Overview
- Aston Martin has centered Adrian Newey on the 2026 car, backed by a new wind tunnel, simulator and Honda partnership, with Pedro de la Rosa calling his impact substantive and Fernando Alonso framing 2026 as the opportunity after a failed Baku strategy highlighted 2025 inconsistencies.
- Alpine’s 2026 lineup decision has been defined as a Colapinto-versus-Paul Aron choice, with Flavio Briatore targeting an announcement in October–November and Pierre Gasly publicly naming Colapinto as a viable option.
- Franco Colapinto says the Alpine A525 was developed around other drivers’ preferences and not his style, but reports feeling more comfortable as setup changes help his adaptation.
- Jack Doohan removed “Formula 1 driver” from his Instagram bio, a change noted by media as Alpine evaluates its 2026 pairing.
- Red Bull’s improved form has cut Max Verstappen’s deficit to McLaren, with team figures saying they are back in the fight, while the driver market stays active as Romain Grosjean prepares a Haas test at Mugello and Carlos Sainz denies Mercedes links.