:45 UTC
via gpfans.comRUMOURF1 champion Fernando Alonso handed career-high payday at the age of 45Fernando Alonso has secured a new contract with Aston Martin that reportedly makes him the highest-paid driver of his career at the age of 45. The deal, which will take effect in 2027, is said to exceed $40 million annually, surpassing his previous earnings at McLaren.
In an official statement, Alonso expressed his happiness about the contract and his commitment to the team. This new salary positions him as the joint-third highest-paid driver in Formula 1, behind Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, while overtaking other notable drivers like Charles Leclerc and George Russell.
gpfans.comThu 1 Oct · 09:57 UTC
via Motorsport.com"Whenever I watch TV, I think I would do better" – The real reason Fernando Alonso stays in F1Fernando Alonso has officially extended his Formula 1 career into the 2027 season, marking his 24th year in the sport. The announcement came ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, with Alonso stating that his conversation with Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll was brief and straightforward, as both parties were eager to continue their partnership.
Alonso expressed that his motivation to race stems from a desire to compete and improve, feeling that he can outperform current drivers when watching from home. He also mentioned the importance of potential regulatory changes for 2027, which he hopes will enhance the racing experience. Despite no immediate changes to next year's regulations, Alonso remains committed to pushing for improvements in the sport.
Motorsport.comThu 1 Oct · 09:23 UTC
via CrashLance Stroll highlights two-second deficit with HondaLance Stroll has expressed concern over Aston Martin's performance, stating the team is currently missing two seconds in engine performance compared to competitors. This follows Honda's recent engine upgrade, which Stroll described as insufficient to close the gap.Crash+ 2 moreThu 1 Oct · 08:50 UTC
via espn.comFernando Alonso extends Aston Martin contract to 2027Fernando Alonso has confirmed he will continue racing in Formula 1 with Aston Martin until 2027. Despite acknowledging the possibility of facing another challenging season, Alonso expressed that competing is preferable to watching from home.
espn.comThu 1 Oct · 08:50 UTC
via RacingNews365Fernando Alonso confirms Aston Martin contract extensionFernando Alonso has confirmed that he will remain in Formula 1 beyond 2026 after signing a new contract with Aston Martin. The two-time world champion also hinted at potential surprises in his motorsport career.
RacingNews365Thu 1 Oct · 07:20 UTC
via Formula1.comRalf Schumacher on his brother and ‘idol’ MichaelRalf Schumacher recently reflected on his brother Michael Schumacher's final Formula 1 victory, which occurred 20 years ago at the Shanghai International Circuit. On that day, Michael crossed the finish line ahead of Fernando Alonso, marking a significant moment in his illustrious career, as it was his last of 91 wins.
The article highlights Michael's remarkable achievements in Formula 1, including 68 pole positions and 155 podium finishes, accumulating over 1,500 points throughout his career. This victory not only showcased his talent but also solidified his status as one of the sport's greatest drivers.
Formula1.comThu 1 Oct · 07:09 UTC
via PlanetF1RUMOURMax Verstappen addresses Alonso GT3 partnership rumoursMax Verstappen has dismissed speculation about teaming up with Fernando Alonso in GT3 racing. The two drivers have been linked following Alonso's hints about racing outside Formula 1, but Verstappen confirmed his next GT3 appearance will be separate.
PlanetF1+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 06:48 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJolyon Palmer thinks Oscar Piastri’s explanation for 2026 struggles is ‘amazing’Oscar Piastri has shared his thoughts on the challenges posed by the 2026 Formula 1 cars, which he feels do not align with his driving style. Despite a successful 2025 season where he won seven races, Piastri is currently struggling in 2026, sitting significantly behind his teammate Lando Norris in the standings. Norris has been the standout performer for McLaren this year, securing both of the team's wins and leading Piastri by 66 points.
Jolyon Palmer expressed admiration for Piastri's candidness, noting the trend of drivers like Piastri and George Russell banding together to discuss their difficulties with the new car dynamics. Palmer reflected on his own experiences of being overlooked during similar struggles in the past. As the season progresses, Piastri is looking to improve his performance, particularly at the upcoming Malaysian Grand Prix, where he hopes the unique circuit conditions will provide a more level playing field.
f1oversteer.comThu 1 Oct · 06:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comHonda introduces second engine upgrade for Aston MartinHonda has confirmed the introduction of its second engine upgrade for the 2026 Formula 1 season, which was first fitted to Lance Stroll's Aston Martin during the Spanish Grand Prix. The upgrade focuses on a revised turbocharger and is part of Honda's strategy to enhance performance for both Stroll and Fernando Alonso.Motorsport.com+ 4 moreThu 1 Oct · 03:56 UTC
via RaceFansOn This Day: Schumacher scores final win and draws level with Alonso on points | BriefOn October 1, 2006, Michael Schumacher achieved his final Formula 1 victory at the Chinese Grand Prix, marking his 91st win in the sport. This victory allowed him to equal Fernando Alonso in the championship standings, with only two races left in the season.
Schumacher's record of 91 wins stood until Lewis Hamilton matched it in 2020. The significance of this win was heightened by the fact that it was Schumacher's last before his retirement from Formula 1, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport's greatest drivers.
RaceFansWed 30 Sep · 23:01 UTC
via f1chronicle.comFernando Alonso Calls F1’s Return to Sepang a Golden Ticket as Drivers Relish Malaysia HomecomingFernando Alonso expressed excitement about Formula 1's return to the Sepang International Circuit, calling it a 'golden ticket' as he never expected to race in Malaysia again. Alonso, the most successful driver at the circuit among current racers, highlighted the demanding nature of the track and its challenging conditions, which include heat and humidity.
The Sepang circuit, which last hosted a Grand Prix in 2017, has ten drivers on the current grid with prior experience there. Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen also shared their thoughts, with Hamilton recalling his strong connection to the region and Verstappen expressing mixed feelings about returning. Newcomers like Lando Norris and championship leader Kimi Antonelli view the race as an opportunity to tackle a fresh challenge.
f1chronicle.comWed 30 Sep · 21:25 UTC
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell details F1 drivers' Langkawi boys' trip ahead of Bahrain GP in MalaysiaGeorge Russell, a driver for Mercedes, has shared insights about a recent trip to Langkawi, Malaysia, which he took with six other Formula 1 drivers ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. The trip featured activities such as go-karting and sightseeing, with Russell expressing his admiration for the island's beauty and the friendliness of its people. He noted that the itinerary was influenced by Mercedes' title partner, Petronas.
In addition to Russell, Kimi Antonelli, his teammate, arrived in Malaysia early but chose to explore Kuala Lumpur and visit a water park. Antonelli currently leads the championship standings by 66 points, following Russell's victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The trip served as a unique way for the drivers to bond and prepare for the upcoming race.Motorsport.comWed 30 Sep · 19:56 UTC
via PlanetF1RUMOURLance Stroll F1 salary revealed; Alonso engine findings; Ferrari ‘bickering’ – roundupLance Stroll's salary for the 2025 Formula 1 season has been disclosed in Aston Martin's financial accounts, revealing he earned $12.2 million. Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso has raised concerns about issues with his Honda engine, although Honda's chief engineer claims the data shows no problems.
Flavio Briatore has commented on the current situation at Ferrari, suggesting that there is internal conflict between the drivers. This comes amidst speculation regarding team principal Fred Vasseur's future and the overall performance of the Ferrari team.PlanetF1Wed 30 Sep · 19:02 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRUMOURHonda horsepower figures show the 2027 season is already a bust for Fernando Alonso at Aston MartinFernando Alonso has committed to Aston Martin for the 2027 season, but he remains critical of the Honda engine's performance. The team is reportedly 70 horsepower behind competitors like Mercedes, which has raised concerns about their competitiveness under the new Formula 1 regulations.
Despite the disappointing start to the season, Aston Martin intends to stick with Honda and evolve their current power unit. Alonso's worries about the engine's performance suggest that the team may struggle to compete at the front of the grid until significant improvements are made.f1oversteer.comWed 30 Sep · 19:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFernando Alonso names the F1 driver who ‘adapted’ to 2026 rules ‘better than anyone else’Fernando Alonso has identified Kimi Antonelli as the driver who has adapted best to the new 2026 Formula 1 regulations, calling him the most efficient on the grid. Despite Alonso's criticism of the regulations and his team's struggles, he remains committed to Aston Martin for the 2027 season. Antonelli currently leads the championship by a significant margin after a strong performance in Baku.
Alonso acknowledged that while Max Verstappen might be the fastest driver in equal machinery, he respects Antonelli's ability to navigate the new rules effectively. The two-time champion expressed his desire to deliver another title for his fans, admitting that expectations were high this season but results have not met them. He remains optimistic about improving Aston Martin's performance in the coming months.f1oversteer.comWed 30 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comGuenther Steiner thinks Lawrence Stroll sees a Mercedes engine when he ‘wakes up at night’Guenther Steiner has expressed confusion over Lawrence Stroll and Fernando Alonso's lack of criticism towards Honda's underperformance, particularly after Aston Martin's fifth double DNF this season at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Alonso acknowledged engine issues affecting their speed and called for further investigation, while reports indicate that Honda is significantly underpowered compared to competitors.
Steiner highlighted the irony of Stroll's loyalty to Honda, given the potential benefits of a Mercedes engine, which he believes could have kept Aston Martin competitive. Despite Alonso's commitment to give Honda another chance, the ongoing engine issues are likely to remain a significant challenge for the team moving forward.f1oversteer.comWed 30 Sep · 16:20 UTC
via PlanetF1Honda clarifies Fernando Alonso's Baku engine issueHonda has provided an update regarding the engine problem experienced by Fernando Alonso during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. While Alonso indicated an issue, Honda's data analysis suggests a different explanation for the performance concerns.PlanetF1+ 1 moreWed 30 Sep · 12:50 UTC
via RaceFansFernando Alonso extends Aston Martin contract to 2027Fernando Alonso has confirmed that he will remain with Aston Martin for the 2027 Formula 1 season. The decision reflects his confidence in the team's potential to improve and turn their fortunes around.RaceFans+ 3 moreWed 30 Sep · 10:18 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLewis Hamilton praises Fernando Alonso's talentLewis Hamilton has expressed admiration for Fernando Alonso following his contract extension with Aston Martin. Hamilton described Alonso's continued presence in Formula 1 as a testament to his 'pure talent'.f1oversteer.com+ 2 moreWed 30 Sep · 10:00 UTC
Wikimedia Commons · Christijan_Albers_2006.JPG: Mathieu Felten derivative work: Flyz1 · CC BY 2.5Albers says Piastri lacks Verstappen’s ‘bite’Sep.30 (GMM) Oscar Piastri’s difficult run has drawn fresh criticism after his mistake in Baku, with former F1 driver Christijan Albers questioning whether the McLaren driver has the aggression of a driver like Max Verstappen. The Australian had been on course for the 2025 title before his late-season collapse, and his struggles have continued into…newsonf1.comWed 30 Sep · 07:44 UTC