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via PlanetF1Adrian Newey reveals why Aston Martin delayed AMR26 wind tunnel workAdrian Newey, the team principal of Aston Martin, addressed the delays in the development of the AMR26 car, which entered the wind tunnel four months later than competitors. This setback, attributed to the timing of the car's model readiness and a strategic decision to wait for their own wind tunnel, significantly compressed the team's research and design cycle. As a result, the AMR26 faced issues such as being overweight and lacking downforce, compounded by vibrations from the Honda power unit.
In response to these challenges, Aston Martin introduced a B-spec version of the AMR26 during the Hungarian Grand Prix, featuring 16 new parts. Newey expressed hope that this update would mark a turning point for the team, aiming to improve their performance in the upcoming races. Additionally, the team anticipates a power boost from Honda's updated engine, which could enhance their competitiveness in the second half of the season.
Tue 18 Aug · 08:42 UTC
via f1oversteer.comAdrian Newey's Critique of Honda's F1 Experience Gains AttentionAston Martin's team principal Adrian Newey has been validated in his concerns regarding Honda's preparedness for Formula 1. The Japanese manufacturer is set to provide an upgraded engine at the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix.
Tue 18 Aug · 07:30 UTC
via gpfans.comAston Martin receives major power unit upgrade from HondaAston Martin is set to introduce a significant power unit upgrade at the Dutch Grand Prix. The new 'Spec 2' power unit from Honda aims to enhance the team's performance and competitiveness in the race.
+ 2 moreMon 17 Aug · 17:45 UTC
via RacingNews365Exclusive: Honda reveal initial Aston Martin response to F1 issues: 'They never complained'Honda and Aston Martin have faced significant challenges in their first season together in Formula 1, particularly with reliability issues and severe battery vibrations affecting driver performance. Despite these difficulties, Aston Martin maintained a positive relationship with Honda, refraining from complaints and engaging in daily meetings to address the problems. As a result, their communication and collaboration have reportedly improved over the course of the season.
Aston Martin's performance has been lackluster, currently sitting at the bottom of the constructors' championship with only one point. However, recent upgrades to their chassis have shown promise, and Honda is preparing to introduce a power unit upgrade at the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix. Both teams remain motivated to improve their standings and performance as they look to overcome the early setbacks they faced this season.
Mon 17 Aug · 15:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comRob Smedley reveals why he turned down F1 team principal rolesRob Smedley, a former race engineer for Ferrari and Williams, has recently declined offers for team principal roles in Formula 1. He articulated his reluctance during a podcast, citing the lack of control over the entire team as a significant factor in his decision. Smedley emphasized that being publicly accountable for a team's performance without having full authority over all aspects does not make sense to him.
During the discussion, Smedley highlighted the pressures associated with the role of a team principal, noting that while he is open to high-pressure positions, he believes that accountability should come with the ability to control all facets of the team. He expressed that it is unreasonable to be held responsible for outcomes when one only has influence over a portion of the team's operations.
Mon 17 Aug · 10:05 UTC
via Motorsport.comAdrian Newey discusses Honda's F1 project changesAdrian Newey addressed the FIA team principals' press conference during the season opener in Melbourne. His comments highlighted the significant changes in Honda's Formula 1 project compared to their previous collaboration with Red Bull.+ 1 moreMon 17 Aug · 09:54 UTC
via Motorsport.comOtmar Szafnauer hints at F1 return on his termsOtmar Szafnauer has expressed openness to a potential return to Formula 1. However, he indicated that any future role may differ from his previous position as a team principal.+ 1 moreMon 17 Aug · 09:39 UTC
via gpfans.comHonda chief delivers reality check to Fernando AlonsoFernando Alonso's aspirations for success with Aston Martin have been impacted by comments from Honda's Chief Engineer Shintaro Orihara. The engineer highlighted the team's ongoing struggles and the collaborative efforts to address early season issues.+ 1 moreMon 17 Aug · 08:00 UTC
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 grandprix.comCadillac suddenly axes Lowdon, Budkowski takes overCadillac has made a surprising decision to replace Graeme Lowdon with Marcin Budkowski as team principal during the summer break. CEO Dan Towriss took full responsibility for the change, clarifying that it was not a mutual decision and highlighting the necessity for confidentiality in such appointments within Formula 1. Budkowski, who has a history in the sport, expressed enthusiasm for leading a project he believes in, supported by significant resources from General Motors and TWG Group.
The management shift has raised speculation about further changes within Cadillac's leadership. Ralf Schumacher, a former F1 driver, indicated that this might be just the beginning of a series of adjustments as the team seeks to enhance its competitive edge in the sport. The abrupt nature of the transition reflects the high-stakes environment of Formula 1, where strategic decisions are often made swiftly and with little public notice.
via gpfans.comFlavio Briatore delivers verdict on Aston Martin dream team: 'The results are lagging behind'Flavio Briatore has shared his perspective on Aston Martin's strategy under the leadership of Adrian Newey, who is being paid around £30 million annually. While Newey is celebrated for his past successes, Briatore argues that simply hiring big names does not ensure results, as evidenced by Aston Martin's current position in the standings, where they sit 10th after a poor start to the 2026 season. He believes in nurturing talent rather than relying on established figures, citing his own history of developing successful team members in the past.
Briatore acknowledges the significant investments made by Lawrence Stroll in assembling a top-tier technical team, which includes notable hires from other leading teams. However, he remains critical of the team's performance, suggesting that despite attracting high-profile names, the results have not met expectations. This situation highlights the challenges faced by teams in Formula 1, where the combination of talent and effective execution is crucial for success.Sun 16 Aug · 16:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFormer F1 Team Principal Shares Unique Approach to Netflix MicrophonesOtmar Szafnauer, a former Formula 1 team principal, disclosed his unconventional method for alerting staff about his microphone during filming for Netflix's Drive to Survive. He aimed to manage the information shared during tense race weekends.+ 2 moreSun 16 Aug · 16:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comHonda chief fears one ‘big problem’ could derail Aston Martin yet again in 2027Honda is preparing to introduce a new engine upgrade for Aston Martin at the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix, which is expected to enhance their performance significantly. However, concerns have been raised regarding potential reliability issues due to a change in fuel flow regulations set for 2027, which could mirror earlier performance challenges faced by the team this season. Honda's chief engineer, Shintaro Orihara, emphasized the importance of improving combustion performance while managing reliability demands as they adapt to the new regulations.
Looking ahead, Honda aims to have a more competitive power unit by early 2027, with aspirations to be among the top teams by 2028. While the new engine is anticipated to work well with the AMR26 chassis designed by Adrian Newey, both Honda and Aston Martin acknowledge that achieving top-tier performance will require continued collaboration and hard work over the coming seasons.Sun 16 Aug · 15:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comHonda Aims for Strongest F1 Engine by 2028Honda is optimistic about improving its performance in Formula 1, targeting a competitive engine by 2028. The company is currently navigating challenges in its partnership with Aston Martin but remains focused on becoming a top competitor.+ 1 moreSun 16 Aug · 13:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFlavio Briatore’s latest decision will be ‘very painful’ for Alpine in the futureFlavio Briatore has returned to Alpine with the goal of revitalizing the team, which has faced significant challenges in recent years. He has made immediate changes, including replacing Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto, and has publicly stated that Alpine will not pursue high-profile engineers, focusing instead on building a strong technical foundation with a collaborative team approach. Briatore believes that consistency and improvement across all areas are essential for the team's success.
Despite his intentions, Briatore's decision to avoid high-profile talent may hinder Alpine's ability to attract the best engineers, especially given the team's current standing in Formula 1. He draws parallels between Alpine's situation and that of Aston Martin, which has not seen success despite its elite technical staff. Briatore acknowledges the need for a cultural shift within the team and emphasizes that rebuilding will take time, but he remains committed to fostering a new generation of technical talent.Sun 16 Aug · 09:30 UTC
via the-race.comAlpine's about to face most critical test yet of new eraThe Alpine Formula 1 team began the 2026 season with ambitions to challenge the leading teams but has since fallen into the midfield, highlighted by a disappointing performance in Hungary where they finished seventh. Pierre Gasly pointed out that the team is struggling to keep pace with competitors, particularly Racing Bulls and Audi, who have made more significant advancements in their car development. Alpine's recent performance has raised concerns about their competitiveness, especially as they have been overtaken in the constructors' championship standings.
Looking ahead, Alpine is preparing to introduce a crucial upgrade package at the Dutch Grand Prix, which they hope will help them regain lost ground. Gasly remains optimistic about the potential improvements, emphasizing the importance of these upgrades for the team's aspirations this season. Despite the challenges, there is still a belief within the team that they can turn their fortunes around, especially with the backing of a Mercedes engine, which was expected to provide a competitive edge.
Sun 16 Aug · 08:42 UTCvia gpfans.comDavid Coulthard backs Aston Martin's comeback in 2026Aston Martin has faced significant challenges in the first half of 2026. Former F1 driver David Coulthard expresses confidence in their potential for a strong recovery.Sat 15 Aug · 19:45 UTC
via PlanetF1Wild Adrian Newey ‘demise’ claim as Rosberg challenges Toto Wolff comments – roundupAdrian Newey's recent appointment as Aston Martin's team principal has raised concerns about his effectiveness, especially as the team has struggled significantly in the early part of the 2026 season, managing only a single point. Johnny Herbert has voiced fears that this could be a sign of Newey's decline, particularly given the development issues faced with the AMR26 due to delays from the previous year.
In other news, the FIA has lifted sanctions on Russian and Belarusian drivers, allowing them to compete under their national flags, although international events in those countries remain prohibited. Additionally, Nico Rosberg has disputed claims made by Toto Wolff regarding their past at Mercedes, while Ferrari has shown improvement this season, with both Hamilton and Leclerc securing victories.Sat 15 Aug · 18:12 UTC
via RacingNews365Flavio Briatore dismisses 'monster high-profile' involvement in Alpine F1 rebuildFlavio Briatore has taken a significant role in the restructuring of Alpine F1, becoming the de facto team principal after a series of leadership changes. He has emphasized the importance of building a strong technical team without relying on high-profile figures, instead focusing on consistency and improvement within the existing structure. Under his guidance, the team has made notable changes, including switching to Mercedes engines and achieving competitive results in the constructors' standings.
Briatore highlighted the achievements of drivers Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto, who have contributed to the team's success this season. He acknowledged the challenges faced during the transition, including workforce reductions, but remains optimistic about the future. Briatore believes that with time and the right approach, Alpine can enhance its technical capabilities and achieve better results in Formula 1.Sat 15 Aug · 16:45 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFranco Colapinto admits he ‘didn’t understand’ the big problem his Alpine data revealedFranco Colapinto has expressed confusion over his performance issues at the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season, where he struggled to understand why he was consistently losing time compared to his teammate Pierre Gasly. After Alpine introduced a lighter chassis in Miami, Colapinto's performance improved significantly, allowing him to achieve his best finishes of P7 and P6 in subsequent races.
Despite his early struggles, Colapinto has shown progress, reducing his qualifying deficit to Gasly and even outperforming him in some Sprint Qualifying sessions. The changes made by Alpine have been pivotal in transforming his performance, leading to a more competitive standing within the team as the season progresses.Sat 15 Aug · 12:00 UTCPage 17 of 21