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via f1oversteer.comAston Martin have started ‘exploring’ another Mercedes engine deal with Toto WolffAston Martin is currently in discussions with Mercedes to explore alternative engine options after a disappointing performance with Honda. The team, which switched to Honda engines at the end of the 2025 season, has faced significant challenges, including a loss of over a second per lap despite recent upgrades. Meetings between Aston Martin and Mercedes have taken place throughout the season, indicating a potential shift back to Mercedes engines in the future.
While Aston Martin has not issued an ultimatum to Honda, they are clearly seeking to apply pressure for improvements. The team has also been in talks with other companies regarding power unit options, with a deal with Mercedes being viewed as the most logical next step. Honda's recent performance has not met expectations, leading to uncertainty about the partnership's future.
Wed 26 Aug · 10:30 UTC
via gpfans.comHonda boss wants to 'make history with Fernando Alonso', he just doesn't know whenAt the recent Dutch Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso showcased his skills by finishing ninth, contributing to Aston Martin's second points finish of the season. This performance was supported by a new Honda power unit, which has been under scrutiny for its competitiveness this year. The team has also implemented aerodynamic upgrades that have positively impacted their performance.
Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing Corporation, emphasized the company's ambition to achieve a historic victory with Alonso, although he refrained from specifying a timeline for this goal. He highlighted the importance of Alonso's feedback in their development process and expressed a strong desire for him to re-sign with Aston Martin for the 2027 season.
Wed 26 Aug · 09:57 UTC
via f1oversteer.comPaddock ‘whispers’ claim Fernando Alonso’s 2027 decision is made as Madrid announcement plannedFernando Alonso is nearing the end of his contract with Aston Martin, which expires after the 2026 season. He has an option to extend his contract for 2027, and there are rumors that he has already decided to remain with Aston Martin. Alonso plans to make an official announcement regarding his future at the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix.
Despite facing challenges with Honda's engine this season, Alonso recently secured P9 in the Dutch GP, marking a significant improvement in his performance. His decision to stay with Aston Martin appears influenced by the team's potential for success and his desire to avoid leaving just as they begin to make progress.Wed 26 Aug · 09:30 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 News Today: Hamilton makes big admission, Newey's wife takes down Aston Martin criticLewis Hamilton publicly acknowledged that his recent comments regarding Ferrari's race strategy during the Dutch Grand Prix were not reflective of his best self. He accepted responsibility for his outburst, which he felt cost him a chance at a podium finish, while former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi criticized Hamilton for his remarks, suggesting that the team deserves respect. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen has secured a lucrative contract extension with Red Bull and is facing challenges with his team's performance, as they look ahead to future improvements.
In addition to these developments, the FIA has responded to online abuse directed at race stewards after the Dutch Grand Prix, where several penalties were issued. The situation has drawn attention to the pressures faced by officials in the sport. Furthermore, Gianpiero Lambiase is expected to transition to McLaren by 2028, indicating shifts in team dynamics as the season progresses.Wed 26 Aug · 06:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comHonda president makes major promise to Lawrence Stroll and Aston Martin about 2027 engineHonda's president, Koji Watanabe, has made a commitment to Aston Martin regarding significant improvements to their engine by 2027. Despite recent upgrades, Aston Martin's drivers have expressed dissatisfaction, citing a performance gap of 1.5 seconds per lap compared to Mercedes. Honda is permitted to make multiple upgrades in the coming years, and Watanabe is optimistic about closing the gap to top teams in the standings next season.
Lawrence Stroll, Aston Martin's team owner, has a long-term vision that began in 2021, aiming for competitive success. Watanabe has reassured fans of their dedication to improvement and has brought back top engineers to enhance their performance. While he cannot promise championships, he emphasized Honda's goal to win in the future.Tue 25 Aug · 17:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comAston Martin's new upgrades mean nothing if Adrian Newey can't fix the problem on the pit wallAston Martin's recent upgrades to the AMR26 have shown potential, but the team's pit wall, led by Adrian Newey, has made critical errors that have impacted race outcomes. Fernando Alonso managed to secure a P9 finish at the Dutch Grand Prix despite starting from P18 due to a qualifying blunder, highlighting the importance of effective race strategy.
The team has faced ongoing issues with race strategies, including poor timing and decision-making during qualifying and races, which have hindered their performance. As the AMR26 becomes more competitive, it is essential for Aston Martin to rectify these strategic missteps to improve their standings in the championship.Tue 25 Aug · 13:00 UTC
via grandprix.comGasly says Racing Bulls used Lindblad to obstruct AlpinePierre Gasly has claimed that Racing Bulls strategically used Arvid Lindblad to hinder his performance during a recent race, which he believes affected his finishing position. Despite Lindblad's own race being compromised due to a penalty, he continued to defend against Gasly, allowing his teammate to pass while impeding the Alpine driver. This incident has heightened tensions between the two teams as they compete for fifth place in the constructors' championship.
Gasly's frustration stems from the competitive nature of Formula 1, where teams often employ tactics to gain an advantage. With only three points separating Racing Bulls and Alpine, the upcoming race is expected to be highly competitive, and both teams are likely to remember this incident as they continue their fight in the championship standings.
via f1oversteer.comAdrian Newey's Wife Responds to Criticism of Aston Martin CarAdrian Newey's wife reacted to comments made by F1 commentator Antonio Lobato regarding the performance of the Aston Martin chassis. Lobato criticized the car's handling during the Dutch Grand Prix, prompting her succinct response.+ 1 moreTue 25 Aug · 11:00 UTC
via f1technical.netWhat left Alpine "frustrated" at Zandvoort despite a points-scoring finish?At the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, Pierre Gasly managed to secure a points finish by placing 10th, despite facing challenges from competitors, particularly the Racing Bulls. His teammate, Franco Colapinto, struggled significantly due to two penalties, ultimately finishing 14th after starting from the same position. Gasly's performance was bolstered by Alpine's recent upgrades, which he found encouraging for future races.
Alpine's Executive Advisor, Flavio Briatore, expressed a mix of frustration and optimism following the race. While the team gained points against their rivals, he acknowledged the need for further development of their car to maintain competitiveness. Both drivers are looking forward to the next race in Monza, where Colapinto will also benefit from the upgrades that aided Gasly's performance.
Tue 25 Aug · 07:29 UTC
via f1oversteer.comAdrian Newey’s Aston Martin still breaks the first rule of engineering despite Dutch GP pointsAston Martin is facing significant performance issues due to excess weight in their car, which is estimated to be around 30 kilograms heavier than the ideal limit. This weight problem is causing the team to lose approximately a second per lap, as noted by former driver Nico Rosberg. Despite introducing a new chassis and an upgraded Honda engine, the team is still struggling to optimize their performance on the track. Fernando Alonso's ninth-place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix is their best result this season, but it highlights the challenges they face in competing effectively against other teams.
The team acknowledges the need to shed weight to unlock the car's true potential. Rosberg pointed out that achieving the weight limit is crucial for improving lap times, as lighter cars generally perform better in racing conditions. While Aston Martin has made some progress, they are unlikely to reach a competitive level consistently before the next racing season, indicating a long-term challenge ahead for the team.Tue 25 Aug · 06:00 UTC
via f1technical.netFernando Alonso Achieves P9 Finish at Dutch Grand PrixFernando Alonso delivered a strong performance at the Dutch Grand Prix, finishing in ninth place and earning two points for Aston Martin. Starting from 18th on the grid, Alonso's drive was notable, while his teammate Lance Stroll had to retire due to a handling issue.+ 1 moreTue 25 Aug · 05:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comFernando Alonso hailed as "actual GOAT" after F1 Dutch GP: "Just a machine"Fernando Alonso received significant praise from fans after his impressive performance at the Dutch Grand Prix, where he moved from 18th to 9th place, earning his first points since the Monaco Grand Prix. This result comes after a challenging start to the season for Aston Martin, which saw multiple retirements for both Alonso and his teammate, Lance Stroll, before the introduction of car upgrades at recent races.
Fans celebrated Alonso's achievement, dubbing him the 'actual GOAT' and highlighting his ability to perform well even in less competitive machinery. Currently, Alonso sits 19th in the drivers' championship with three points, tied with Esteban Ocon, while several other drivers have yet to score any points this season.
Mon 24 Aug · 12:44 UTC
via PlanetF1Untelevised Adrian Newey, Fernando Alonso team radio emerges after Dutch GPUntelevised team radio footage from the Dutch Grand Prix revealed Adrian Newey congratulating Fernando Alonso for his performance after finishing ninth. This result marked Aston Martin's second points finish of the 2026 Formula 1 season, aided by the debut of Honda's upgraded power unit. Alonso's ninth-place finish was significant as it was his first points-scoring race since Monaco in early June.
During the race, Alonso faced challenges with his team radio, which affected communication with his engineers. Despite these issues, he confirmed that the race strategy remained clear and did not impact his performance significantly. Alonso expressed gratitude towards his team for their support and acknowledged the car's improved performance.
Mon 24 Aug · 11:21 UTC
via Motorsport.comGasly Criticizes Racing Bulls for Impact on Dutch Grand PrixPierre Gasly expressed frustration over his performance at the Dutch Grand Prix, attributing it to the tactics employed by Racing Bulls. The Alpine driver emphasized that he would remember their actions that affected his race.+ 1 moreMon 24 Aug · 09:16 UTC
via f1oversteer.comAdrian Newey Praises Aston Martin's Progress After Dutch Grand PrixAdrian Newey expressed his support for Aston Martin following their strong performance at the Dutch Grand Prix. His congratulatory message to Fernando Alonso marked a significant moment for the team as they celebrated their best result of the season.+ 1 moreSun 23 Aug · 18:00 UTC
via RaceFansGasly Praises Alpine's Progress Amid Colapinto's Penalty ControversyPierre Gasly acknowledged the improvements made by Alpine after scoring points at the Dutch Grand Prix. Meanwhile, teammate Franco Colapinto expressed his dissatisfaction with a penalty received for overtaking during yellow flag conditions.
+ 1 moreSun 23 Aug · 16:24 UTC
via Formula1.comNorris wins dramatic Dutch Grand Prix as Verstappen crashesLando Norris claimed victory at the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix, marking his second consecutive win of the season. He started from pole position but faced early competition from Kimi Antonelli, who took the lead after a red flag incident caused by Max Verstappen's crash on the first lap. Despite Antonelli's strong performance, Norris regained the lead and maintained it until the finish, crossing the line with a significant margin.
The race featured a dramatic turn of events, including a late Virtual Safety Car that influenced pit strategies. George Russell completed the podium in third place, while Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc followed in fourth and fifth. Several drivers faced penalties and retirements, including Verstappen, who was unable to finish the race due to his crash.
Sun 23 Aug · 15:37 UTC
via f1technical.netF1TECH: Alpine bring huge upgrade package to Zandvoort as Gasly gets first useAlpine has rolled out a significant upgrade package for the A526 ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, emphasizing improvements in aerodynamic performance, particularly at the rear and underside of the car. The updates include extensive modifications to various components such as the floor, diffuser, and rear wing, aimed at enhancing airflow management and local aerodynamic loading.
Only Pierre Gasly will benefit from the full suite of upgrades during this race, while his teammate Franco Colapinto will have to wait until the next race in Monza to access these enhancements. This strategic move highlights Alpine's commitment to improving their car's performance as the season progresses.Sun 23 Aug · 11:30 UTC
via f1oversteer.comStroll and Alonso Comment on Honda Upgrade After Q1 ExitsLance Stroll and Fernando Alonso expressed disappointment following their early exits in Q1 at the Dutch Grand Prix. Both drivers criticized the performance of Honda's new engine upgrade, describing the situation as uncertain.+ 1 moreSun 23 Aug · 10:00 UTC
via f1technical.netF1TECH: The aerodynamic upgrades Aston Martin brought to ZandvoortAston Martin has rolled out a series of aerodynamic upgrades for the AMR26 at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, following a significant 16-element upgrade package introduced at the Hungaroring. These updates focus on enhancing both the front wing and rear floor area, with specific modifications aimed at improving local aerodynamic performance and increasing the car's overall aerodynamic load.
The front wing has been adjusted to allow for better aerodynamic balance, particularly important for the circuit's challenging medium- and high-speed corners. Additionally, changes to the diffuser and the introduction of a new floor fence are designed to optimize airflow beneath the car. These developments reflect Aston Martin's ongoing commitment to refining their aerodynamic strategy and maximizing performance as they adapt to varying track conditions.Sun 23 Aug · 09:44 UTCPage 9 of 16