Formula 1: Articles & News Reports.

[Fortitude]

‘A vindication’: Sainz says 2025 results justify gamble with Williams.
…a statement season with Williams – one that explains, and justifies, why the Spaniard chose Grove as his home in F1.
23/12/2025
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

Reflecting on a whirlwind season, Sainz admitted how quickly it all unfolded. “It’s gone much quicker than I thought it would!” he told F1.com. “The fact that we are on the run so much in between races, non-stop… The sport is growing massively, so you do more marketing, more travelling, more races… By the end of the year, you cannot understand how it’s all flown by.”

“But, if you told me at the beginning of the year that there was going to be fifth position for Williams at the end of the championship, a good step forward, closing the gap to the top teams, and a couple of podiums, I would have taken it. It’s been a good year overall.” And with results in hand, Sainz feels his decision has finally been validated.

“Also, when I signed with Williams in the summer of 2024, if I would have told people that I’m joining them because these results are going to happen, they wouldn’t have fully believed me. I have the results now to back why I chose this team—a vindication,” the Spaniard maintained.

‘A vindication’;

https://f1i.com/news/556677-a-vindic...-williams.html


The Sainz Effect: Red Bull’s Missed Masterstroke?
December 22, 2025
Alex Albuquerque
FastestLap.com

Jacques Villeneuve certainly thinks so. The 1997 World Champion has been banging the drum all season: Sainz has a habit of lifting every team he steps into. And if there’s one thing Red Bull’s Verstappen-era juggernaut has intermittently lacked, it’s a true second spear to press both Max and the car. The history is well-trodden. Sainz and Verstappen came up together at Toro Rosso, and the atmosphere — drivers and fathers included — got tense enough that Red Bull’s then-powerbroker Helmut Marko kept the pair apart when the big seat opened. When Ferrari cut Sainz loose in favour of Lewis Hamilton, Red Bull again looked elsewhere.

Marko, never one to varnish, later called the Toro Rosso dynamic “toxic” and argued the choice at the time was obvious. Sainz didn’t share the view. He’s said repeatedly the rivalry was hard but healthy, and that today he and Max get along: if anything, he reckons they’d form the nastiest one-two punch on the grid. The irony? Sainz has spent 2025 proving his point. Williams jumped from ninth last year to a robust fifth in the Constructors’ standings, with Sainz banking two podiums — including a P3 in Baku, Williams’ first full-race podium since 2017. That’s not just a step forward; that’s a renovation.

‘Sainz has a habit of lifting every team he steps into’;

https://fastestlap.com/news/the-sain...-masterstroke/


How Carlos Sainz has elevated Alex Albon’s level at Williams
20 Dec 2025
Jack Oliver Smith
Motorsport Week

Alex Albon has explained how the arrival of Carlos Sainz at Williams has helped transform the team and elevated his own Formula 1 performances. “I think the biggest thing I’ve learned from Carlos is more the non-driving side of things, the way that we conduct meetings and develop the car in the simulator and go about our free practice programmes,” said Albon. “Things like that which you can see the experience with Carlos in that way.”

“I could definitely say I had the majority of the preferential treatment in previous years,” he explained. “In terms of us two working together more backwards and forwards – we call it ‘feedback ping-pong’, where we’re just kind of having the same opinions about the car. We speak in a very similar language. Carlos is more experienced than I am, but in terms of our age and our approach, we handle things in a very similar way.”

“In terms of pushing me, it’s great to have someone with a different dataset to have a look at, different driving style to me. We want similar things in the car, we actually normally arrive to qualifying with a very similar set-up. When you have a team-mate who’s a step up, you learn more. There’s more to learn in terms of your driving style. There’s some corners that you were previously quick at, which you’re now the same as [your team-mate]. And there are some corners that you need to learn, adapt, drive differently.”

“Transform the team and elevated his own Formula 1 performances”;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/...l-at-williams/


Sainz pens heartfelt end-of-season letter to Williams staff
19/12/2025
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

Carlos Sainz didn’t just walk away from his first season at Williams with results on the board — he left behind something far more personal. Rather than letting those achievements speak for themselves, Sainz chose to address the people behind the scenes directly.

“As we close out a remarkable first season together, I want to express my sincere gratitude to each and every one of you for the incredible welcome I have received since day one at Grove,” the four-time Grand Prix winner wrote to his fellow team members. I knew I was joining a very special team, but our first year together has exceeded all my expectations. This specially designed print is a small gesture of appreciation, and I hope it serves as a reminder of what we accomplished together during 2025.”

“It is thanks to your dedication and commitment that we have been able to achieve our most ambitious goal this year: securing P5 in the constructors' championship, while also having a bit of fun along the way with the podiums in Baku and Qatar, and the sprint podium in Austin. Those highlights are not mine they are a direct result of your efforts and our teamwork, and I truly hope you feel as proud as I do of every point we have scored.”

“Sincere gratitude to each and every one of you”;

https://f1i.com/news/556545-sainz-pe...ams-staff.html


The Sainz effect that would make him the perfect Verstappen teammate
22 Dec 2025
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com

Passed over by Red Bull because of yesteryear’s rivalry with Max Verstappen, Red Bull may have missed a trick as Jacques Villeneuve believes Carlos Sainz makes every team that he joins “better every time”. Quizzed on why Sainz is already to do that, Villeneuve replied: “He’s working on the car. That’s all. He actually understands what the car is doing, and he’s thinking about it, like Max, he’s always thinking about racing and about the car.”

“He knows what he needs. And it’s not a question of, there’s understeer, there’s oversteer. No, that’s useless. That is completely useless. There are times when you have to adapt your driving to understand what the problem with the car is, so you can fix it, so you can go back to your normal driving style and so on.” The 1997 World Champion reckons Sainz and Verstappen share characteristics that make set them apart from other racers.

“Most drivers get out of the car, look at the data, and then they have the answers, but they don’t actually have the question,” he revealed. “So the answer is to give them the questions, and oftentimes you’ll see them going in a completely wrong direction. But that’s the modern way of racing. Max is very old-fashioned in that, and I think Carlos is as well. He’ll use the data a lot, but he actually has a comprehension of what is happening to the car as he’s driving,” he added.

“He knows what he needs”;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/the-ca...-bull-teammate


Sainz tipped as Alonso’s successor in potential Aston Martin move
18 Dec 2025
Samson Ero
GPblog.com

Guenther Steiner has tipped Carlos Sainz for a potential move to Aston Martin following an impressive debut season with Williams. “…Aston Martin presents Sainz’s best opportunities moving forward.” - Guenther Steiner.

“Some teams are keeping an eye on him now, even if they won’t admit it. It’s as if they questioned whether they wanted Carlos in a championship fight. Sometimes these decisions are made, and you can’t go back,” Steiner said via the Red Flag podcast. The former Haas F1 team boss, however, admitted that a move back to the current frontrunning outfit would be a tall order considering his age.

“I think it will be very difficult to move up unless you’re a rookie. There are opportunities out there. A return to Ferrari seems highly unlikely, as does a switch to Red Bull or Mercedes. But there’s always a chance with one of the other teams that are showing great promise,” he added. “I would say Williams or Aston Martin present Sainz’s best opportunities moving forward. Honestly, I don’t believe Fernando can race for another five years. He will likely have one more year, maybe two at best.”

‘Sainz tipped as Alonso’s successor’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/sainz...on-martin-move

[Fortitude]

Lawrence Stroll says “patience” necessary for Aston Martin project.
Aston Martin are one of the teams that could cause an upset in 2026. The British squad have the resources, facilities and quality of engineers required to become front-runners.
22 Dec 2025
Last Word On Sports

Since Lawrence Stroll bought Aston Martin, the team have been described as potential threats to the established order at the front. An electric start to the 2023 season, whilst being short-lived, was early evidence of Aston’s ambitions. That said, the team’s results in the last two years have been disappointing. Poor mid-season development in 2024 and a lacklustre package across 2025 triggered a series of changes at the Silverstone-based operation. Easily the most recognised was the acquisition of Adrian Newey.

“First was putting together the facilities, [the] most important was putting together the team of people. Obviously, getting Adrian Newey to join was monumental. He’s been with us since the beginning of March. We have Andy Cowell, Enrico Cardile, plus hundreds of other people. We have Honda being our power unit partner.”

“Being a works team for the first time in our life is a whole different experience. “The whole team’s forming into place, and we’re looking forward next year to a huge rule and regulation change. The biggest challenge now is putting everything together, making it all happen. I’m quite confident it will, but you have to have the patience.”

“Patience”;

https://lastwordonsports.com/motorsp...artin-project/


Honda reveals Aston Martin F1 goal ahead of 2026 partnership
23 Dec 2025
James Phillips
Motorsport Week

Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe outlined the goals for Honda in its first year with Aston Martin, with integration between UK and Japan at the forefront. “[The] definition of success for me [is that] 2026 is a year to ensure the partnership we have created between Aston Martin and Honda is functioning as planned, as one integrated team,” he said on Aston Martin’s Undercut web-series.

“We need to ensure we have the values we have aimed for and that we achieve our performance goals. The thing we can’t predict, and is beyond our control, is the status of our competitors,” he said. “Before we know that, we can’t talk about anything beyond meeting our own internal goals for the season. Of course, in the longer term, the ultimate goal of this partnership, and our definition of success, is winning the World Championship.”

“It’s very important to take a long-term view of this. Our relationship with Aston Martin is going beyond a technical collaboration – we are sharing a common vision. There is a lot of passion in the team at the AMR Technology Campus, but also a great deal of quality. Pair that with Honda’s development skills and ability to provide winning power units, and we have the potential to be successful in F1, not just in 2026, but also ’27, ’28 and beyond.”

“Functioning as planned, as one integrated team”;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2025/...6-partnership/


Alonso warns rivals of Aston Martin's future success, but warns timing is key
19 Dec 2025
Kada Sarkozi
GPblog.com

Fernando Alonso has no doubt that Aston Martin will succeed, but is cautious about the time frame. Speaking to GPblog, Alonso explained: "Yes, I think so. I mean, the factory is completed. The wind tunnel is brand new and completed and we are using it. We have Adrian Newey, Andy Cowell, Enrico Cardile. I mean, we have great people and great talent in the factory. We just need to put everything in place."

However, the Spaniard also underlined that it might take some time to figure out how to put everything together. He continued: "Facilities are new, people are just a few months into the system, [whether] it will be enough this few months or we need one full season to glue everything together, that's the thing, I don't know. Aston Martin will succeed, I think it's, for me, a guarantee. The biggest question is when and that's what we all try to make it [happen] as soon as possible."

‘Timing is key’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/alons...-timing-is-key


Watanabe: Honda, Aston Martin 'on the eve of something special'
17/12/2025
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

A new chapter is quietly gathering momentum in Formula 1 – and if Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe is to be believed, it’s one filled with belief, patience and big ambition. As Honda prepares to return to the grid as a full works partner with Aston Martin in 2026, Watanabe says the project is approaching a defining moment.

Honda’s decision to align with Aston Martin was no accident. Watanabe says the Silverstone-based team stood out immediately, not just for its facilities but for the people driving the project. “We've always been careful in the partners we select,” said Watanabe. “In this instance, I was very impressed with the team's leadership and with the passion and vision of Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll. He's very competitive – always with a view to winning. It's very impressive.”

“You can see the desire to succeed expressed in the new facilities at the AMR Technology Campus, but also in the way the organisation has been strengthened over the past few years with experienced personnel. The commitment and focus of the team are very strong, and this was very attractive to us. Exciting too.”

“He's very competitive – always with a view to winning”;

https://f1i.com/news/556468-watanabe...g-special.html


Lawrence Stroll's vital plea ahead of Aston Martin's F1 2026 key transition
23 DEC 2025
Norberto Mujica
GPblog.com

Lawrence Stroll, Aston Martin F1's owner, will oversee the outfit's transition into a full works team when its exclusive power unit deal with Japanese manufacturer Honda starts in 2026, and admits expectations couldn't be higher.

"We're really looking forward to next year with a huge rule change. It's going to be another big step forward; we have Honda as our power unit partner, we're going to be a works team for the first time ever, it's a completely different experience," Stroll told Motorsport.

"[Expectations] are very high, as high as they can be. Now we need to give everyone some time to come together and work to bring these exciting new rules and regulations coming next year up to our very high expectations—as high as they can possibly get," the Canadian team owner concluded.

“Another big step forward”;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/lawre...key-transition


Adrian Newey spots F1 'loophole' as 'frightening' Aston Martin results revealed
19 Dec 2025
Marcus Chan
SPORTbible

Ahead of 2026, it has been claimed that Newey may have found a loophole in the new regulations. According to News F1 Italy, Newey has ‘found a ‘grey zone’ in the interaction between the flexibility of the floor and the new mobile wing profiles’.

In 2026, F1 cars will have dynamically adjustable front and rear wings. It has been reported that while others are concentrating on the power units, Newey has focused on the mechanical sealing of the car’s floor.

‘F1 'loophole' as 'frightening' Aston Martin results revealed’;

https://www.sportbible.com/f1/adrian...89799-20251219

[Fortitude]

How brutal Red Bull demotion saved Liam Lawson from F1 demise.
Liam Lawson endured a difficult start to the 2025 season, but in many ways, it saved his F1 career. …proof that, in Formula 1, survival often matters more than speed alone.
15 December 2025
RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365

Lawson’s brief stint at Red Bull bordered on the nightmarish. A crash in Australia was followed by a disastrous weekend in China, where he qualified last for both the sprint and the grand prix. The writing was on the wall. "Unfortunately, I don’t really have time," Lawson admitted at the time, a rare moment of candour that underlined the pressure of adapting to a car developed around Verstappen.

Helmut Marko was typically unsparing. "Liam qualified 20th twice. And that’s difficult to do worse than that," he said, later conceding the situation had become "a downward spiral" that needed to be stopped to protect Lawson’s future. That intervention came swiftly, with a return to Racing Bulls. The immediate results were underwhelming — five rounds without a point — but the underlying performances told a different story.

"The confidence came back once I could build things step by step," Lawson reflected later in the season. "That’s something you don’t get time for at the front." Laurent Mekies spoke repeatedly about Lawson’s technical feedback and resilience, qualities seen as vital alongside teenage sensation Lindblad. "Liam showed maturity in the hardest circumstances," Mekies noted. "That counts for a lot."

‘Survival often matters more than speed alone’;

https://racingnews365.com/how-brutal...from-f1-demise


Lawson reveals moment that confirmed 2026 F1 seat
Liam Lawson has revealed the moment he was informed his Formula 1 future had been settled, confirming the decision came only after a post-race meeting following the Qatar Grand Prix.

19 Dec 2025
Ben Waterworth
Speedcafe

Speaking on the latest episode of the KTM Summer Grill, Lawson explained that discussions around his future had been ongoing for several weeks, but clarity only arrived after Qatar when he sat down with Racing Bulls team boss Alan Permane. “I think the final sort of say was after the race in Qatar,” Lawson said.

“I sat down with Alan, which is cool for him to be able to tell me as well that we will be obviously working together next year.” Lawson said arriving at the final race of the year in Abu Dhabi with certainty over his position helped remove a layer of pressure after what he described as an “intense” season.

“It’s been a very busy year. A very intense year,” he said. “And to come to this weekend now with obviously that knowledge of next year as well makes it a bit nicer. I’m excited to get to work on the challenges of next year.”

“We will be obviously working together next year”;

https://speedcafe.com/f1-news-2025-l...ive-interview/


Liam Lawson explains 'big difference' after vital cost of Red Bull demotion
Liam Lawson endured a turbulent start to the 2025 F1 season, losing his Red Bull seat and returning to Racing Bulls. Speaking to RacingNews365, he explained why having off-season stability is so critical.
19 December 2025
Samuel Coop & Ian Parkes
RacingNews365

Upon securing his contract extension, Lawson spoke exclusively with RacingNews365, explaining how the early-season switch left him playing "catch-up" against his rivals. "What I'm looking forward to is that off-season to have time with the team and prepare properly," the 23-year-old says.

"Because I think this year, with the way it all started, I definitely felt like I missed a lot of the preseason development, building... because, especially in a season that's so close, this year, it was tiny margins; it's been tiny margins all through the year. So when I first came [back to Racing Bulls], it was very much: where are things that with the car, what's the direction we're going.”

"It was a new side of the garage for me; it was trying to almost play catch-up with everybody, especially with how rough the first couple of races were. Obviously, I have no idea how next year is going to go, but knowing that I have that time before the season — I have a set amount of days that I can basically make the most of and spend with the team — and that preparation, I'm actually excited for, to try and be as ready as possible for next year."

‘Why having off-season stability is so critical’;

https://racingnews365.com/liam-lawso...-bull-demotion


Liam Lawson is ‘excited’ to do something at Racing Bulls in 2026 that he could not do this year
20 December 2025
Kyle Archer
F1 Oversteer

Liam Lawson will also now start a season as a Racing Bulls driver for the first time in his F1 career in 2026. The Kiwi made five mid-season cameo appearances in 2023 and contested the final six rounds in 2024 for Racing Bulls. He started 2025 at Red Bull but only lasted two rounds. The Hastings, New Zealand native got his career back on track after re-joining Racing Bulls in March. The turning point came at the Austrian Grand Prix in round 11 out of 24, as Racing Bulls gave Lawson a front suspension upgrade that helped him extract the VCARB 02’s pace.

Liam Lawson feels he ‘missed a lot’ of development time returning to Racing Bulls mid-season. Lawson will miss the “very fast” speed of Racing Bulls’ 2025 F1 car, as F1’s 2026 regulations are set to make lap times around two to three seconds slower. With rookie Lindblad joining the team, as well, Lawson expects Racing Bulls will “lean on” him in 2026 to steer their ship.

‘Excited’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/lia...-do-this-year/


Liam Lawson Thrills Crowds At Highlands, Raises Funds For Breast Cancer Foundation NZ
24 December 2025
Press Release: Highlands
Scoop

In a heartwarming display of speed, community spirit, and remembrance, Formula 1 star Liam Lawson returned to his Kiwi roots yesterday at Highlands Motorsport Park, delivering an unforgettable day of hot laps and fan interactions that raised over $50,000 for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. The event honoured the memory of Louise Scott-Gallagher, a cherished friend of Highlands CEO Josie Spillane, who tragically passed away from breast cancer in May 2025 at just 44 years of age.

"Yesterday was about more than just racing it was a powerful tribute to Louise, whose vibrant spirit and kindness touched so many lives," said Josie Spillane, CEO of Highlands. "Liam's generosity in giving us his time helped us raise crucial funds for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, ensuring her legacy continues to drives real change. We're overwhelmed by the community's support and the joy on every face."

Lawson was blown away by the day “ I can’t believe how many people were here, and how much money was raised for Breast Cancer. I’ve known Josie and Tony a long time, and was so happy to come and help – and drive the Vulcan of course!! The day kicked off with Lawson greeting fans, signing autographs, and posing for photos, creating magical moments for young admirers and lifelong motorsport fans alike.

‘Liam Lawson was blown away by the day’;

https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU25...ndation-nz.htm