News305 stories
RSS ↗
via gpfans.comAdrian Newey is the only man who can save popular F1 star’s careerOscar Piastri, a driver for McLaren, has been struggling significantly since his last victory at Zandvoort in August 2025, failing to win any races in the past year. His performance has been notably inferior to that of his teammate Lando Norris, who has secured multiple wins, leading to concerns about Piastri's future in Formula 1 and with McLaren specifically. The article suggests that Piastri's best chance for a career revival may lie with Adrian Newey at Aston Martin, as other top teams are unlikely to consider him given his recent form.
The article highlights the challenges Piastri faces in securing a competitive seat, noting that his winless streak and the significant points gap between him and Norris raise red flags. It draws parallels with other drivers who have experienced similar declines, indicating that Piastri must take decisive action to avoid being relegated to mid-tier teams. The potential retirement of Fernando Alonso in 2027 could provide an opportunity for Piastri, but he must demonstrate his capabilities to attract attention from top-tier teams.
via RacingNews365Franco Colapinto hands Alpine apology after Max Verstappen fightFranco Colapinto faced a challenging race at the Italian Grand Prix, where he initially restarted in fourth position following a red flag. During the race, he engaged in battles with Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton but ultimately lost control of his car, resulting in a drop down the order. Despite recovering to finish ninth, Colapinto expressed regret for not securing a better result for his Alpine team, as he believed they could have scored more points.
Colapinto's performance marked his first points since Belgium, and he reflected on the experience of racing against top teams, emphasizing the motivation it provided him. He acknowledged the importance of learning from his mistakes and the frustration of missing out on a better finish while competing at the front of the grid.
via grandprix.comAston Martin expects Madrid to suit AMR26 betterAston Martin anticipates that the AMR26 will have a more favorable performance at the Madrid circuit compared to Monza, as the mixed layout may mitigate the team's power deficit. Mike Krack noted that the circuit's combination of straights and tighter sections will require effective drivability and tire management, which could play to Aston Martin's strengths, especially with Honda's improved power unit specifications. The team is also considering the impact of the track surface and temperature on tire degradation.
In addition to performance expectations, Aston Martin is still waiting for Fernando Alonso to make a decision about his future with the team. Krack respects Alonso's desire for more evidence of the team's progress before committing to a decision. While the Madrid race won't solely determine Alonso's future, it could clarify whether the issues faced at Monza were specific to that circuit or indicative of a broader challenge for the AMR26.
via the-race.comWhy F1 pole shocks like Gasly's are close to extinctPierre Gasly's unexpected pole position at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix highlighted the rarity of such achievements by drivers outside the top four teams in Formula 1. Over the past decade, only two other instances occurred, both influenced by external factors like weather or track conditions. Gasly's performance was distinct as it was achieved under normal circumstances, showcasing Alpine's potential despite their race results reflecting a return to midfield competitiveness.
The article discusses the implications of the cost cap introduced in 2021, which has not leveled the playing field as intended. While it has improved the financial health of teams, it has also solidified the advantages of established teams. Alpine's management acknowledges the need for better internal efficiency to leverage their budget effectively and compete more consistently with the top teams in the future.
via Formula1.comHow Carlos Alcaraz’s bromance with Alonso made him an F1 fanCarlos Alcaraz, the Spanish tennis star, has developed a strong interest in Formula 1, particularly inspired by compatriot Fernando Alonso. His journey into F1 fandom began after he publicly supported Alonso during the 2023 Miami Open, showcasing his newfound enthusiasm for the sport. Alcaraz has since visited the F1 paddock multiple times, forming connections with various teams and drivers, including Alonso and Carlos Sainz.
Alcaraz's engagement with F1 reflects a broader trend of crossover between tennis and motorsport, with other tennis stars also participating in F1 events. The article highlights how both sports have attracted celebrities from each other’s domains, creating a unique blend of fandom and camaraderie among athletes. Alcaraz's admiration for Alonso and his experiences in the paddock illustrate the growing relationship between these two popular sports.
via RacingNews365Pierre Gasly offers Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris boost in 'realistic' Alpine fightPierre Gasly made headlines by securing his first career pole position during the Italian Grand Prix, marking a significant achievement for both him and the Alpine team. Despite leading the race initially, he ultimately finished in seventh place, competing closely with drivers from McLaren and Ferrari throughout the event. Gasly's performance was seen as a positive indicator of Alpine's potential in future races, especially given the challenges of maintaining pace against faster competitors.
Reflecting on the race, Gasly expressed a realistic outlook, acknowledging the difficulties of staying at the front but also highlighting the positives from the weekend. He noted that the car's performance was the best he had experienced this season, and he is eager to analyze the data to build on this success in upcoming races. Gasly's insights suggest a focus on continuous improvement for the Alpine team as they strive for better results.
via gpfans.comHonda promise 'big step' for Aston Martin engine and it could be crucial to Fernando Alonso's F1 futureHonda has faced challenges since returning to Formula 1 with Aston Martin, producing a disappointing engine that has struggled on the grid. Following a poor performance at the Italian Grand Prix, where both drivers retired early, Honda's chief engineer has promised significant improvements for the 2027 season, although no major upgrades will be available this year. This situation has raised questions about Fernando Alonso's future with the team, as he is unhappy with the current results and is contemplating whether to continue his F1 career.
Alonso, who has been with Aston Martin, is at a crossroads as he considers his options moving forward. He has indicated that finishing in ninth place is not satisfactory, and the potential for a better engine could influence his decision to extend his time in Formula 1. With his career starting back in 2001, the upcoming developments from Honda may play a crucial role in shaping his future in the sport.
via grandprix.comHonda Confirms No Major 2026 Engine Upgrade for Aston MartinHonda has announced that Aston Martin will not receive a significant engine upgrade until 2027. This decision follows performance issues highlighted during the recent Monza race.
via f1oversteer.comFranco Colapinto's tears at Monza show the damage Flavio Briatore has done to AlpineFranco Colapinto expressed deep disappointment after finishing P9 at the Italian Grand Prix, despite it being one of his better results this season. His emotional reaction, where he referred to himself as an 'idiot', reflects the immense pressure he feels under Flavio Briatore's leadership at Alpine, where results are demanded relentlessly. Colapinto's struggles have been exacerbated by Briatore's high expectations and a volatile team environment, which has led to significant changes within the team since Briatore's arrival in 2024.
Briatore's management has created a tense atmosphere, as he previously dismissed drivers he deemed underperforming, including Esteban Ocon and Jack Doohan. Although Colapinto has secured a seat for 2027, his recent performance and emotional breakdown raise concerns about the sustainability of such pressure on drivers. The situation poses challenges for attracting new talent to the team, as potential drivers may be deterred by the high-stress environment fostered by Briatore's no-nonsense approach.
via RacingNews365Ferrari Faces Tough Team Orders Decision After Italian GPKimi Antonelli's impressive victory at the Italian Grand Prix has raised questions for Ferrari regarding team orders. The team's strategy moving forward, particularly in relation to their drivers, is under scrutiny as they prepare for upcoming races.
via F1iGasly urges Alpine to build on ‘story of my life’ Monza weekendPierre Gasly had a remarkable weekend at the Italian Grand Prix, achieving his first career pole position and finishing seventh in the race. Despite the challenges faced by Alpine, including a significant gap to the frontrunners, Gasly's performance was a highlight, showcasing the team's potential for improvement. He expressed a sense of satisfaction with the car's consistency and the positive atmosphere within the team, which he believes can propel them forward in future races.
Gasly's experience at Monza served as a reminder of the emotional rollercoaster of his career, particularly following the recent overturning of his Monaco podium. He is determined to capitalize on the momentum gained from this weekend's performance and aims to replicate it in upcoming races, emphasizing the need for continued development and understanding of the car's capabilities.
via grandprix.comGasly's Monza Pole Inspires Alpine Ahead of Spanish Grand PrixPierre Gasly's recent pole position at Monza has instilled new confidence in the Alpine team as they prepare for the upcoming race in Madrid. Despite finishing seventh in the race, Gasly considers the Monza weekend a significant achievement for the team.
via racer.comTearful Colapinto vows to takes lessons from ‘big mistake’Franco Colapinto faced a challenging race at the Italian Grand Prix, where a significant mistake caused him to drop from a strong position in the top four to finish ninth. He expressed his disappointment and frustration, recognizing the missed opportunity for points and vowing to learn from the experience. His teammate, Pierre Gasly, who started from pole, finished seventh but felt that the team had maximized its potential despite the race's difficulties.
Gasly and Colapinto both acknowledged the competitive nature of the race, with Gasly enjoying the battles at the front. Colapinto's misjudgment in managing his car's performance and battery usage contributed to his struggles. Moving forward, Colapinto aims to apply the lessons learned from this race to improve his performance in future events.
via RacingNews365Franco Colapinto breaks down in tears after 'wasted' opportunityFranco Colapinto experienced a challenging race at the Italian Grand Prix, where a mistake during the restart led to a significant drop in position from third to fifteenth. Despite starting in seventh and capitalizing on a red flag to move up the order, his error at the first Lesmo corner cost him a chance to compete for points alongside his teammate Pierre Gasly.
After the race, Colapinto was visibly emotional, expressing regret over the lost opportunity but managed to recover to finish ninth. He acknowledged the importance of learning from this experience and vowed to keep pushing forward in his career.
via Formula1.comLindblad pleased with ‘damage limitation’ for Racing BullsArvid Lindblad expressed satisfaction with Racing Bulls' performance at the Italian Grand Prix, where he and teammate Yuki Tsunoda secured a double points finish. Despite Alpine's strong qualifying performance, with Pierre Gasly starting from pole, the race outcome allowed Racing Bulls to maintain their fifth position in the Teams' Championship standings, ahead of Alpine by 13 points. Lindblad's consistent scoring in recent races has bolstered the team's confidence as they continue to compete for the best of the rest title this season.
Tsunoda, who faced challenges during qualifying, managed to recover during the race and contribute to the team's points. He acknowledged the difficulties he faced but was pleased to bring points back to Racing Bulls after a break from racing. Lindblad highlighted the team's strong car performance, particularly in corners, despite Alpine's speed advantage on straights, indicating optimism for future races.
via Motorsport.comFranco Colapinto Expresses Frustration After Monza Race SetbackFranco Colapinto faced disappointment during the Italian Grand Prix after a mistake cost him a chance at a podium finish. Despite the setback, he managed to recover and finished the race in ninth place, earning some points.
via RacingNews365Aston Martin suffer double Monza misery with early exitsDuring the Italian Grand Prix on September 6, 2026, both Aston Martin drivers, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, faced early retirements. Alonso exited the race due to suspected car damage, while Stroll's car stopped on track, leading to a virtual safety car being deployed. The team indicated that Stroll's issue was likely hydraulic in nature.
The retirements highlighted a difficult weekend for Aston Martin, who struggled with performance and pace throughout the event. The sequence of events capped off a disappointing outing for the team at Monza.
via Motorsport WeekThe Aston Martin Monza Nightmare: Alonso’s Pit-Lane Start, Stroll’s 100th Q1 ExitAston Martin faced significant challenges during the qualifying session for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Lance Stroll marked a milestone with his 100th Q1 exit, while Fernando Alonso's participation was hindered by a serious power unit issue, forcing him to start the race from the pit lane. The team acknowledged that their performance was lacking, particularly in terms of raw speed, as Stroll qualified notably slower than competitors, including Cadillac, which is positioned at the back of the grid. Alonso highlighted the importance of power at Monza, contrasting it with other circuits where drivability improvements could be more beneficial.
Looking ahead, Alonso remains optimistic about the future, indicating that the team is already focusing on improvements for the 2027 season. He acknowledged the difficulties faced at Monza but emphasized the need to develop both the chassis and engine. Despite the disappointing results, Alonso paid homage to his early career mentor, Adrian Campos, showcasing a personal connection amidst the team's struggles. The overall sentiment suggests that Aston Martin is preparing for a challenging remainder of the season while aiming for better performance in the coming years.
via grandprix.comGasly faces long-run test from surprise Monza polePierre Gasly achieved an unexpected pole position for the Monza race, aided by Alpine's low-drag car and strategic upgrades. His qualifying performance included being fastest in Q1 and Q3, showcasing consistent speed throughout the sessions. Alpine's managing director expressed confidence in the car's ability to defend against competitors, while team principal Flavio Briatore set a top-three finish as a realistic goal amid concerns about tire degradation over the race distance.
The race strategy is anticipated to be a one-stop, which could favor Gasly if he can maintain a gap from rivals like George Russell and the Ferraris behind him. However, the unique energy limitations at Monza in 2026 may provide some advantage to the pole-sitter, though excessive tire management could hinder his performance. The outcome of the first stint will be critical in determining Gasly's ability to control the race.
via thejudge13.comHonda F1 engine upgrade deemed a failureAston Martin's performance at the Dutch Grand Prix showed some improvement, with Fernando Alonso finishing ninth and securing points for the team. However, issues with the Honda engine led to Alonso starting from the pit lane at Monza after qualifying difficulties, while teammate Lance Stroll set an unfortunate record by being eliminated from Q1 for the 100th time. The speed differences between Aston Martin and competitors using Mercedes engines were significant, raising concerns about Honda's upgrades.
As the teams prepare for the Monza race, Pirelli forecasts a one-stop strategy as the most effective approach, with various tire options being considered. Red Bull's decision to alter their rear wing setup without FIA approval adds to the intrigue surrounding the race weekend. Overall, the situation highlights the challenges faced by Aston Martin and the competitive dynamics within the F1 grid.Page 4 of 16