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via f1oversteer.comMcLaren wanted to put Mark Webber ‘back in his box’ by speaking to Max VerstappenMcLaren's interest in Max Verstappen has been highlighted following his new contract with Red Bull, which confirms Oscar Piastri's continued presence at the team for at least another year. McLaren's management, including Zak Brown, acknowledged their interest in Verstappen, suggesting they would have pursued him if they had the capacity for a third car. This situation has created tension with Mark Webber, Piastri's manager, particularly after Piastri's championship loss to Lando Norris, leading to speculation about Webber's diminishing influence in Piastri's career decisions.
The dynamics between McLaren and Webber have reportedly soured, with claims that he has been sidelined in favor of a more commercial focus and that he may not even have access to McLaren's hospitality. Despite these tensions, Webber has consistently denied that Piastri is exploring options to leave the team, indicating that he remains committed to McLaren despite the ongoing speculation and internal changes.
Thu 20 Aug · 20:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comLando Norris claims second pole at Dutch Grand PrixLando Norris achieved pole position for the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, marking his second pole of the 2026 season. He outperformed George Russell in the qualifying session leading up to the race.
Thu 20 Aug · 18:50 UTC
via Formula1.comLando Norris cites victory as confidence boost for McLarenLando Norris expressed his growing confidence as Formula 1 enters its second half. Following his recent victory in Hungary, he believes both he and McLaren can maintain a competitive edge.
+ 1 moreThu 20 Aug · 15:57 UTC
via CrashGeorge Russell confident in Mercedes seat securityGeorge Russell has stated that his position at Mercedes was never in jeopardy, even with Max Verstappen's recent contract extension at Red Bull. He expressed relief that speculation regarding Verstappen potentially joining Mercedes has been put to rest.
+ 4 moreThu 20 Aug · 13:29 UTC
via RacingNews365McLaren making regular F1 discoveries after Mercedes teething troubleMcLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, has highlighted the ongoing learning process the team is experiencing with its Mercedes HPP power unit. Despite initial challenges, including a double Did Not Start in China, Stella is optimistic about the team's progress in understanding and optimizing the power unit's performance as the season progresses. He noted that the collaboration with Mercedes HPP is crucial for McLaren to fully exploit the engine's capabilities.
Stella expressed that while the team has made significant discoveries, they are still a few races away from complete comprehension of the power unit's behavior. He acknowledged that some issues may seem random but are influenced by sensitive parameters, indicating a complex relationship between engineering factors and performance outcomes.
Thu 20 Aug · 09:05 UTC
via f1technical.netFrom Catch-Up to Contender: How McLaren transformed the MCL40 in 2026McLaren began the 2026 Formula 1 season as the reigning champions but faced challenges with their MCL40 car, which was not initially the fastest. Over the first half of the season, they implemented significant upgrades and improved their understanding of the new regulations and power unit, leading to a notable victory by Lando Norris at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The development of the MCL40 has focused on gradual improvements rather than radical changes, with the team addressing issues such as weight management and drivability. They have also learned to optimize the performance of their Mercedes power units and the new tyres, aiming to enhance both the car's speed and the drivers' ability to extract maximum performance.
Thu 20 Aug · 01:00 UTC
via RacingNews365Ferrari and McLaren to launch attack on Mercedes at ZandvoortFerrari and McLaren are set to enhance their performance at the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, with both teams introducing significant upgrades. Ferrari will debut a new floor for the SF-26, aimed at increasing downforce and improving competitiveness on twisty circuits. This upgrade follows a thorough analysis of their performance data from previous races, leading to a swift decision to develop and produce the new components ahead of the race weekend. Additionally, an updated power unit is planned for Monza, featuring a larger turbine to boost engine performance on straights, although a complete performance gap closure with rivals is not expected until 2027.
McLaren is also making strides with a new floor for the MCL40, which completes a development package initiated in Hungary. The team has identified weaknesses in their car's design that cannot be altered mid-season, but they remain optimistic that recent updates will help unlock the car's potential. Both teams are focusing on maximizing their capabilities as they aim to challenge Mercedes in the latter half of the season, with Ferrari particularly confident in their development and production capabilities.Wed 19 Aug · 14:25 UTC
via Formula1.comPiastri sets clear target for second half of the seasonOscar Piastri has set his sights on consistently challenging for race wins in the latter half of the 2026 Formula 1 season with McLaren. After a rocky start to the season, including missing two races and experiencing mixed results, Piastri remains optimistic about the team's potential to improve and return to the front of the grid, drawing on their past successes and effective collaboration with teammate Lando Norris.
Despite facing challenges under new regulations, McLaren has shown the ability to enhance their performance through strategic upgrades. Piastri highlighted the team's strong work ethic and shared goals, indicating a belief that they can replicate previous achievements and climb the standings as they aim to regain their competitive edge in the championship.Wed 19 Aug · 12:14 UTC
via PlanetF1Lawson and Tsunoda Confirmed for Dutch Grand Prix LineupLiam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda will participate in the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix. They are stepping in for Isack Hadjar, who is sidelined due to a wrist injury.
+ 2 moreWed 19 Aug · 11:09 UTC
via RacingNews365McLaren confirm further boost after victory breakthroughMcLaren has confirmed that it will introduce new upgrades for the Dutch Grand Prix following its victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix, marking its first win of the season. The upgrades, which include a new rear wing and rear brake ducts, are aimed at enhancing the car's performance as the team seeks to maintain its momentum in the championship race.
Technical director Neil Houdley acknowledged the challenges posed by the upcoming sprint weekend, which will limit practice time to just one session. He highlighted the importance of reliability and the lessons learned from earlier performance issues this season. McLaren is focused on maximizing the potential of its car while remaining aware of the competition from other teams also bringing upgrades.Wed 19 Aug · 10:40 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 boss reveals team 'not informed' about Ferrari test at brand new trackAndrea Stella, the McLaren team boss, revealed that he was not informed about Ferrari's recent test at the Madring circuit, where they were the first team to run their cars. The test took place last month, allowing Ferrari to gather initial data while adhering to the 200km limit for filming days. Stella noted that the track conditions were not ideal, describing the surface as slippery since it was still under construction, and emphasized that the tyres used were not representative of those used in races.
Despite the surprise of Ferrari's test, Stella downplayed its importance, stating that it did not violate any regulations. He acknowledged that Ferrari shared footage with other teams, which helped level the playing field. Stella concluded that while the test might provide some insights, it would not significantly impact their preparations for the upcoming race weekend.
Wed 19 Aug · 09:57 UTC
via PlanetF1McLaren confirms upgrades for Dutch Grand PrixMcLaren is set to implement additional upgrades to its MCL40 at the Dutch Grand Prix. These enhancements aim to build on the improvements made during the recent race in Hungary.+ 2 moreWed 19 Aug · 09:08 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLiam Lawson’s Red Bull cameo at Dutch Grand Prix will incense McLaren CEO Zak Brown, and rightly soLiam Lawson is expected to step in for Isack Hadjar at the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix due to Hadjar's wrist injury. This race will mark the final Dutch GP at Zandvoort for the foreseeable future and will include an F1 Sprint for the first time. Yuki Tsunoda will take Lawson's previous spot at Racing Bulls, highlighting the ongoing team dynamics within Red Bull's organization.
Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren, has expressed his discontent with Red Bull's dual team ownership, arguing that it creates an unfair advantage in the competition. He has previously raised concerns with the FIA regarding incidents where Racing Bulls appeared to favor Red Bull, further complicating the competitive landscape in Formula 1.Wed 19 Aug · 07:30 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 Monaco Grand Prix result could be changed AGAIN as FIA announce new hearingThe FIA has scheduled a new hearing to address appeals from Red Bull and McLaren regarding the results of the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix. This follows a series of penalties imposed on Pierre Gasly for speeding in the pit lane, which initially dropped him from a podium finish to seventh place. Alpine's successful appeal has since restored Gasly to third, affecting the standings of other drivers as well.
The hearing is set for August 25, 2026, at FIA headquarters in Paris. The controversy stems from inaccuracies in speed calculations used during the race, which led to the penalties. The outcome of this hearing could lead to further changes in the race results and championship points.Tue 18 Aug · 22:12 UTC
via PlanetF1Honda makes Aston Martin announcement as Albon pens new deal – round-upHonda has announced that it will debut an updated power unit at the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix, which is seen as a significant step in their season. Aston Martin is also making strides with a recent 16-part chassis update, aiming for improved performance on the track. Meanwhile, Alex Albon has committed to another season with Williams, marking his sixth year with the team and making him their highest race starter in history.
Adrian Newey has shed light on the delays Aston Martin faced with their AMR26 wind tunnel testing, which started later than that of their competitors. The article highlights the uncertainty surrounding driver contracts for the 2027 season, with many drivers yet to secure their future in the sport. Additionally, George Russell reflects on the physical challenges he faced during his painful debut with Mercedes.Tue 18 Aug · 19:05 UTC
via f1oversteer.comHonda engine numbers were ‘significantly lower’ than expected in Aston Martin testAston Martin recently conducted a private test of Honda's upgraded engine, which is set to debut at the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix. While the team expected a significant boost in horsepower, Honda's test results fell short of their 30 horsepower target, raising concerns about their ability to meet performance expectations in the near future. The new chassis designed by Adrian Newey showed promise with a notable time improvement, but the pressure remains on Honda to enhance their engine's performance quickly.
With potential grid penalties looming for Aston Martin's drivers, the team may face challenges in scoring points at Zandvoort. Honda's current situation allows for additional development funding and testing hours due to their performance gap, but they are also competing against other manufacturers who have more frequent upgrade opportunities. Historically, Honda has taken several years to develop a competitive engine, indicating that they may need time to catch up in the current regulations.Tue 18 Aug · 18:00 UTC
via RaceFansFIA to hear McLaren and Red Bull's Monaco appeal next weekThe FIA will hold a hearing next week regarding appeals from McLaren and Red Bull concerning Pierre Gasly's reinstated podium finish at the Monaco Grand Prix. The hearing will take place behind closed doors, a departure from typical proceedings.
+ 5 moreTue 18 Aug · 17:32 UTC1 comment
via RacingNews365McLaren point to 'no surprise' Ferrari evidence around 'delicate' F1 projectMcLaren has been developing its own version of the innovative 'Macarena' rear-wing design, which Ferrari first introduced during pre-season testing. McLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, noted that the complexity of this project was evident from Ferrari's lengthy development process, which included multiple tests before the wing was race-ready.
Stella emphasized the importance of trackside data in evaluating the wing's performance, as it is a delicate project with significant aerodynamic implications. While Ferrari and Red Bull have different implementations of the design, McLaren is focused on ensuring their version meets the necessary performance standards before full deployment.Tue 18 Aug · 12:45 UTC
via RacingNews365Honda to debut new 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 f1oversteer.comHonda recall engineers from ‘solar panels’ projects to help save Aston Martin F1 teamAston Martin is set to receive a significant upgrade to their power unit from Honda at the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix, which is expected to enhance their performance on the track. The team is particularly focused on improving their internal combustion engine, with hopes of gaining half a second per lap, although they may face grid penalties due to prior component usage by their drivers, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. Honda's engineers, who previously contributed to Red Bull's success, have returned to assist in this project after a period of working on other initiatives, such as solar panels.
Despite initial struggles and comparisons to their past partnership with McLaren, Aston Martin is optimistic about the upcoming season's second half. The team has recently shown signs of improvement, including their first Q2 appearance of the year. The new Honda engine is seen as a crucial part of their strategy to close the performance gap to leading teams, as they have been losing significant time on the track compared to competitors like Mercedes.Tue 18 Aug · 11:00 UTCPage 18 of 25
