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via f1oversteer.comAston Martin have started ‘exploring’ another Mercedes engine deal with Toto WolffAston Martin is currently in discussions with Mercedes to explore alternative engine options after a disappointing performance with Honda. The team, which switched to Honda engines at the end of the 2025 season, has faced significant challenges, including a loss of over a second per lap despite recent upgrades. Meetings between Aston Martin and Mercedes have taken place throughout the season, indicating a potential shift back to Mercedes engines in the future.
While Aston Martin has not issued an ultimatum to Honda, they are clearly seeking to apply pressure for improvements. The team has also been in talks with other companies regarding power unit options, with a deal with Mercedes being viewed as the most logical next step. Honda's recent performance has not met expectations, leading to uncertainty about the partnership's future.
Wed 26 Aug · 10:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comHonda president makes major promise to Lawrence Stroll and Aston Martin about 2027 engineHonda's president, Koji Watanabe, has made a commitment to Aston Martin regarding significant improvements to their engine by 2027. Despite recent upgrades, Aston Martin's drivers have expressed dissatisfaction, citing a performance gap of 1.5 seconds per lap compared to Mercedes. Honda is permitted to make multiple upgrades in the coming years, and Watanabe is optimistic about closing the gap to top teams in the standings next season.
Lawrence Stroll, Aston Martin's team owner, has a long-term vision that began in 2021, aiming for competitive success. Watanabe has reassured fans of their dedication to improvement and has brought back top engineers to enhance their performance. While he cannot promise championships, he emphasized Honda's goal to win in the future.Tue 25 Aug · 17:00 UTC
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.
Mon 24 Aug · 12:44 UTC
via RaceFansStroll demanded penalties after Bearman and Bortoleto passed red pit exit light | Formula 1During the Dutch Grand Prix, Lance Stroll called for penalties against Oliver Bearman and Gabriel Bortoleto for violating pit lane rules. The incident occurred when the race resumed following a stoppage due to Max Verstappen's crash, and the pit exit lights changed from green to red after Alonso passed by.
Both Bearman and Bortoleto drove past the flashing red light without acknowledging it, leading to Stroll's appeal for penalties. Bearman later faced a power unit failure, which added to the controversy surrounding the incident.
Mon 24 Aug · 08:46 UTC
via f1oversteer.comStroll and Alonso Comment on Honda Upgrade After Q1 ExitsLance Stroll and Fernando Alonso expressed disappointment following their early exits in Q1 at the Dutch Grand Prix. Both drivers criticized the performance of Honda's new engine upgrade, describing the situation as uncertain.+ 1 moreSun 23 Aug · 10:00 UTC
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.
Sun 23 Aug · 06:54 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 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 Motorsport WeekAston Martin Secures Investment from Billionaire Woody JohnsonAston Martin has completed a minority stake sale to American billionaire Woody Johnson. This investment comes just ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix.
+ 1 moreThu 20 Aug · 17:51 UTC
via PlanetF1NFL Owner Woody Johnson Joins Aston Martin F1 Team BoardWoody Johnson, an NFL team owner, has acquired a significant stake in the Aston Martin Formula 1 team. He has been appointed as Vice Chairman and will join the team's Board of Directors.
+ 1 moreThu 20 Aug · 14:56 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLawrence Stroll admits defeat in Aston Martin’s ‘five-year plan’ to compete for titlesLawrence Stroll has acknowledged that Aston Martin's initial five-year plan to compete for Formula 1 titles was overly ambitious, leading the team to revise their timeline to a ten-year plan aimed at 2031. Despite a promising start in 2023 with Fernando Alonso achieving multiple podiums, the team faced setbacks, including a lack of podium finishes in 2024 and a drop to seventh place in 2025, primarily due to production delays linked to key personnel and regulatory changes.
To address these challenges, Aston Martin has introduced a new chassis and engine upgrades in 2026, while also planning for a significant leap in performance by 2027. Stroll is actively seeking to strengthen the team's leadership by hiring Jonathan Wheatley as team principal, reflecting a broader strategy to regain competitiveness in the sport amidst a challenging landscape where other midfield teams like Williams are also struggling.Thu 20 Aug · 14:00 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.comLawrence Stroll’s stance on sacking Adrian Newey if Aston Martin’s troubles continue emergesAdrian Newey’s time as Aston Martin’s team principal, as well as being the managing technical partner, has been questioned amid the squad’s troubles in the ...Wed 19 Aug · 16:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Honda to Debut New F1 Power Unit at Dutch Grand PrixHonda is set to introduce its upgraded Formula 1 power unit at the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix. This marks a significant milestone for the manufacturer as it aims to enhance performance for Aston Martin drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.
+ 1 moreTue 18 Aug · 11:50 UTC
via grandprix.comAntonelli tops driver ranking, Stroll dead lastKimi Antonelli has emerged as the top driver in the mid-season rankings by Auto Motor und Sport, achieving an impressive average score of 8.64 after winning six of the first eleven races. Max Verstappen and Lando Norris follow closely behind, with scores of 8.27 and 8.09 respectively, while Lance Stroll finds himself at the bottom of the rankings with a score of 5.18 after a challenging season with Aston Martin.
The rankings highlight the performance disparities among drivers, with Antonelli clearly outperforming his teammate George Russell, who is ranked fifth. Other notable mentions include Esteban Ocon and Alexander Albon, who are also struggling in the standings. The article emphasizes that the decision regarding Stroll's future in the team rests solely with his father, Lawrence Stroll.
via RaceFansAlonso vs Stroll: 2026 F1 team mates’ head-to-head scores at summer break | Formula 1Lance Stroll managed to break a long streak of qualifying defeats against his teammate Fernando Alonso during the 2026 F1 season, achieving a narrow victory by just five hundredths of a second in Spain. This marked the end of Stroll's 42-race losing streak in qualifying sessions, a significant milestone for the driver after nearly two years of consistent losses to Alonso.
Despite this personal achievement, the overall performance of the Aston Martin team has been disappointing throughout the season. Both Stroll and Alonso face challenges beyond their qualifying rivalry, as the team's struggles have overshadowed individual performances.Mon 17 Aug · 07:09 UTC
via RacingNews365Lance Stroll outlines desire after 'not-so-nice' F1 shake-upLance Stroll has voiced his concerns regarding the new F1 engine regulations set for 2026, which have significantly altered the power dynamics of the cars. He highlighted that the internal combustion engine now contributes only half of the power, with batteries taking on the other half, leading to a complex system where drivers cannot fully control power deployment. This has resulted in a racing style that Stroll describes as 'yo-yo racing,' where drivers must manage battery levels while attempting to overtake competitors.
Stroll is hopeful for a future shift back to V8 engines, as suggested by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, which he believes could simplify the power unit and enhance the racing experience. He expressed dissatisfaction with the current regulations, stating that they detract from the enjoyment of driving and create confusion during races. Stroll's comments reflect a broader concern among drivers about the impact of these regulations on the competitive nature of Formula 1.Sat 15 Aug · 13:55 UTC
via F1iAdrian Newey's Future at Aston Martin Questioned by ExpertsConcerns have been raised about Adrian Newey's impact at Aston Martin amid speculation about his future. Commentators are questioning whether the renowned designer's influence is waning as the team invests heavily in its development.
+ 2 moreFri 14 Aug · 10:21 UTC
via PlanetF1Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli at centre of Montoya Malaysia predictionThe Sepang Circuit in Malaysia will host the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix, marking F1's return to the venue for the first time since 2017. This change is due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, and it has led to a unique race weekend setup. Juan Pablo Montoya has predicted that championship leader Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen will perform exceptionally well at this popular track, which he regards as his favorite. Antonelli currently holds a significant lead in the Drivers' Championship, while Verstappen is the last winner at Sepang from 2017.
The race weekend at Sepang will be part of a triple-header, following races in Baku and Singapore, resulting in a busy schedule of six races over seven weekends. Montoya highlighted the importance of bravery for drivers to succeed at Sepang, indicating that both Verstappen and Antonelli possess the skills needed to navigate its challenges effectively. This strategic adjustment by F1 aims to ensure a full championship despite the circumstances affecting the original race location.Fri 14 Aug · 08:07 UTC
via PlanetF1Best team radio of 2026: Verstappen ‘morons’ rant, Wolff stages intervention, Stroll dutyMax Verstappen has publicly demanded that the FIA impose a double penalty following the resurfacing of an untelevised team radio message. This incident has reignited discussions about driver conduct and penalties within the sport, particularly in light of Verstappen's frustrations during recent races, including issues with his car at the British Grand Prix.
In addition to Verstappen's comments, other notable team radio exchanges have emerged from the 2026 season. Toto Wolff had to intervene during a heated moment between his drivers, Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, while Oscar Piastri expressed his anger towards Carlos Sainz after a collision in Hungary. These incidents highlight the ongoing tensions and competitive nature among drivers in Formula 1.Fri 14 Aug · 04:57 UTCPage 3 of 4