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via gpfans.comHonda replace F1 boss after nightmare Aston Martin seasonHonda has announced a leadership change in their Formula 1 power unit department following a disappointing season with Aston Martin. Tetsushi Kakuda will be replaced by Yoichiro Fukao, effective October 1, 2026, as part of a planned transition to enhance power unit development and support the next generation of engineers.
Despite expectations, Aston Martin has struggled this season, remaining at the back of the grid due to both their chassis design and Honda's underperforming power unit. Honda has indicated that they will provide a major upgrade before the 2027 season, aiming to improve their performance in collaboration with Aston Martin.
Mon 14 Sep · 11:27 UTC
via PlanetF1Hamilton and Leclerc test at Imola for FerrariLewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc recently took part in a test at the Imola circuit. This event is significant as Imola is being considered as a potential venue for the finale of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Mon 14 Sep · 11:03 UTC
via espn.comLando Norris criticises Virtual Safety Car rulesLando Norris has described the Virtual Safety Car rules as 'unfair' after losing the Spanish Grand Prix to Kimi Antonelli. Norris held a six-second lead when the Virtual Safety Car was deployed, which ultimately affected his race outcome.
+ 1 moreMon 14 Sep · 11:00 UTC
via theguardian.comSpanish GP plans to change Madring after fierce criticism from F1 driversFollowing the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring, there are plans to modify the circuit due to significant criticism from drivers. The race, which saw Kimi Antonelli take victory, was characterized by a lack of overtaking opportunities, leading to disappointment among competitors and fans alike. Drivers like Lando Norris and Max Verstappen highlighted the need for design changes to enhance racing excitement and facilitate overtaking.
Discussions regarding potential alterations to the track layout are already underway, with the circuit's management open to suggestions. Despite the logistical success of the event, the racing experience fell short of expectations, prompting calls for improvements to ensure a more thrilling competition in future races.
Mon 14 Sep · 10:57 UTC
via grandprix.comWolff questions George Russell's inconsistent paceToto Wolff has expressed concern over George Russell's lack of consistent pace during races. The team is seeking to understand why Russell's speed fluctuates rather than remaining steady throughout the weekend.
via grandprix.comRed Bull's car degradation may continue in 2027Red Bull Racing is facing ongoing issues with car degradation, as highlighted by Max Verstappen's comments regarding the RB22's performance loss during races. Team principal Laurent Mekies acknowledged that this problem is complex and has been persistent, indicating that a solution is unlikely to be found before the 2027 season.
The team made some progress in a recent race in Madrid, but the underlying issues remain unresolved. As they prepare for upcoming races, Red Bull is also developing a new car that may carry over some of the existing performance challenges.
via F1iLeclerc defends Ferrari call as Vasseur sees missed Madring winCharles Leclerc expressed confidence in Ferrari's strategic decision during the Spanish Grand Prix, where he led for a significant portion of the race. Despite the team's gamble on a hard-tyre strategy, they did not receive the hoped-for Safety Car, leading to Leclerc finishing in fourth place without regrets about the strategy employed.
Fred Vasseur, Ferrari's team principal, assessed that the team had the potential for a race win based on their pace, particularly during Leclerc's long stint on hard tires. He emphasized that the team's focus should be on improving their qualifying performance, as they struggled to secure a better starting position, which ultimately affected their race outcome.
Mon 14 Sep · 10:26 UTC
via f1oversteer.comLawrence Stroll Mercedes rumours ‘alarmed’ Honda before they replaced F1 engine bossHonda has decided to replace Tetsushi Kakuda with his deputy Yoichiro Fukao as the leader of their F1 project, effective next month. This change comes after a poor start to their partnership with Aston Martin, which is currently struggling in the standings due to both the performance of Honda's power unit and issues with their chassis design.
Lawrence Stroll has been negotiating with Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains to explore alternative engine options, aiming to pressure Honda into improving their performance. The recent disappointing results have prompted Honda to reaffirm their commitment to F1, with promises of enhanced competitiveness in the upcoming season.
Mon 14 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via Formula1.comWhy Vasseur believes Ferrari had the pace to win in MadridFred Vasseur expressed confidence in Ferrari's performance during the Spanish Grand Prix, suggesting that Charles Leclerc had the potential to win if circumstances had favored him. Leclerc's strategy of not pitting during the Virtual Safety Car allowed him to lead for a time, but ultimately he finished fourth after a long stint on hard tires without a safety intervention to aid his strategy.
Hamilton's race ended prematurely due to a brake issue, marking his first DNF of the season. He had a strong start but quickly fell back as he struggled with braking. Vasseur noted that the team's strategy was sound, but they missed opportunities in qualifying that impacted their overall race performance.
Mon 14 Sep · 09:09 UTC
via f1technical.netHamilton offers explanation for his technical issues at the MadringLewis Hamilton faced a disappointing end to the Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring, retiring due to a brake issue that emerged while he was racing. After showing competitive pace throughout the weekend, Hamilton's race took a turn when he experienced a malfunction with the brake pedal, leading to a collision with the barrier. This incident marked his first did not finish (DNF) of the 2026 season, despite his belief that he had a car capable of winning the race.
While Hamilton's race ended prematurely, teammate Charles Leclerc managed to secure a fourth-place finish, employing an aggressive strategy that allowed him to lead for a significant portion of the race. Despite the mixed results, Ferrari demonstrated strong performance and potential, leaving the team optimistic for future races. Hamilton expressed gratitude towards his team for their efforts and highlighted the missed opportunity to capitalize on their competitive package.
Mon 14 Sep · 08:50 UTC
via f1technical.netMercedes reveal how Ferrari's strategy influenced their own strategy decisionsAt the Spanish Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes executed a well-timed strategy that capitalized on a Virtual Safety Car, leading to his victory. Starting from second, Antonelli initially lost ground but regained the lead after a quick pit stop during the VSC, allowing him to control the race and secure his eighth win of the season. Mercedes' Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin praised the team's execution and readiness to adapt to changing race conditions.
George Russell, on the other hand, faced a more complicated race. After starting sixth, he made contact with another driver and had to adjust his strategy to differentiate from Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. Despite switching to medium compound tyres during the VSC, Russell struggled with performance and ultimately returned to hard tyres. The race highlighted the unexpected effectiveness of the hard compound, which influenced the overall strategy for many teams, including Mercedes, who emerged with valuable points and a strong position in the championship.Mon 14 Sep · 08:22 UTC
via f1technical.netWolff offers explanation for Russell's suboptimal strategy at the MadringKimi Antonelli achieved a significant milestone by winning the Spanish Grand Prix at the newly introduced Madring circuit, marking Mercedes' first victory at this venue. Despite facing challenges during the race, including a strong start and a strategic pit stop during a Virtual Safety Car, Antonelli managed to secure the lead and maintain control to finish first. Team principal Toto Wolff praised Antonelli's performance and highlighted the importance of the victory for the team's morale, especially given the lack of recent upgrades to the car.
On the other hand, George Russell had a more difficult race, finishing in fifth place after a series of strategic missteps. Initially starting on hard tires, Russell's strategy was compromised by the Virtual Safety Car, leading to a switch to medium tires that did not perform as expected. Wolff acknowledged the unfortunate timing of the VSC for Russell but remained optimistic about the team's performance overall. With the championship battle intensifying, Mercedes is looking forward to the upcoming triple-header races with renewed confidence.Mon 14 Sep · 08:22 UTC
via f1technical.net"It’s kind of the story of the season," claims Russell after he lost further ground ...Kimi Antonelli secured his eighth victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season at the Spanish Grand Prix, taking advantage of a well-timed pit stop during the Virtual Safety Car period. Despite a strong start, Antonelli faced challenges early in the race but managed to regain control and finish ahead of his competitors, further solidifying his lead in the Drivers' Championship. George Russell, on the other hand, struggled with strategy decisions that left him finishing in fifth place, despite starting sixth and showing good pace on hard tires.
Russell's race was marred by a contact incident and a costly pit stop during the VSC, which he felt disadvantaged him compared to those on medium tires. After the race, he reflected on the team's strategy and expressed a shift in focus towards supporting Mercedes in the Constructors' Championship, acknowledging the difficulties of overtaking at the Madrid circuit. With the championship heading to Baku, Russell emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum as the season progresses.Mon 14 Sep · 08:22 UTC
via gpfans.comFernando Alonso drops F1 bombshell by saying Aston Martin renewal would be MULTI-year dealFernando Alonso has indicated that if he decides to renew his contract with Aston Martin, it will be for multiple years rather than just a single season. This statement comes amid speculation about his potential retirement from Formula 1, particularly due to dissatisfaction with his team's performance and the current regulations that he feels diminish driver skill.
During a recent event, Alonso engaged with fans who chanted for him to stay, responding ambiguously but suggesting he would continue racing until he feels he can no longer compete effectively. His recent performance at the Madring race saw him finish in 17th place, and he was involved in a controversial incident with Carlos Sainz that led to a penalty for Sainz.Mon 14 Sep · 07:58 UTC
via RaceFansLando Norris defends McLaren's pit strategy in SpainLando Norris has expressed confidence in McLaren's decision to pit him during the Virtual Safety Car period at the Spanish Grand Prix. However, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer criticized the move, suggesting it ultimately contributed to Norris's defeat.
+ 1 moreMon 14 Sep · 07:16 UTC
via PlanetF1Honda makes new announcement after Spanish Grand PrixFollowing the Spanish Grand Prix, Honda revealed a restructuring of its Formula 1 power unit leadership. This change comes as Aston Martin has struggled in the 2026 season, managing only three points across 14 races. The team has faced ongoing issues with engine performance, despite a recent upgrade that coincided with Alonso's improved finish at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Yoichiro Fukao has been promoted to lead the power unit development program, replacing Tetsushi Kakuda. This transition is part of Honda's strategy to enhance its engine development and prepare for upcoming regulatory changes in Formula 1. The company is focused on establishing a robust framework to ensure competitiveness in future seasons.Mon 14 Sep · 06:43 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton concedes title as Sky Sports blame F1 driver for Madrid messLewis Hamilton has acknowledged that his hopes of winning the 2026 Formula 1 championship are over following a disappointing performance at the Spanish Grand Prix held at the newly inaugurated Madring circuit. He entered the race trailing Kimi Antonelli by 76 points, and the outcome further diminished his chances of securing a record eighth title.
The race was marked by criticism of the Madring track, particularly regarding the difficulty of overtaking. Antonelli's victory was aided by a timely virtual safety car, which allowed him and Max Verstappen to make advantageous pit stops, while Lando Norris, who had led the race, fell to third place. The event sparked various reactions from drivers, including Verstappen's outspoken comments on the regulations.Mon 14 Sep · 06:30 UTC
via PlanetF1Adrian Newey holds McLaren MCL40 inspection at Spanish Grand PrixAdrian Newey, the Aston Martin team principal, was seen inspecting Oscar Piastri's McLaren MCL40 on the grid before the Spanish Grand Prix. The race concluded with Kimi Antonelli from Mercedes winning, while Lando Norris, who started from pole position, finished third after a challenging race. Piastri's performance saw him finishing eighth, significantly behind his teammate Norris.
Newey's involvement with McLaren has been notable throughout the 2026 season, as he has closely monitored their progress following a series of upgrades. His inspection at the Spanish Grand Prix marked his sixth visit to the paddock this season, indicating his ongoing interest in McLaren's development amidst a challenging season for Aston Martin.Mon 14 Sep · 06:12 UTC
via f1oversteer.comKimi Antonelli’s 2026 safety car record completely disproves Toto Wolff’s ‘unlucky’ claimKimi Antonelli secured his eighth victory of the 2026 season at the Spanish Grand Prix, benefiting from a virtual safety car that altered the race dynamics. Initially trailing Lando Norris, Antonelli capitalized on Norris's decision to stay out during the VSC, allowing him to take the lead after Charles Leclerc's late pit stop.
Toto Wolff's assertion that Antonelli had been 'unlucky' with safety cars throughout the season is contradicted by Antonelli's favorable outcomes from several VSCs. Despite a few instances where he faced challenges, such as losing the lead in Spa, Antonelli's overall performance has been bolstered by strategic pit stops during safety car periods.Mon 14 Sep · 06:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comWho slept best last night: Lando NorrisLando Norris faced a disappointing outcome at the Spanish Grand Prix, where he lost what seemed to be a certain victory due to a virtual safety car triggered by Lance Stroll's car. Norris had a comfortable lead of six seconds over Kimi Antonelli but was unable to capitalize on a pit stop opportunity when the safety car was deployed, ultimately leading to his loss of position and the race win.
Despite the setback, Norris remained optimistic and acknowledged his team's performance, expressing confidence in his ability to continue delivering strong results. He reflected on the nature of racing luck, noting that he too had benefited from fortunate circumstances in the past, and emphasized his growth as a driver since his first win in Miami.
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