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via f1oversteer.comJuan Pablo Montoya says Adrian Newey can help Fernando Alonso show he is 'as good as' Max VerstappenJuan Pablo Montoya has expressed confidence that Adrian Newey can enhance Fernando Alonso's performance to match that of Max Verstappen, particularly as Alonso navigates a challenging 2026 season with Aston Martin. Despite the team's struggles, Montoya believes that Alonso's skills remain on par with the best in the sport, contingent on having a competitive car and engine.
Montoya also discussed Alonso's longevity in Formula 1, attributing it to the reduced testing demands of the current era. He reflected on the rigorous testing schedules of the past, suggesting that modern drivers benefit from a more manageable workload, which helps them avoid burnout and maintain their performance levels.
Wed 9 Sep · 15:00 UTC
via PlanetF1‘Wake up!’ – Tense Lance Stroll exchange in untelevised Italian GP team radioDuring the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll had a heated exchange with his race engineer, urging him to "wake up" as he faced technical issues. Stroll retired from the race after 26 laps due to a suspected hydraulic problem, while his teammate Fernando Alonso also withdrew, marking a disappointing outing for the team.
The race was won by Kimi Antonelli, who started from 19th position. Stroll's struggles were compounded by energy management issues, which he acknowledged contributed to his loss of positions. Looking ahead, Stroll expressed optimism about the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix, suggesting that the new Madring circuit may suit Aston Martin's car better.
Wed 9 Sep · 07:52 UTC
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.
Tue 8 Sep · 20:45 UTC
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..webp)
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.
Tue 8 Sep · 12:02 UTC
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.Tue 8 Sep · 08:00 UTC
via grandprix.comHonda confirms no 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 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.
Sun 6 Sep · 14:24 UTC
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.
Sun 6 Sep · 12:00 UTC
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.
Sun 6 Sep · 11:41 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFernando Alonso and Lance Stroll did exactly what Honda implored them not to do at Italian GPFernando Alonso and Lance Stroll openly criticized Honda's engine performance during the Italian Grand Prix weekend, despite warnings from Honda president Koji Watanabe to avoid such comments. Their remarks followed a disappointing showing at the Dutch Grand Prix, where the Spec 2 engine did not meet expectations, leading to concerns about the partnership between Honda and Aston Martin.
Both drivers acknowledged the need for improvements, with Alonso highlighting a significant power deficit and Stroll pointing out that while the chassis is acceptable, the power is lacking. The ongoing criticism has put the relationship between the two parties on thin ice, with discussions of Aston Martin potentially seeking alternative engine suppliers in the future.Sun 6 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via gpfans.comHonda's pride wounded by Aston Martin's poor startHonda Racing president Koji Watanabe expressed disappointment over the initial performance of their partnership with Aston Martin. Despite the struggles, Aston Martin's team members remain confident in Honda as a long-term partner.Sat 5 Sep · 20:43 UTC
via gpfans.comFernando Alonso fires warning to F1 and finally reveals what will make him stay at Aston MartinFernando Alonso has expressed concerns about the current state of Formula 1, stating that it does not meet the expectations of drivers or fans. He emphasized that his decision to remain with Aston Martin will depend more on the regulations than on the performance of the car itself, as the team struggles in the constructors' standings. Alonso has been critical of the new regulations, labeling the 2026 cars as the worst he has seen, and he hopes to influence future changes in the sport.
As the Italian Grand Prix approaches, Alonso faces challenges, including potential battery issues at the Monza track and Honda's admission of being underpowered compared to competitors. Despite scoring points in the previous race, the outlook for Alonso and Aston Martin remains uncertain as they continue to seek improvements and navigate the current regulations.Fri 4 Sep · 11:27 UTC
via gpfans.comAston Martin F1 chief announces more upgrades to come: 'This will be the final version of the car'Aston Martin's F1 team is set to introduce more upgrades to their AMR26 car, with the next significant updates scheduled for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. After a challenging start to the season, the team saw improvements following major upgrades at the Hungarian Grand Prix and additional aerodynamic changes at Zandvoort, which helped Fernando Alonso score points for the first time this season. Currently, Aston Martin sits in 10th place with three points, but they are targeting a higher position as they continue to develop their car.
Enrico Cardile, the team's chief technical officer, confirmed that the upcoming upgrades will be the final planned aerodynamic developments for the AMR26. The team is also focused on a weight-saving program that aims to enhance performance by reaching the weight limit. Despite some ongoing issues with Honda's power unit, the team is optimistic about their progress and the potential for further improvements in upcoming races.Thu 3 Sep · 17:45 UTC
via f1oversteer.com‘Pessimistic’ Fernando Alonso now disagrees with Aston Martin about the AMR26Fernando Alonso has expressed concerns about the performance of the Aston Martin AMR26 ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, predicting it will be one of the team's most challenging races of the season. Despite securing a P9 finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, Alonso believes the chassis still requires significant improvements, particularly in handling and overall performance, even after Honda's recent engine upgrade.
Aston Martin's management is optimistic, claiming they now have the seventh-best chassis in the 2026 F1 grid and are focused on completing a weight-saving program by the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. However, Alonso remains cautious, suggesting that the upcoming race at Monza may expose the car's weaknesses, especially on high-speed straights.Thu 3 Sep · 15:00 UTC
via RaceFansFernando Alonso to wear Campos tribute helmet at MonzaFernando Alonso will pay tribute to his late mentor, Adrián Campos, by wearing a special helmet design during the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The tribute aims to honor Campos, who was Alonso's first manager.
+ 1 moreThu 3 Sep · 14:59 UTC
via Crash"More like MotoGP" - Why the Italian GP is tipped to break Monza overtaking recordThe Aston Martin team anticipates that the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza will feature a racing style more akin to MotoGP, primarily due to the high-speed layout and the energy management challenges posed by the 2026 power units. Mike Krack, the chief of Aston Martin, expressed that this race could lead to unprecedented levels of overtaking, as drivers will likely rely heavily on slipstreaming during both qualifying and the race itself. He emphasized the importance of managing energy effectively to maximize performance on the track.
Krack also noted that the recent races have varied in their energy management demands, with the Belgian Grand Prix receiving criticism for its impact on car behavior. He is hopeful that the Monza race will not repeat the issues seen in 2019 and expects a dynamic race with significant passing opportunities. Overall, the Italian GP is poised to break Monza's overtaking record, making it a highly anticipated event in the 2026 Formula 1 calendar.
Thu 3 Sep · 14:47 UTC
via the-race.comWhat Aston Martin revealed about 2026 (and 2027) upgrade planAston Martin has concluded its major upgrades for the 2026 Formula 1 season, with the final developments introduced at the Dutch Grand Prix. The team has implemented a significant 16-part upgrade package, including a new chassis and front wing, and plans to complete its weight-saving program by the upcoming Azerbaijan GP. Aston Martin's chief technical officer confirmed that there will be no carryover of parts to the 2027 model, emphasizing a fresh start for the new season while still utilizing insights gained from the current car's performance.
Honda has also made strides with its engine upgrades, enhancing both performance and driveability, although no major updates are anticipated before the 2027 season. Alonso remains optimistic about Honda's capabilities to regain competitive form, despite current challenges in fully utilizing the engine's potential. The focus for both Aston Martin and Honda will be on refining their approaches as they prepare for the next season, aiming to build on the lessons learned in 2026.
Thu 3 Sep · 14:24 UTC
via thejudge13.comHonda makes crucial engine fix for Aston Martin ahead of MonzaHonda has made a crucial engine-control update for Aston Martin in preparation for the Italian Grand Prix after encountering drivability issues with their latest power unit at Zandvoort. While the upgrade provided a performance boost, it also altered the engine's behavior more than anticipated, prompting Honda to develop new control systems to address these challenges ahead of the high-speed Monza circuit.
The team is focused on ensuring that the additional performance can be harnessed effectively without compromising reliability. Honda's engineers are utilizing driver feedback and data from previous races to refine the engine's settings. As the Italian Grand Prix approaches, both Honda and Aston Martin are keen to see if these adjustments will lead to a successful outcome on the track.Thu 3 Sep · 12:28 UTC
via CrashAston Martin's Alonso and Cardile back Honda partnershipAston Martin's technical chief Enrico Cardile and driver Fernando Alonso have expressed unwavering support for their partnership with Honda despite recent performance challenges. Both emphasized their belief in Honda's potential to improve and succeed in Formula 1.+ 4 moreThu 3 Sep · 11:59 UTCPage 6 of 13