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via PlanetF1Pierre Gasly to miss Italian GP FP1 as Alpine reserve steps inAlpine has announced that Paul Aron will step in for Pierre Gasly during the first practice session of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. This will mark Aron's fourth appearance in FP1 for the 2026 season, having also driven for Audi in previous sessions. The decision aligns with F1 regulations requiring teams to field rookie drivers in practice sessions throughout the season.
Currently, Alpine sits sixth in the constructors' standings, showing improvement from their last season's performance. Gasly has been a key contributor with 44 points, while his teammate Franco Colapinto has scored significantly fewer points. Gasly's notable achievement includes winning his only F1 race at Monza in 2020.
Wed 2 Sep · 09:02 UTC
via f1oversteer.comCharles Leclerc doesn’t share Lewis Hamilton’s view on Ferrari’s 2026 title chancesCharles Leclerc has expressed a cautious approach regarding Ferrari's chances in the championship, stating he is not focused on the title this season. He is currently 87 points behind Kimi Antonelli and emphasizes a race-by-race mentality as Ferrari seeks to improve its performance, particularly with an upgraded engine set to debut at Monza. Leclerc's previous championship experience includes finishing second to Max Verstappen in 2022, but he acknowledges the challenges posed by competitors like McLaren and Mercedes.
In contrast, Lewis Hamilton maintains a more optimistic outlook, believing that Ferrari can still contend for the championship. He is currently 28 points ahead of Leclerc but trails Antonelli by 59 points. Hamilton's focus remains on winning and accumulating points, despite recent disappointing races. The differing perspectives between Leclerc and Hamilton highlight the contrasting strategies and mindsets within their teams as the season progresses.
Wed 2 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via gpfans.comRed Bull make Isack Hadjar decision ahead of Italian Grand PrixRed Bull Racing is looking to extend Isack Hadjar's contract following his strong performance in the 2026 Formula 1 season. The 21-year-old driver has shown promise as a teammate to Max Verstappen, currently holding eighth place in the Drivers' standings despite missing the Dutch Grand Prix due to injury. His potential has led Red Bull to consider him a valuable asset as they navigate a challenging period for the team.
The second driver position at Red Bull remains uncertain, with Hadjar emerging as a strong candidate to fill the role long-term. The team is also undergoing significant changes, with several key personnel departures and new signings aimed at rebuilding their competitive edge. The decision on Hadjar's return for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix is expected soon, as the team evaluates his recovery.
Wed 2 Sep · 08:45 UTC
via Motorsport.comQatar says it is "safe" and hopes to keep F1, MotoGP races despite Middle East conflictQatar is continuing its preparations for the upcoming Formula 1 and MotoGP races, asserting that the situation in the region has stabilized. Despite the cancellation of the WEC event earlier this year due to geopolitical tensions, officials from the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) express confidence in hosting international sporting events safely and effectively.
Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Latif Al Mannai, president of the QMMF, emphasized that preparations for both racing events are ongoing and that Qatar has returned to normalcy. He noted that while the geopolitical situation remains unpredictable, the country is committed to ensuring the successful organization of these races.
Wed 2 Sep · 08:35 UTC
via PlanetF1FIA monitoring Madring as president casts ‘adventure’ verdict ahead of Spanish GPThe Madring, a new street circuit in Madrid, will host the Spanish Grand Prix, replacing the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has expressed optimism about the event despite acknowledging complications in the homologation process. He will be present at the race, which is set to take place next week following the Italian Grand Prix.
The Madring features notable elements such as the banked Turn 12, which is expected to be a highlight for drivers. During a recent Formula 3 test, the circuit faced numerous red flags, indicating challenges in its layout. Overall, the FIA is closely monitoring the situation as the inaugural Formula 1 event approaches.Wed 2 Sep · 08:29 UTC
via f1oversteer.comGeorge Russell has already shown ‘struggling’ Oscar Piastri exactly what he needs to do at McLarenGeorge Russell and Oscar Piastri are experiencing contrasting fortunes in the 2026 Formula 1 season, with Russell struggling to keep pace with his teammate Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes. Despite his challenges, Russell showed signs of improvement by winning the Sprint race and finishing third in the Dutch Grand Prix, while Piastri has fallen behind, with only two podium finishes this season and significant time lost to his teammate Lando Norris.
The article highlights that Russell is adapting better to the new regulations compared to Piastri, who continues to struggle, particularly on low-grip circuits. McLaren's Andrea Stella has noted that Piastri needs to make adjustments to improve his performance, as he currently sits seventh in the standings and risks being overshadowed by Norris's success.Wed 2 Sep · 08:00 UTC
via gpfans.comBombshell new Honda report claims true extent of Aston Martin power vacuumAston Martin has faced significant challenges with Honda's power unit in the 2026 Formula 1 season, managing to score only three points across the first 12 races. Despite a new engine specification introduced at the Dutch Grand Prix, the team remains approximately 70 horsepower behind Mercedes, leading to a notable performance deficit on the track. This has resulted in concerns about the driveability of their cars, particularly as they head into the power-intensive Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
Honda's chief engineer has acknowledged the limitations of their power unit and emphasized the need for realistic expectations moving forward. The focus for the upcoming race will be on enhancing the driveability of the engine rather than solely on power improvements. Reports suggest that it may take Honda several years to fully address the performance gap compared to their rivals, which poses a significant challenge for Aston Martin's competitiveness in the current season.Wed 2 Sep · 07:58 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.Wed 2 Sep · 07:01 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFred Vasseur claims Ferrari ‘didn’t have control’ over Lewis Hamilton after he joinedFred Vasseur, the team principal of Ferrari, discussed the challenges faced by Lewis Hamilton during his first season with the team in 2025. Hamilton struggled significantly, failing to secure any podium finishes and achieving his lowest points total in recent years. Vasseur noted that both Hamilton and Ferrari lacked control over their collaboration, which contributed to a difficult season for both parties. However, improvements have been made in 2026, leading to better results for Hamilton, including a Grand Prix victory in Barcelona and a strong points tally early in the season.
The changes in the regulations for 2026 have positively impacted Hamilton's performance, allowing him to adapt his driving style more effectively. Vasseur emphasized the importance of collaboration and understanding within the team, which has been enhanced since Hamilton's arrival. With a new race engineer and a better grasp of the Ferrari team dynamics, Hamilton is now positioned to compete at the front of the grid.Wed 2 Sep · 07:00 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 News Today: Aston Martin power struggle, cash-strapped Mercedes 'need GoFundMe'Aston Martin is facing challenges with their Honda power unit ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, as their chief engineer expressed concerns about performance at Monza. The team had hoped for improvements following a recent upgrade at the Dutch Grand Prix, but uncertainty remains about their competitiveness this weekend.
Meanwhile, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has raised eyebrows by claiming financial constraints are limiting their ability to develop cars, despite the team's significant valuation. In other news, Lando Norris has secured a long-term deal with McLaren, while Lewis Hamilton's recent success with Ferrari has sparked discussions about his future with the team.Wed 2 Sep · 06:30 UTC
via RacingNews365McLaren offers 'in reality' evidence to explain puzzling F1 car traitMcLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, addressed the team's ongoing challenges with slow-speed corners, particularly in relation to Lando Norris's recent successes in Hungary and the Netherlands. Despite the MCL40's weaknesses in these areas, Norris managed to secure pole positions and victories, leading to questions about the car's performance traits during races on tracks typically classified as low-speed circuits.
Stella clarified that the characteristics of the Hungaroring are more aligned with medium-speed corners, which helped mitigate the car's slow-speed deficiencies. He emphasized that the dynamics of racing, including longer corner durations and braking patterns, exacerbate the impact of low-speed weaknesses, particularly at Zandvoort. The insights provided by Stella suggest that setup differences and track characteristics played a crucial role in the team's performance outcomes.
Wed 2 Sep · 06:20 UTC
via grandprix.comMika Hakkinen Cautions Teams Against Using Team Orders in 2026Mika Hakkinen has expressed concern that Formula 1 teams could face severe backlash from fans if they implement team orders to favor one driver in the upcoming title fight. The two-time world champion emphasized that the current fanbase is more critical and less tolerant of such tactics compared to previous generations.
via grandprix.comHerta, Browning and Aron get Monza FP1 runsDuring the opening practice session at Monza, three reserve drivers will take the wheel for their respective teams as part of the mandatory rookie program. Colton Herta will drive for Cadillac, Luke Browning will replace Alex Albon at Williams, and Paul Aron will take over Pierre Gasly's Alpine. Each driver aims to gather valuable data and experience on the circuit, which is known for its unique demands on energy deployment and low-drag efficiency.
The session is significant for the teams as it allows them to complete their required rookie outings. Herta, Browning, and Aron are all looking to contribute to their teams' performance, with Browning also balancing his role with a Super Formula program. After the session, Aron plans to continue his work by using the insights gained from driving to assist in the simulator, further enhancing the team's setup ahead of the race weekend.
via grandprix.comMonza winners to lift Pirelli's 'Fragile' trophiesPirelli has introduced unique 'Fragile' trophies for the podium at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix in Monza. Designed by artists Stella Scala and Simeone Crispino, these trophies feature a precarious stack of household items, emphasizing the fleeting nature of success in Formula 1. The trophies were created through a combination of traditional sketches and modern 3D printing techniques, resulting in a reflective finish that highlights their artistic value.
In addition to the trophies, Pirelli will provide special podium caps adorned with gold embroidery, celebrating the Italian national sport. The design has already generated considerable online buzz, with many noting its resemblance to kitchenware. This initiative is part of Pirelli's ongoing collaboration with the HangarBicocca contemporary art museum, showcasing the intersection of art and motorsport.
via grandprix.comArgentina told it must displace an existing F1 raceArgentina is pushing to return to the Formula 1 calendar, with support from FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Argentine President Javier Milei. However, the current F1 schedule is crowded, and any new race would require the removal of an existing one, which poses a significant challenge for Argentina's bid.
The Oscar y Juan Galvez circuit is undergoing redevelopment to meet international standards, but securing a Grand Prix will depend on various factors, including a solid business plan and government backing. The rising popularity of driver Franco Colapinto is seen as a positive influence in this endeavor, yet the question remains as to which current race would be sacrificed for Argentina's inclusion.
via RacingNews365George Russell wary of Mercedes stumble after 'out of sync' upgrade pushGeorge Russell has voiced concerns about Mercedes' position in the Formula 1 championship, particularly due to the lack of significant upgrades since May. With the team leading the constructors' standings by 87 points, Russell is wary of the potential impact of their delayed upgrade strategy, especially as rivals like Ferrari and McLaren gain momentum. He is currently 59 points behind teammate Kimi Antonelli and noted that Lando Norris's recent performance has made McLaren a formidable competitor.
Russell emphasized the importance of the upcoming races, stating that the team must hope their forthcoming upgrades work effectively. He acknowledged that the pace between him and Antonelli has become more comparable, but he remains cautious about the challenges ahead, given the team's current development trajectory and the competitive landscape in the championship.Wed 2 Sep · 05:25 UTC
via f1technical.netMcLaren Unveils Special Livery for Upcoming Grands PrixMcLaren has introduced a new livery for its MCL40 cars, celebrating four years with partner OKX. This special design will be showcased at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix in Monza and the Spanish Grand Prix.
+ 1 moreWed 2 Sep · 05:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Toto Wolff got ‘lots of sh*t’ as Lewis Hamilton story recalledThe article discusses a memorable incident from the 2018 Singapore Grand Prix involving Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff. Wolff faced scrutiny from Niki Lauda for allowing Hamilton to attend fashion shows before the race, which led to concerns about Hamilton's commitment. Despite the criticism, Hamilton delivered an outstanding performance, securing pole position and winning the race, which bolstered his lead in the championship standings.
Additionally, the article highlights Hamilton's growing celebrity status outside of Formula 1, particularly in the fashion industry, where he has collaborated with notable brands. It also mentions Hamilton's recent acquisition of a Ferrari F40 and his ongoing renovation project for the car.Wed 2 Sep · 04:56 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris Signs New McLaren Contract Amid Other Team InterestsLando Norris has officially signed a contract extension with McLaren, committing to the team until at least 2030. He acknowledged that he had interest from rival teams before deciding to remain with McLaren.+ 6 moreWed 2 Sep · 04:30 UTCVerstappen tipped for Monza shockSep.2 (GMM) Red Bull has confirmed that Tom McCullough will join the team at the beginning of 2027 as its new Head of Racing. Earlier, it was reported that he was the replacement for Gianpiero Lambiase as he repares to move to McLaren. “We’re delighted to welcome Tom to the Team at the beginning of…Page 42 of 58