In the round-up: McLaren team principal Andreas Stella says is cautious about the risk of entering Formula 1’s new power unit era with an all-new manufacturer
In brief
Stella wary of Mclaren entering 2026 with “immature” power unit
With the new power unit regulations coming into Formula 1 in 2026 and new manufacturers like Audi joining the sport, Stella says he is careful about McLaren rushing to attach themselves to an all-new power unit manufacturer.
“Ideally you are a works team, but with an established power unit manufacturer,” he told media including RaceFans. “I think joining a new partnership, it comes with some elements of risk.
“In 2026 we want to be there. We don’t want to be saying like ‘okay, now we need two years because the project is too immature’. We want to be there from a chassis point of view, and kind of sound from a power unit point of view, even if I had to choice to choose, I would always choose to be a works team. But I don’t think this is a fundamental differentiator to be able to win.”
Krack “would be happy” to keep Alonso for several years
Mike Krack says that Aston Martin “would be happy” to keep Fernando Alonso driving in their team for several years.
Alonso joined the team this season and currently sits third in the drivers’ championship after five podiums from seven rounds. The 41-year-old is already the most experienced driver in F1 history, but has said he wants to stay at the team for “several years” to come.
“It’s nice to hear that he has said that,” Krack said. “Several years – we would be happy with that.
“I think the main thing – and this is one of the big qualities – is the desire to be at front, the motivation. And I think this is fully on with Fernando. We don’t think so much about that, to be honest. We take it race by race and we try to do well every race. It’s nice to hear that but we didn’t think too much about it yet. Let’s make it happen.”
Boya dominates Eurocup-3 Monza opener
MP Motorsport’s Maria Boya – who also races for the team in the FIA Formula 3 championship – led from start to finish to win first the Eurocup-3 race of the weekend in Monza.
Boya converted pole into the win, taking his second consecutive win in the series after missing the round at Motorland Aragon due to racing at Monte Carlo in the FIA Formula 3 championship. Esteban Masson with a second race taking place today.
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Links
Motor racing links of interest:
Mattia Binotto lashes out at Audi ‘clowns’ as ex-Ferrari chief rejects F1 return (Mirror)
‘The Italian was even invited to visit the company’s headquarters and meet the executives behind the project, as well as viewing their facilities. But it appears the visit did not have the desired affect, with Binotto firmly rejecting Audi’s offer. He had travelled to Germany with an ‘open mind’ and was prepared to take in Audi’s presentation. They failed to impress the Italian though and he was scathing of some of the people behind the Audi team.’
‘After he had taken the chequered flag, having won in such devastating style, there was a poignant vignette just before the podium ceremony, which demonstrated how fleeting fame can be. In its way it symbolised the air of change that we could feel sweeping through the sport.’
‘Hamilton’s success on the track has earned him millions, making him the 17th highest-paid athlete in the world. Take a look below at his fabulous life.’
Essex boy racers warned ‘you are not Max Verstappen’ (Echo News)
”Some people like sitting in car parks revving their engines and look, we might have to disagree on that. Doing donuts in a car park and racing around city streets is immensely dangerous.I don’t think there is a Max Verstappen here. The last time I saw him, he was on the Formula 1 track.”
Forgotten F1 star had same ”pure, natural driving talent” as Lewis Hamilton (Mirror)
‘Heinz-Harald Frentzen picked up only three wins in his Formula 1 career, but has seen his talent compared to that of Lewis Hamilton. The German’s time in the sport began in the mid-1990s and he was quickly promoted by the then dominant Williams team, but failed to live up to the promise that his junior career suggested. Frentzen began his time in F1 with Sauber before Williams opted to rid off world champion Damon Hill to get him in their car in 1996.’
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