Fernando AlonsoOscar Piastri 
via gpfans.comFIA announce penalty for F1 star after ignoring McLaren warningThe FIA has imposed a three-place grid penalty on Sergio Perez for impeding Oscar Piastri during the qualifying session at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Perez was warned twice about Piastri's approach but failed to manage his preparation lap properly, resulting in Piastri having to lift off the throttle. Although Piastri stated he did not lose significant lap time, the stewards deemed Perez's actions worthy of punishment.
Despite the penalty, Perez will maintain his starting position of P20 due to other drivers, Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso, receiving larger grid penalties. In total, four drivers have been penalised this weekend, including Carlos Sainz, who was punished for not slowing for yellow flags during qualifying.
gpfans.comFri 25 Sep · 20:26 UTC
via CrashThe eerie Baku similarity F1's runaway leader is in danger of repeating at Azerbaijan GPKimi Antonelli's crash during qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has drawn parallels to Oscar Piastri's disastrous weekend last year. Antonelli, who had a significant lead in the championship, hit the wall in Q1 and will start from 16th, while Piastri had a similar fate that cost him the title in 2025.
Despite the setback, Antonelli's team-mate George Russell, who secured pole position, sees this as an opportunity to close the gap in the championship. Antonelli must now focus on avoiding further mistakes to maintain his lead, as he has been largely flawless this season until this incident.
CrashFri 25 Sep · 17:20 UTC
via F1iPiastri ‘surprised’ by Baku P3 qualifying paceOscar Piastri qualified third for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, surprising himself with the pace after a subdued practice session for McLaren. Piastri briefly held second place during qualifying, while Lando Norris finished fifth after a costly lock-up on his final attempt. George Russell took pole position, with Charles Leclerc just ahead of Piastri by a narrow margin.
Piastri remarked on McLaren's tendency to find extra performance during qualifying, contrasting with their practice struggles. Norris, while pleased with his driving, pointed out underlying car issues that limited his performance. Both drivers are now looking to convert their qualifying positions into a strong race performance, despite uncertainties about their race pace.
F1iFri 25 Sep · 17:02 UTC
via Motorsport WeekOscar Piastri makes McLaren ‘no hope’ concession after Mercedes F1 trouncingOscar Piastri admitted that McLaren had no chance of beating George Russell for pole position during the qualifying session at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Piastri will start the race in third place, behind Russell and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, while his teammate Lando Norris qualified fifth. This marks the sixth time this season that Piastri has out-qualified Norris.
Despite a challenging start to the weekend, McLaren discovered additional pace during qualifying. Piastri expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, noting the difficulties posed by windy conditions on the track. He highlighted the unpredictability of the car's balance due to gusts, which made qualifying particularly challenging.
Motorsport WeekFri 25 Sep · 14:38 UTC
via PlanetF1Fernando Alonso receives penalty in Baku raceFernando Alonso has been handed a penalty by the FIA during the Baku race weekend. As a result, Aston Martin faces a significant 50-place grid drop.
PlanetF1Fri 25 Sep · 10:22 UTC
via f1oversteer.comAlex Brundle disagrees with Oscar Piastri about his ‘main issue’ amid drubbing by Lando NorrisOscar Piastri is facing challenges in the 2026 season, particularly in his performance compared to teammate Lando Norris. Despite Piastri's belief that race pace is his main issue, Alex Brundle argues that his qualifying struggles are the root cause of his difficulties, as he consistently starts behind Norris.
Brundle highlighted that Piastri's qualifying record, with Norris leading 9-1, significantly hampers his chances on race day. As they head into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, qualifying will be critical for Piastri to close the gap and improve his standing against Norris.
f1oversteer.comThu 24 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via grandprix.comAlonso proposes longer, gentler electric boost for F1Fernando Alonso has proposed a change to the 2026 Formula 1 cars, advocating for a reduction in peak electrical output to allow for longer use of battery power on straights. He believes this adjustment would enable drivers to maintain speed more effectively towards corners, contrasting with the current model that requires drivers to lift and coast before braking.
Max Verstappen supports Alonso's view but warns that simply reducing electrical output could lead to a decrease in overall power unless compensated by an increase in combustion engine contribution. Both drivers acknowledge that any changes would require consensus and testing before being implemented in the regulations.grandprix.comThu 24 Sep · 10:47 UTC
via f1oversteer.comAudi inspired McLaren for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s ‘dramatically revised’ Baku upgradeMcLaren is set to introduce a new sidepod upgrade for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, drawing inspiration from Audi's design. The team has focused on enhancing the MCL40's performance, particularly for low-downforce circuits like Baku, where they aim to improve top speed and aerodynamic efficiency.
The upgrades include a significant redesign of the sidepods and inlets, moving towards a more aggressive aerodynamic philosophy. McLaren has incorporated elements from rival teams, including Mercedes and Ferrari, to create a steeper slope for the sidepods and a larger inlet opening. These changes are expected to modify airflow and enhance downforce in medium-speed corners, while also reducing drag on the straights.f1oversteer.comThu 24 Sep · 07:00 UTC
via gpfans.comAston Martin awaits Fernando Alonso's decision on futureAston Martin is still waiting for Fernando Alonso to decide whether he will continue racing in Formula 1 beyond 2026. Alonso is currently in discussions with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem regarding the sport's future driving characteristics.newsonf1.com+ 1 moreThu 24 Sep · 06:48 UTC
via RacingNews365Fernando Alonso casts doubt over dream Max Verstappen partnershipFernando Alonso has expressed skepticism about teaming up with Max Verstappen for the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans. Although both drivers have previously shown interest in collaborating, Alonso believes it is unrealistic at this time due to Verstappen's busy racing schedule.
While Alonso is open to the possibility of a future partnership, he does not foresee it happening next year. He emphasized that the decision would depend on Verstappen's availability, as he participates in numerous races throughout the year.
RacingNews365Thu 24 Sep · 06:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Oscar Piastri experiments emerge in search for McLaren MCL40 breakthroughOscar Piastri is actively experimenting with the McLaren MCL40 in search of a breakthrough during the 2026 Formula 1 season. He has acknowledged the team's increased engineering support as they work to improve his performance, which has been challenging under the new regulations.
Despite struggling compared to his teammate Lando Norris, who has achieved two race wins, Piastri remains optimistic about making progress. He has noted that while the path to improvement is not straightforward, he feels supported by McLaren's efforts and is committed to finding effective solutions to enhance his performance on the track.PlanetF1Wed 23 Sep · 18:47 UTC
via Motorsport.comJolyon Palmer suggests Oscar Piastri needs F1 reset in blunt Lando Norris comparisonJolyon Palmer has suggested that Oscar Piastri may need a winter reset following a challenging 2026 season with McLaren. Piastri's recent performance has been inconsistent, particularly in comparison to his teammate Lando Norris, who has been performing strongly, including securing pole position at the Spanish Grand Prix. Piastri currently sits seventh in the drivers' standings with 120 points, while Norris is fourth with 186 points.
Palmer pointed out that Piastri had a promising half-season in 2025 but has struggled to maintain that form in 2026. He noted that Piastri has been unable to match Norris's consistency and suggested that a reset could help Piastri regain his competitive edge. Palmer also referenced Piastri's previous success in lower racing categories, indicating that he has the potential to perform at a higher level.
Motorsport.comWed 23 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comOscar Piastri and George Russell agree on the issue with modern F1 amid difficult 2026 seasonsOscar Piastri and George Russell have expressed their shared concerns regarding the challenges posed by modern Formula 1, particularly during the 2026 season. Despite a significant points gap, both drivers are facing difficulties adapting to new technical regulations, which they attribute largely to limited testing opportunities compared to other sports.
In a recent press conference ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Russell highlighted the need for more practice time, while Piastri acknowledged the complexities of finding quick solutions to their issues. Both drivers remain optimistic about making progress, emphasizing their confidence in their skills and the support from their teams as they navigate these challenges.f1oversteer.comWed 23 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via espn.comFernando Alonso criticises F1's new regulationsFernando Alonso has expressed his discontent with Formula 1's new regulations, stating they have 'killed' some classic race tracks. His comments come amid ongoing discussions about his future in the sport, which may extend to 2026.
espn.com+ 1 moreWed 23 Sep · 15:55 UTC
via Formula1.comPiastri insists he’s ‘making progress’ despite setbacksOscar Piastri has expressed optimism about his progress with McLaren despite facing challenges in the 2026 season. He acknowledged the team's support and their ongoing efforts to improve performance, stating that they are not standing still in their development. Piastri noted that while he has struggled to match his teammate Lando Norris, who has had recent success, he feels they are exploring different solutions to enhance his performance.
Piastri highlighted the difficulties posed by the new generation of cars, which do not align with his previous racing style. He emphasized the need for constant adaptation and the importance of having a well-thought-out approach to improvements. As he prepares for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Piastri reflected on his mixed experiences at the track, hoping for a better outcome this year compared to the previous season.
Formula1.comWed 23 Sep · 13:31 UTC
via RacingNews365Aston Martin issue response to FIA president comments on Fernando Alonso futureAston Martin has issued a statement addressing comments made by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem regarding Fernando Alonso's future in Formula 1. Ben Sulayem expressed his commitment to ensuring Alonso remains on the grid for the next season, amidst uncertainties surrounding the driver's plans.
The team clarified that they believe Ben Sulayem's remarks were taken out of context. Alonso has yet to announce his intentions for 2027 as he considers various options, with his enjoyment of the current regulations being a key factor in his decision-making process.RacingNews365Wed 23 Sep · 11:20 UTC
via f1chronicle.comRUMOUROscar Piastri Searches for Answers After an ‘Anonymous’ Weekend Leaves Him Trailing Lando NorrisOscar Piastri is searching for clarity regarding his performance after a disappointing outing at the Spanish Grand Prix, where he finished in eighth place. His teammate, Lando Norris, secured pole position and has significantly outperformed Piastri this season, leading to a 66-point gap in the championship standings.
Despite a challenging season, pundits believe Piastri still possesses the potential to win, especially at the Baku City Circuit, where he previously triumphed. However, concerns have been raised about his consistency and ability to match Norris's improvements, leading to speculation about a potential reset for Piastri as the season progresses.
f1chronicle.comTue 22 Sep · 21:46 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFernando Alonso unhappy that Spain’s F1 commentator is ‘protecting’ Carlos SainzFernando Alonso expressed his dissatisfaction with Spanish F1 commentator Antonio Lobato, claiming he is biased in favour of Carlos Sainz. This criticism follows a collision between the two drivers during the Spanish Grand Prix, where Alonso suffered front-wing damage and Sainz received a penalty for his actions. Alonso's frustrations led him to boycott interviews with DAZN, the broadcaster that employs Lobato, for several months.
After the race, Alonso spoke to DAZN for the first time in months, but journalist Julianne Cerasoli suggested this was merely to criticise Sainz. The tension between Alonso and Sainz has escalated as they now compete in different teams, with Alonso's Aston Martin and Sainz's Williams facing off on the grid. Despite their past relationship, Alonso's perception of bias from Lobato has strained his willingness to engage with Spanish media.f1oversteer.comTue 22 Sep · 14:00 UTC%2FPiastri%2520Madrid.webp&w=1200&q=70)
via Formula1.comHow can Piastri recover from ‘anonymous’ Madrid weekend?Oscar Piastri is facing difficulties following a disappointing performance in the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he qualified ninth and crashed during the race. His teammate, Lando Norris, has significantly outperformed him, leading to a 66-point gap in the standings. Analysts James Hinchcliffe and Jolyon Palmer discussed Piastri's struggles and the need for him to close the performance gap with Norris, especially after a season where he initially showed promise.
Despite the challenges, Palmer noted that Piastri's lack of pressure from the championship fight could provide him with the opportunity to improve. He highlighted that while Piastri has shown potential in the past, his consistency has been lacking compared to Norris. As the team prepares for the upcoming races, there are hopes that Piastri can regain his form and deliver strong performances, particularly at circuits where he has previously succeeded.Formula1.comTue 22 Sep · 13:10 UTC
via RacingNews365McLaren call on Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to execute three 'essentials' in BakuMcLaren has outlined three key requirements for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri as they prepare for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The team is set to implement a major aerodynamic upgrade to enhance the performance of their MCL40 cars, particularly focusing on airflow around the floor and rear tyres to improve balance on the circuit's long straights.
Rob Marshall, McLaren's chief technical officer, emphasised the unique challenges posed by Baku's layout, which combines the longest straight in Formula 1 with tight corners. He stressed the importance of energy, tyre, and brake management, as well as the need for confidence and precision from the drivers to navigate the demanding street circuit successfully.RacingNews365Tue 22 Sep · 10:55 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRUMOUR‘Angry’ Fernando Alonso has been taunting Honda staff about joining ‘Toyota’ insteadFernando Alonso has been openly critical of Honda's performance this season, recalling his successful stint with Toyota in the World Endurance Championship. He has reportedly taunted Honda staff by suggesting that to win, he would need to race with Toyota, highlighting the intense rivalry between the two manufacturers.
Alonso's current season with Aston Martin has been disappointing, with only three points scored, marking his worst performance since his rookie year in 2001. Despite being the lead driver in qualifying, he has struggled to advance past Q2. Alonso's future in Formula 1 remains uncertain, as he weighs the impact of upcoming regulations against Honda's competitiveness.f1oversteer.comTue 22 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJolyon Palmer claims Oscar Piastri has only looked ‘amazing’ for ‘half a season’ in his F1 careerJolyon Palmer has expressed doubts about Oscar Piastri's performance in Formula 1, stating that he has only shown exceptional skill for half a season. Palmer highlighted Piastri's struggles compared to his teammate Lando Norris, who has been the standout driver for McLaren, securing both of the team's wins and all three poles this season.
Despite a promising start to his career, including a strong performance in 2023, Piastri has faced challenges in maintaining consistency. Palmer noted that Piastri's win drought has now lasted over a year, and while he has the potential for great performances, his overall record shows a significant gap in comparison to Norris.f1oversteer.comTue 22 Sep · 07:00 UTC
via RacingNews365RUMOURFernando Alonso dazzles in insane chrome-plated hypercarFernando Alonso has reportedly joined the exclusive group of Bugatti Veyron owners by purchasing a Grand Sport model. This particular car features a unique chrome-plated aluminium body, making it one of the most expensive Veyrons ever produced, with a powerful engine delivering 1,200 horsepower.
Alonso's acquisition adds to his impressive collection of rare supercars, which has seen him make headlines multiple times this year. While the exact price of his new Veyron remains undisclosed, the auction market indicates that standard models typically range from $1.2 million to $2.2 million, with rarer versions fetching even higher prices.RacingNews365Mon 21 Sep · 18:15 UTC
via Motorsport.comGabriel Bortoleto opens up on Fernando Alonso's personality away from F1 camerasGabriel Bortoleto, an Audi Formula 1 driver, has shared insights about his manager, Fernando Alonso, stating that Alonso's personality remains consistent both on and off the camera. Bortoleto appreciates Alonso's straightforwardness and sense of humour, noting that his sarcasm is often entertaining and genuine.
In his second season in Formula 1, Bortoleto reflects on his journey since debuting in 2025. He recalls Alonso's praise for him as the best rookie of his generation after a strong performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Currently, Bortoleto is ranked 14th in the championship standings, ahead of his teammate Nico Hulkenberg.Motorsport.comMon 21 Sep · 10:40 UTC