F1 Fast Five: Aston Martin signs technical collaboration ahead of 2026 regulations, Is this F1's most competitive season in decades?, and other big updates

Aston Martin signs technical collaboration ahead of 2026 regulations

Aston Martin has teamed up with Aramco, Honda, and Valvoline Global Operations to get ready for the 2026 Formula One season. Aramco will supply advanced fuels, Honda will build a new power unit, and Valvoline will provide lubricants to improve the car’s performance. This partnership aims to make Aston Martin a strong competitor in 2026. The team is also close to bringing in famous designer Adrian Newey, which could further boost their 2026 prospects.

Click here to read the full article by Ed Dixon (blackbookmotorsport.com)

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Is this F1's most competitive season in decades?

The 16th round of the championship, which used to be the end of the season, now just marks the middle, with eight races still to go. Max Verstappen won five of the first eight races, but Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes have each won three races, which makes it a rare season with four winning teams. Ferrari recently won their 20th Italian Grand Prix, with Charles Leclerc getting his seventh win and doing so from outside the front row. McLaren is catching up to Red Bull in the constructors’ standings, and Franco Colapinto’s debut ends Argentina’s 23-year gap in Formula 1.

Click here to read the full article by Keith Collantine (racefans.net)

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Ferrari chose not to match Aston Martin’s offer for Newey

Adrian Newey is set to join Aston Martin's Formula 1 team next week after Ferrari chose not to match Aston Martin's substantial offer. Despite initial interest, Ferrari decided against engaging in a bidding war for Newey, who will leave Red Bull after 18 years. Aston Martin made a compelling offer, including $100 million over three seasons and performance-based bonuses, which led Newey to accept. Meanwhile, Ferrari will focus on internal enhancements and integrating new talent like Loic Serra from Mercedes.

Click here to read the full article by Franco Nugnes (motorsport.com)

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Key takeaways from Antonelli's debut weekend

Andrea Kimi Antonelli's F1 debut at Monza was cut short by a crash during practice. Although he showed promise with his speed, the accident revealed that he needs to adjust his approach. Mercedes is still supportive because it understands that mistakes are part of learning for new drivers. Despite the crash, the team remains confident in Antonelli and future teammate George Russell.

Click here to read the full article by Jonathan Noble (motorsport.com)

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Audi eyes Pourchaire and Bortoleto for 2025

Audi F1 boss Mattia Binotto has named Theo Pourchaire and Gabriel Bortoleto as possible drivers for the 2025 season. Audi is still deciding who will join Nico Hulkenberg next year. After losing out on Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon, they are looking at current drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, along with F2 star Gabriel Bortoleto. Binotto confirmed that Pourchaire and Bortoleto are being considered but said there are many other potential drivers as well.

Click here to read the full article by Oliver Harden (planetf1.com)