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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 Appeals on Gasly's Monaco Grand Prix PodiumThe 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 CrashWhat has gone wrong at Williams and should James Vowles be feeling the pressure?Williams F1 team has struggled significantly in the 2026 season, failing to meet expectations and lacking competitive performance. The team has not won a race since 2012 and has faced challenges such as outdated facilities and a smaller budget compared to rivals. Despite a brief period of success under Claire Williams, the current state of the team has led to questions about the leadership of James Vowles, who joined with hopes of revitalizing the team.
As the season progresses, Williams has not scored points in the last five races, and with the emergence of other teams like Aston Martin, the pressure on Vowles is mounting. While Albon has committed to the team, Sainz's future remains uncertain, and the team's ability to improve in the second half of the season is in doubt.
Tue 18 Aug · 15:45 UTC
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 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 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 UTC
via PlanetF1Alonso Attributes Sprint Qualifying Struggles to Honda Power UnitFernando Alonso faced challenges during sprint qualifying at Zandvoort, attributing his performance issues to the upgraded Honda power unit. Aston Martin introduced this new specification in hopes of improving their competitiveness.
+ 3 moreTue 18 Aug · 09:33 UTC
via gpfans.comThe most expensive British car EVER: Iconic 1990s McLaren F1 sells for $34M at auctionThe iconic 1996 McLaren F1 GTR has set a new record as the most expensive British car sold at auction, fetching $34,655,000 at RM Sotheby's in California. This sale surpasses the previous record held by a 1994 McLaren F1, which sold for $25.31 million in 2025, and a 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 that went for $22.55 million in 2017. The specific chassis sold was the first of its kind produced and had a notable history with McLaren before being owned by Pink Floyd's Nick Mason for 25 years.
In addition to the McLaren's record-breaking sale, the auction also featured the Ferrari Luce, which sold for $40 million, making it the most expensive brand new car ever sold at auction. The McLaren F1 GTR was originally developed for competitive racing and achieved significant success, including winning the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995. The auction highlights the growing interest and value in classic and performance vehicles.
Tue 18 Aug · 08:45 UTC
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 PlanetF1McLaren reveals its budget cap strategy as rivals question development spendingMcLaren has revealed its strategy regarding the budget cap as the 2026 development race heats up. The team has successfully introduced 32 new parts to its car, the MCL40, since the Miami Grand Prix, outpacing competitors like Ferrari and Red Bull. Team principal Andrea Stella emphasized that McLaren has planned its budget to allow for ongoing upgrades, ensuring they remain competitive as the season progresses. The budget cap for 2026 is set at $215 million, with additional allowances for races beyond the 21st, which McLaren intends to utilize effectively.
As rivals like Ferrari face scrutiny over their spending, McLaren's approach appears to be more sustainable. Stella noted that the upgrades introduced in Hungary are just the beginning of a broader development strategy. With McLaren currently third in the Constructors' Championship, the team is focused on balancing immediate performance improvements with future car development, ensuring they are well-positioned for both this season and the next.Tue 18 Aug · 07:11 UTC
via gpfans.comYuki Tsunoda Negotiates Potential Move to IndyCar for 2027Yuki Tsunoda is reportedly in discussions with Meyer Shank Racing regarding a potential seat in the IndyCar Series for the 2027 season. This move comes after Tsunoda's departure from Formula 1, where he previously raced for Red Bull.+ 2 moreMon 17 Aug · 20:30 UTC
via gpfans.comAston Martin Unveils Major Power Unit Upgrade for Dutch GPAston 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 RacingNews365McLaren and Red Bull fighting with contrasting approaches to complex F1 challengeThe article discusses the contrasting approaches of McLaren and Red Bull in addressing the weight reduction challenge in the 2026 Formula 1 season. With the minimum weight limit lowered to 768kg, teams are facing complex engineering problems, and McLaren has opted for a shorter wheelbase design to achieve weight savings, which has resulted in balance and downforce issues.
In contrast, Red Bull has focused on systematically refining structural components to reduce weight while maintaining performance. This method, although time-consuming, has proven effective in improving the car's power-to-weight ratio, highlighting the importance of weight reduction in enhancing lap times.Mon 17 Aug · 16:20 UTC
via the-race.comJust spend more? Mercedes' intriguing theory for McLaren's PU deficitMercedes has provided insights into why McLaren has struggled to maximize the performance of its 2026 power unit compared to the factory team. The differences in exploitation stem from various factors, including spending limitations and the sharing of intellectual property, which affects the simulation tools available to customer teams like McLaren. Despite having a strong partnership with Mercedes, McLaren finds itself somewhat disconnected from the main decision-making processes regarding the power unit's configurations.
McLaren's team principal and technical director have acknowledged the challenges they face in influencing design and installation decisions, which ultimately rest with the Mercedes race team. To address these issues, McLaren is focusing on building its own power unit performance team and improving its processes to better align with the capabilities of the power unit. This effort aims to enhance their competitiveness in the ongoing season.
Mon 17 Aug · 15:30 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 PlanetF1Lando Norris Discusses Impact of Team Orders on McLaren SuccessLando Norris has reflected on the importance of team orders during the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix. He believes that adhering to these directives was crucial for McLaren's recent achievements in Formula 1.+ 1 moreMon 17 Aug · 15:06 UTC.webp)
via Formula1.comOverview of Current Formula 1 Driver Market DevelopmentsThe Formula 1 driver market is experiencing significant activity as teams assess their line-ups for the upcoming season. Various potential moves and changes are being tracked as the 'silly season' unfolds.
+ 1 moreMon 17 Aug · 13:40 UTC
via PlanetF1Ferrari warn of ‘big swing’ but dismiss McLaren concernsFerrari has chosen to focus on its own performance rather than worrying about McLaren's recent success, particularly after McLaren's victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Team principal Fred Vasseur acknowledged that while McLaren's Lando Norris was exceptionally fast, Ferrari's priority remains on improving their SF-26 car's performance as they continue to compete in the 2026 season. Ferrari is currently 72 points behind Mercedes in the Constructors' Championship, while McLaren trails by 159 points.
Despite McLaren's win, Andrea Stella, McLaren's team principal, noted that Ferrari still possesses the best chassis in terms of cornering grip. He mentioned that while McLaren has made improvements, particularly in medium-high speed corners, they still need to enhance their performance in low-speed corners to consistently challenge Ferrari and Mercedes. Vasseur remains focused on the team's own development, indicating that the competitive landscape can change significantly from race to race.Mon 17 Aug · 12:37 UTC
via Motorsport WeekMcLaren issues caution to F1 ‘turning point’ possibility after Hungary successMcLaren's recent victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix has raised hopes for a turnaround in their performance, but team principal Andrea Stella remains cautious. He emphasized that while the upgrades implemented in Hungary showed promise, it is too early to determine if this marks a definitive turning point for the team, especially given the competitive nature of the current season and the improvements seen from rival teams.
Stella highlighted that the upgrades are part of a broader strategy and that McLaren's success should be viewed in context. He pointed out that the pole position achieved in Hungary might have been an overachievement, and the team will need to continue monitoring developments as the season progresses. McLaren aims to build on this momentum in the upcoming races, particularly at Zandvoort, where they previously secured a victory.
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