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via Motorsport.comDavid Coulthard points to Aston Martin momentum shift after hitting "rock bottom"David Coulthard has expressed that Aston Martin has reached a low point in their performance during the 2026 Formula 1 season but is beginning to recover. The team, which currently ranks 10th in the constructors' standings with only three points from Fernando Alonso, has faced significant challenges, including car and power unit issues. They have made changes, such as introducing a B-spec car and engine upgrades, in hopes of improving their performance.
Coulthard draws parallels between Aston Martin's struggles and McLaren's past difficulties, suggesting that a turnaround is possible. Naomi Schiff, a co-host on the Up To Speed podcast, emphasized the importance of learning and evolution for the team. Despite a tough start, there are signs of progress, and Alonso's recent performance indicates potential for improvement as they head into future races.
via RacingNews365McLaren preach caution ahead of F1 season-defining challengeMcLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, has expressed caution ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, highlighting that the characteristics of their MCL40 car that excelled at previous circuits may not translate well to Monza. Lando Norris arrives with momentum from recent victories but acknowledges the car's limitations, particularly in slow-speed corners, which could impact their performance at the upcoming race.
Stella noted that Monza presents a unique challenge due to its low-drag requirements and heavy braking zones. He emphasized the importance of confirming their improvements at this circuit to maintain optimism for the remainder of the season. The team is focused on maximizing their performance one race at a time as they prepare for the demands of Monza.
via PlanetF1Italian GP predictions: Antonelli disaster, McLaren surprise, civil war breaks outAs the 13th round of the F1 2026 season approaches, Kimi Antonelli faces a grid penalty that complicates his championship lead. Predictions suggest George Russell will take the win, with McLaren and Ferrari drivers also in contention. The article explores the evolving dynamics within teams, particularly regarding qualifying strategies and potential conflicts among teammates.
via f1technical.netVowles hails the early impact of McLaren's former chief operating office at GroveWilliams team principal James Vowles has praised the early contributions of Piers Thynne, who joined the team as Chief Optimisation and Planning Officer after a long tenure at McLaren. Thynne's experience is seen as crucial for Williams as they work to modernize their operations and improve efficiency in manufacturing and resource management, which are essential for their competitive resurgence in Formula 1.
Thynne's appointment is part of a broader restructuring effort under Vowles aimed at addressing the team's historical weaknesses and underinvestment. With the challenges posed by the 2026 regulation changes, Vowles believes that Thynne's expertise will help accelerate the transformation needed for Williams to return to championship contention, emphasizing that improvements in processes and infrastructure are just as important as technical upgrades.
via theguardian.comLando Norris Launches LN4 Fusion Racing Team for Young DriversLando Norris has announced the creation of his own racing team, LN4 Fusion, which will compete in junior single-seater championships starting in 2027. The initiative aims to develop young talent in motorsport and includes a driver development program.
via PlanetF1Ferrari Introduces Power Unit Upgrade at Monza Grand PrixFerrari has brought a significant power unit upgrade to the Monza Grand Prix, featuring four new parts and the second ADUO engine update. The team is optimistic about the performance improvements, although they still trail behind Mercedes in straight-line speed.
via RacingNews365Lando Norris Gains Confidence in 2026 Championship Title FightFormer F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has noted that McLaren is becoming increasingly competitive as Lando Norris aims for the 2026 championship. Despite this momentum, Norris still trails behind Kimi Antonelli in the title standings.
via f1technical.netMercedes identifies key weaknesses to address after Zandvoort defeatMercedes is analyzing its performance after a challenging race at the Dutch Grand Prix, where they secured a second and third place finish but struggled to match the pace of Lando Norris and McLaren. Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin highlighted specific weaknesses in high-speed corners, particularly at Turns 7, 8, and 9, and noted that the performance drop varied between their drivers during different tire stints.
As they prepare for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Mercedes faces the task of understanding whether the issues at Zandvoort were unique to that circuit or indicative of a larger problem with their car. The team is also investigating the contrasting handling characteristics reported by their drivers, which adds complexity to their analysis ahead of the next race.
via f1oversteer.comGeorge Russell has already shown ‘struggling’ Oscar Piastri exactly what he needs to do at McLarenGeorge Russell and Oscar Piastri are experiencing contrasting fortunes in the 2026 Formula 1 season, with Russell struggling to keep pace with his teammate Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes. Despite his challenges, Russell showed signs of improvement by winning the Sprint race and finishing third in the Dutch Grand Prix, while Piastri has fallen behind, with only two podium finishes this season and significant time lost to his teammate Lando Norris.
The article highlights that Russell is adapting better to the new regulations compared to Piastri, who continues to struggle, particularly on low-grip circuits. McLaren's Andrea Stella has noted that Piastri needs to make adjustments to improve his performance, as he currently sits seventh in the standings and risks being overshadowed by Norris's success.
via PlanetF1Carlos Sainz claims hidden reason behind Williams commitmentCarlos Sainz has reaffirmed his commitment to Williams by signing a new multi-year contract, putting to rest any speculation about his future with the team. He highlighted that there are significant developments happening behind the scenes at Williams, which contribute to his optimism for the team's future despite their current struggles in performance under the new regulations. Sainz noted that the team is currently only performing better than Cadillac and expressed a desire to improve in the upcoming season.
Sainz's confidence in the team's management and new projects, including the recent hiring of Michael Manning as Chief Engineer, reinforces his decision to stay. He emphasized the importance of working together to achieve their goals and stated that he did not seriously consider offers from other teams, including Audi, as he prefers to remain loyal during challenging times. Sainz's focus is on making progress and returning to a competitive position in Formula 1.
via RacingNews365McLaren offers 'in reality' evidence to explain puzzling F1 car traitMcLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, addressed the team's ongoing challenges with slow-speed corners, particularly in relation to Lando Norris's recent successes in Hungary and the Netherlands. Despite the MCL40's weaknesses in these areas, Norris managed to secure pole positions and victories, leading to questions about the car's performance traits during races on tracks typically classified as low-speed circuits.
Stella clarified that the characteristics of the Hungaroring are more aligned with medium-speed corners, which helped mitigate the car's slow-speed deficiencies. He emphasized that the dynamics of racing, including longer corner durations and braking patterns, exacerbate the impact of low-speed weaknesses, particularly at Zandvoort. The insights provided by Stella suggest that setup differences and track characteristics played a crucial role in the team's performance outcomes.
via grandprix.comMika Hakkinen Cautions Teams Against Using Team Orders in 2026Mika Hakkinen has expressed concern that Formula 1 teams could face severe backlash from fans if they implement team orders to favor one driver in the upcoming title fight. The two-time world champion emphasized that the current fanbase is more critical and less tolerant of such tactics compared to previous generations.
via grandprix.comHerta, Browning and Aron get Monza FP1 runsDuring the opening practice session at Monza, three reserve drivers will take the wheel for their respective teams as part of the mandatory rookie program. Colton Herta will drive for Cadillac, Luke Browning will replace Alex Albon at Williams, and Paul Aron will take over Pierre Gasly's Alpine. Each driver aims to gather valuable data and experience on the circuit, which is known for its unique demands on energy deployment and low-drag efficiency.
The session is significant for the teams as it allows them to complete their required rookie outings. Herta, Browning, and Aron are all looking to contribute to their teams' performance, with Browning also balancing his role with a Super Formula program. After the session, Aron plans to continue his work by using the insights gained from driving to assist in the simulator, further enhancing the team's setup ahead of the race weekend.
via f1technical.netMcLaren Unveils Special Livery for Upcoming Grands PrixMcLaren has introduced a new livery for its MCL40 cars, celebrating four years with partner OKX. This special design will be showcased at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix in Monza and the Spanish Grand Prix.
via RacingNews365Lando Norris Signs New McLaren Contract Amid Other Team InterestsLando Norris has officially signed a contract extension with McLaren, committing to the team until at least 2030. He acknowledged that he had interest from rival teams before deciding to remain with McLaren.Verstappen tipped for Monza shockSep.2 (GMM) Red Bull has confirmed that Tom McCullough will join the team at the beginning of 2027 as its new Head of Racing. Earlier, it was reported that he was the replacement for Gianpiero Lambiase as he repares to move to McLaren. “We’re delighted to welcome Tom to the Team at the beginning of…
via f1technical.netHow can Williams salvage its fortunes despite its struggles in 2026?Williams Racing is shifting its focus towards the 2027 Formula 1 season as it seeks to recover from a challenging 2026 campaign. Team principal James Vowles highlighted that the team is balancing the development of its current car with preparations for upcoming regulatory changes, including a new chassis that will debut later in 2026. This project aims to foster a new approach to innovation and manufacturing within the team, emphasizing efficiency and measurable gains in performance.
The team recognizes the need to establish a solid foundation for future competitiveness, especially with significant changes in power units and aerodynamics on the horizon. While Williams will continue to introduce performance upgrades to its current car, Vowles noted that these are unlikely to dramatically alter their standings. The focus is on ensuring that lessons learned from the current season will inform the development of their next-generation car, with the new chassis project expected to play a crucial role in this long-term strategy.
via gpfans.comF1's greatest ever one-team drivers ranked after Lando Norris commits to McLarenLando Norris has committed to McLaren with a lucrative contract that will keep him with the team until 2030. This decision has reignited discussions about the significance of one-team drivers in Formula 1, a rarity compared to other sports. Norris, who began his F1 career with McLaren in 2019, is currently one of the leading one-team drivers alongside Jim Clark, who is celebrated for his remarkable achievements with Lotus.
The article ranks the greatest one-team drivers in F1 history, placing Jim Clark at the top due to his impressive record of wins and pole positions. Lando Norris is highlighted as a strong contender for second place, with Oscar Piastri also making a notable impact in his short career. Other drivers like Sebastien Buemi, Jean-Eric Vergne, and Nicholas Latifi are mentioned for their contributions while driving for a single team.
via f1technical.netLando Norris Gains Momentum in F1 Title Race with UpgradesLando Norris is emerging as a contender for this year's Formula 1 drivers' title. McLaren is set to introduce significant upgrades at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, which are expected to enhance his performance.
via RaceFansSocial Media: McLaren change their livery again for Italian Grand Prix | Social MediaMcLaren has unveiled a new livery for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix, which will also be featured at the following Spanish Grand Prix. This change aims to enhance their visual presence during the races, aligning with similar updates from rival teams like Ferrari.
The announcement was made on September 1, 2026, via social media, showcasing the team's commitment to refreshing their image in the competitive environment of Formula 1. The new designs are expected to attract attention during the races at Monza and the new Madring.Page 5 of 23