Lance StrollSergio Pérez 
via PlanetF1‘Wake up!’ – Tense Lance Stroll exchange in untelevised Italian GP team radioDuring the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll had a heated exchange with his race engineer, urging him to "wake up" as he faced technical issues. Stroll retired from the race after 26 laps due to a suspected hydraulic problem, while his teammate Fernando Alonso also withdrew, marking a disappointing outing for the team.
The race was won by Kimi Antonelli, who started from 19th position. Stroll's struggles were compounded by energy management issues, which he acknowledged contributed to his loss of positions. Looking ahead, Stroll expressed optimism about the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix, suggesting that the new Madring circuit may suit Aston Martin's car better.
PlanetF1Wed 9 Sep · 07:52 UTC
via CrashWild Lance Stroll stat highlights Charles Leclerc's 2026 F1 strugglesCharles Leclerc's 2026 Formula 1 season has been marked by significant struggles, culminating in a crash during the Italian Grand Prix. This incident has added to his tally of failures to finish races, contrasting sharply with Lewis Hamilton's flawless performance this season, where he has completed every lap. The points gap between Leclerc and Hamilton has widened again to 36 points after a brief narrowing earlier in the season due to Leclerc's victory at the British Grand Prix.
In a surprising twist, Lance Stroll, often criticized for his performance, has managed to crash only once this season, while Leclerc has crashed four times. The financial implications of their crashes are stark, with Leclerc facing nearly $1.9 million in damages compared to Stroll's $375,000. This season has proven to be particularly challenging for Leclerc, as he continues to struggle to match his teammate's performance and maintain competitiveness in the championship.
CrashMon 7 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comWho slept worst last night: George RussellGeorge Russell faced a tough race at the Italian GP, finishing in second place behind his teammate Kimi Antonelli, who made an impressive comeback from 19th on the grid to win. This result has left Russell with a significant 66-point gap in the championship standings, prompting him to reflect on his chances of winning the title this season.
In a post-race press conference, Russell expressed acceptance of his current situation, acknowledging Antonelli's dominance and the challenges ahead. He emphasized his intention to enjoy the remaining races and focus on winning, despite the difficult reality of his championship aspirations.
Motorsport.comMon 7 Sep · 05:41 UTC
via Motorsport WeekThe Aston Martin Monza Nightmare: Alonso’s Pit-Lane Start, Stroll’s 100th Q1 ExitAston Martin faced significant challenges during the qualifying session for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Lance Stroll marked a milestone with his 100th Q1 exit, while Fernando Alonso's participation was hindered by a serious power unit issue, forcing him to start the race from the pit lane. The team acknowledged that their performance was lacking, particularly in terms of raw speed, as Stroll qualified notably slower than competitors, including Cadillac, which is positioned at the back of the grid. Alonso highlighted the importance of power at Monza, contrasting it with other circuits where drivability improvements could be more beneficial.
Looking ahead, Alonso remains optimistic about the future, indicating that the team is already focusing on improvements for the 2027 season. He acknowledged the difficulties faced at Monza but emphasized the need to develop both the chassis and engine. Despite the disappointing results, Alonso paid homage to his early career mentor, Adrian Campos, showcasing a personal connection amidst the team's struggles. The overall sentiment suggests that Aston Martin is preparing for a challenging remainder of the season while aiming for better performance in the coming years.
Motorsport WeekSun 6 Sep · 12:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFernando Alonso and Lance Stroll did exactly what Honda implored them not to do at Italian GPFernando Alonso and Lance Stroll openly criticized Honda's engine performance during the Italian Grand Prix weekend, despite warnings from Honda president Koji Watanabe to avoid such comments. Their remarks followed a disappointing showing at the Dutch Grand Prix, where the Spec 2 engine did not meet expectations, leading to concerns about the partnership between Honda and Aston Martin.
Both drivers acknowledged the need for improvements, with Alonso highlighting a significant power deficit and Stroll pointing out that while the chassis is acceptable, the power is lacking. The ongoing criticism has put the relationship between the two parties on thin ice, with discussions of Aston Martin potentially seeking alternative engine suppliers in the future.
f1oversteer.comSun 6 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via Sky Sports F1Hamilton criticises Ferrari's qualifying performanceLewis Hamilton expressed disappointment with Ferrari's performance during the qualifying session for the Italian Grand Prix. He described their execution as lacking, particularly in their efforts to secure a competitive position.
Sky Sports F1+ 1 moreSat 5 Sep · 18:31 UTC
via RaceFans22 videosPierre Gasly claims pole position at MonzaPierre Gasly secured pole position for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, marking a significant achievement for both him and the Alpine team. This pole is notable as it represents France's first in nearly 30 years and Enstone's first since 2009.Pit Lane Daily EditorialSat 5 Sep · 14:26 UTC
via PlanetF1FIA confirms Lance Stroll punishment after ‘dangerous’ Lando Norris incidentThe FIA has issued a warning to Lance Stroll and Aston Martin following a dangerous incident involving Lando Norris during FP2 at the Italian Grand Prix. Norris expressed his frustration over team radio after being forced to run wide due to Stroll's slow speed on the track, prompting the FIA to investigate the situation. The stewards concluded that Stroll impeded Norris unnecessarily, leading to the warning for both the driver and the team.
Stroll's performance in FP2 was notably poor, as he finished last among all drivers. This incident adds to his struggles in the 2026 season, where he has not yet scored any points, with his best finish being 13th place in Hungary. The FIA's decision reflects ongoing concerns about driver safety and adherence to regulations in Formula 1.PlanetF1Fri 4 Sep · 17:55 UTC
via f1oversteer.comSergio Perez admits one moment in his F1 career that was even ‘harder’ than leaving Red BullSergio Perez reflected on his career in Formula 1, highlighting that his departure from McLaren was the most challenging moment he faced, even more so than his exit from Red Bull Racing. After joining Red Bull in 2021 and contributing to their success, he struggled with the car's sensitivity and felt isolated within the team, leading to his release at the end of 2024.
In contrast, his time at McLaren in 2013 was marked by disappointment, as the team failed to secure any podium finishes. Perez had initially been a rising star, attracting interest from top teams after a strong performance with Sauber. However, his decision to join McLaren backfired, and he attributes part of the struggle to immaturity and a lack of teamwork, which ultimately impacted his career trajectory.f1oversteer.comWed 2 Sep · 18:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Sergio Perez to miss Italian Grand Prix FP1 as Colton Herta steps inColton Herta has been announced as the driver to replace Sergio Perez during the first practice session of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. This marks Herta's third appearance in FP1 for the 2026 season, having previously participated in sessions in Barcelona and Hungary. As a development driver for Cadillac, Herta aims for a future seat in Formula 1 while also competing in Formula 2, where he has achieved a best finish of fifth this season.
The decision to have Herta step in for Perez aligns with F1 regulations requiring teams to field a rookie driver in four FP1 sessions per season. Cadillac has struggled in its debut season, still seeking its first points, with Valtteri Bottas's 13th-place finish in China being the team's best result so far. The team is also undergoing leadership changes, with Marcin Budkowski taking over as team principal.PlanetF1Wed 2 Sep · 07:01 UTC
via f1oversteer.comAston Martin ‘investigation’ confirms Lawrence Stroll has found genius loophole in F1 cost capThe article discusses how Aston Martin's approach to compensating its top engineers through share packages rather than higher salaries is a clever workaround for the F1 budget cap. Despite currently being near the bottom of the standings, Lawrence Stroll remains optimistic about the team's long-term plan to achieve championship titles, bolstered by the expertise of the personnel he has recruited.f1oversteer.comTue 1 Sep · 17:00 UTC
via F1iPerez putting vast F1 network to work for CadillacSergio Perez is playing a crucial role in Cadillac's entry into Formula 1 by utilizing his extensive network to help the team recruit talent. Despite not having the final say in hiring, he is actively recommending individuals he believes could enhance the team's performance as they establish themselves in the competitive landscape of F1. Cadillac's challenge is compounded by the reluctance of established teams to release key personnel, making Perez's connections particularly valuable.
In addition to recruitment, Perez sees potential in leveraging General Motors' vast motorsport experience to gain insights that could benefit Cadillac. He advocates for an open-minded approach to learning from other racing disciplines, which could help the team innovate and build its identity without being constrained by traditional F1 practices. As Cadillac prepares for its inaugural season in 2026, Perez's contributions extend beyond the racetrack, aiming to lay a strong foundation for the team's future success.
F1iMon 31 Aug · 17:12 UTC
via Motorsport.comSergio Perez "had conversations" with other F1 teams - but never thought of leaving CadillacSergio Perez has confirmed that he engaged in discussions with other Formula 1 teams about a possible move for the 2027 season, but he remains committed to Cadillac Racing. His management's talks with Williams were cut short when Carlos Sainz renewed his contract, and although there were links to Alpine, they have decided to keep Franco Colapinto for the upcoming season. Perez views his role at Cadillac as part of a long-term project and is eager to contribute to the team's development beyond its inaugural season.
With the recent appointment of Marcin Budkowski as team principal, Perez is optimistic about the future and is focused on improving various operational aspects of the team, including pitstops and race strategy. He believes that closing the performance gap with other teams is crucial for Cadillac's success and is looking forward to seeing tangible progress as they prepare for the next season.Motorsport.comSat 29 Aug · 16:00 UTC
via F1i'A lot of disappointment’: Perez demands progress from CadillacSergio Perez has expressed his disappointment with Cadillac's performance in their first season in Formula 1, highlighting the team's struggles with development and reliability. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to the project, emphasizing his desire to help build the team from the ground up and improve their standing on the grid.
Looking ahead, Perez is optimistic that the changes within the team, including the new leadership of Marcin Budkowski, will lead to significant improvements. He believes that closing the gap to other teams this season will set a solid foundation for Cadillac's second season in 2027, maintaining his motivation to compete at the highest level.F1iFri 28 Aug · 09:34 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLawrence Stroll just ‘sounded out’ two F1 engine manufacturers as Aston Martin seek Plan-B to HondaAston Martin is exploring alternatives to their current engine supplier, Honda, due to disappointing performance in the 2026 F1 season. Lawrence Stroll has reached out to Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains to discuss potential engine supply deals for 2028, as Honda's engine has been criticized for being underpowered and problematic. Despite a recent points finish by Fernando Alonso, the team is considering a backup plan if Honda does not deliver significant improvements by 2027.
The partnership with Honda has faced challenges, including staff redistribution and design issues that have led to excessive vibrations in the engine. Stroll is aware of the financial implications and is weighing the possibility of returning to Mercedes or switching to Red Bull Powertrains. Meanwhile, Honda's leadership has committed to enhancing their engine's performance, but there are uncertainties about Aston Martin's future engine partnerships and the willingness of other manufacturers to accept them as customers.f1oversteer.comFri 28 Aug · 08:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Lance Stroll calls for FIA penalty action in untelevised Dutch GP team radioDuring the Dutch Grand Prix, Lance Stroll urged the FIA to impose penalties on drivers who disregarded a red light at the pit lane exit. This call came after Oliver Bearman and Gabriel Bortoleto were reprimanded for their infractions during the restart procedure following a red flag caused by Max Verstappen's crash. Stroll's frustration was evident as he communicated with his team, insisting that those who violated the rules should receive stop-and-go penalties.
Stroll was the first driver to recognize the red light and halted his car, while his teammate Fernando Alonso managed to finish ninth, contributing to Aston Martin's second points finish of the season. Stroll, however, retired from the race after experiencing significant damage to his car, which he stated affected his performance throughout the event.PlanetF1Thu 27 Aug · 08:35 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 paddock insider shares fascinating verdict on Aston Martin's billionaire owner Lawrence StrollRalf Schumacher has praised Lawrence Stroll, the billionaire owner of Aston Martin, for his significant contributions to Formula 1 since entering the sport in 2018. Stroll's leadership has seen the team evolve from Force India to Aston Martin, with substantial investments in infrastructure and personnel, including the hiring of Adrian Newey and the signing of Fernando Alonso as a driver.
Schumacher believes that Stroll's assertiveness and passion for the sport are beneficial for F1, and he is optimistic about Aston Martin's prospects for the remainder of the season. Following a major car upgrade, the team has shown improvement, with Alonso recently scoring points, indicating a positive trajectory for their performance.
gpfans.comWed 26 Aug · 21:30 UTC
via f1chronicle.comSergio Perez Says Cadillac’s Pace Was ‘Very Strong’ at the Dutch Grand Prix as Valtteri Bottas Suffers a Sixth DNF in 12 RacesSergio Perez expressed optimism about Cadillac's performance at the Dutch Grand Prix, despite the team finishing without points. He noted that the car's pace was strong, particularly when not in traffic, although the team still needs to improve to compete with the midfield. Perez finished 15th, while teammate Valtteri Bottas faced another setback, retiring with a hydraulic issue, marking his sixth DNF this season.
Cadillac remains without points in their inaugural season and is currently trailing Aston Martin in the constructors' standings. Both drivers are focused on learning from their experiences and hope to translate their improvements into points at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix in Monza. The team is still adjusting to the challenges of being a new constructor in Formula 1.
f1chronicle.comWed 26 Aug · 16:48 UTC
via RacingNews365Sergio Perez spies twin Cadillac promise after 'massive trial'Sergio Perez had a challenging experience during the Dutch Grand Prix, finishing in 15th place after starting from the pit-lane due to technical issues. Despite the difficulties, he observed some positive developments for the Cadillac team, particularly during the second stint of the race, where he felt the car's pace improved significantly. Perez's performance was marked by a strategic overtake of teammate Valtteri Bottas, who secured the team's best result of 13th earlier in the season.
The article highlights the recent leadership change at Cadillac, with Marcin Budkowski taking over as team principal. Perez praised Budkowski's efforts and leadership style, indicating that he is making a positive impact on the team's direction. As Cadillac continues to seek its first points in the 2026 season, Perez remains optimistic about the potential for improvement moving forward.
RacingNews365Wed 26 Aug · 16:20 UTC
via racer.comLawson satisfied after late Red Bull call-up at ZandvoortLiam Lawson stepped in for the injured Isack Hadjar at the Dutch Grand Prix, where he finished seventh. This was a significant opportunity for Lawson, who had previously been replaced by Yuki Tsunoda after a brief stint with Red Bull in 2025. He qualified alongside Max Verstappen but faced challenges adapting to the car's different aerodynamics and setup within a limited timeframe.
During the race, Lawson observed Verstappen's crash on the first lap and commented on the difficult conditions caused by wet corners. He also questioned the rationale behind the formation lap behind the Safety Car, suggesting it was unnecessary. Looking ahead, Lawson may continue to drive for Red Bull if Hadjar is unable to return for the upcoming race at Monza.
racer.comWed 26 Aug · 12:05 UTC
via Formula1.comPerez and Bottas reflect on Cadillac's Dutch Grand PrixSergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, drivers for Cadillac, reflected on their experiences from the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix, where the team continues to struggle in their first season without scoring any points. Despite Perez finishing in P15, he noted improvements in the car's performance and expressed optimism about their pace when not in traffic. Bottas, however, faced another setback, retiring from the race due to a hydraulic issue, marking his sixth DNF this season.
The Cadillac team is still working to enhance their competitiveness, as they fell further behind Aston Martin in the standings after Alonso's points finish. Both drivers are focused on learning from their experiences and making necessary adjustments to improve their performance in future races.
Formula1.comWed 26 Aug · 11:08 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRUMOURAston 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.f1oversteer.comWed 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.f1oversteer.comTue 25 Aug · 17:00 UTC
via f1technical.netHow did Budkowski assess his first race as Cadillac's team boss?Cadillac faced challenges during the Dutch Grand Prix, with Sergio Perez finishing in 15th place after starting from the pit lane. Valtteri Bottas was unable to complete the race due to a hydraulic issue, marking his sixth DNF this season. Despite these setbacks, Perez managed to show competitive pace and finished ahead of a rival team, Williams. Team Principal Marcin Budkowski noted the eventful nature of his debut race and highlighted the need for improvements in both pace and reliability moving forward.
Budkowski expressed appreciation for the team's efforts throughout the weekend and acknowledged the strategic difficulties posed by changing conditions. He praised Perez's performance while also expressing disappointment over Bottas' retirement. The team aims to analyze their performance and focus on enhancements as they prepare for the next race.
f1technical.netTue 25 Aug · 07:30 UTC