F1 legend Mario Andretti has voiced strong support for Colton Herta after the American's challenging Formula 2 debut, praising his "pure desire" to reach F1. Herta, now a Cadillac F1 test driver, called his first weekend 'unsatisfactory' but has the team's full backing as he aims for a top-ten championship finish.
Aston Martin has allocated a valuable FP1 session at the tough Suzuka circuit to reserve driver Jak Crawford, prioritizing young driver development despite the team's current performance struggles and the critical need for track time to fix its car.
The new Madrid F1 circuit is a race against time, with construction progressing but facing skepticism from locals about being ready for its September debut. The unique street circuit's tight timeline and scale present a significant challenge as it aims to pass FIA inspection.
WRC champion Kalle Rovanperä has postponed his Super Formula debut due to a vertigo condition, prioritizing health. Teammate Takamoto Katsuta denies online theories about physical inadequacy, citing impressive F2 test data and attributing the withdrawal solely to a chronic medical issue that worsened at an unfortunate time.
David Coulthard believes Kimi Antonelli's first F1 win has ignited a serious title rivalry with George Russell at Mercedes. He argues that public congratulations mask an intense private battle for every advantage, as both drivers know a championship-capable car creates a rare and critical opportunity that may define their careers.
Aston Martin confirms reserve driver Jak Crawford will participate in FP1 at the Japanese GP, replacing Fernando Alonso. This mandatory rookie session offers valuable track time for Crawford and crucial data for the team as they seek to recover from a difficult start to the 2026 season.
Ex-Ferrari engineer Jock Clear questions if Fernando Alonso's driving style is suited for Aston Martin's rebuild phase, suggesting the team needs a different profile to escape its early-season crisis. This comes as Aston Martin seeks solutions after two races with zero finishes.
Ralf Schumacher urges legal action against F1 fans issuing violent online threats, citing the abuse aimed at Esteban Ocon after a clash with Franco Colapinto as a symptom of a toxic new fan culture fueled by the sport's global entertainment boom.
An American driver will get a crucial Formula 1 test, driving Fernando Alonso's Aston Martin at Suzuka. This audition highlights the team's strategy to tap into the growing U.S. market and evaluate new talent under the watchful eye of the experienced Spaniard.
Aston Martin's unique structure with Adrian Newey as both Team Principal and technical lead is under scrutiny after a disastrous start to 2026, with both cars failing to finish races. Owner Lawrence Stroll has denied rumors of seeking a replacement, defending the non-traditional model, but performance pressure may force a reevaluation.
Unsettled weather, with a high chance of rain on Saturday, threatens to disrupt Max Verstappen's dominant four-year winning streak at the Japanese Grand Prix, introducing a major variable that could reshuffle the grid and challenge team strategies at the Suzuka Circuit.
Carlos Sainz has voiced strong criticism of F1's 2026 regulations, calling them flawed and far from his ideal of the sport. He joins Max Verstappen in highlighting artificial elements forced by the new energy management systems, particularly on high-power circuits, and urges the FIA to reconsider aspects of the formula.
