Welcome to Friday’s edition of the RaceFans round-up.
Comment of the day
There was a time when many expected an Aston Martin–Honda partnership to be the team to beat in 2026. That prediction has not materialised, leaving the team’s leading driver with limited options:
It’s disappointing how Aston Martin and Honda have faltered under these regulations. Retirement might be the sensible choice for Alonso. Aston are unlikely to be competitive for at least two to three years, if ever.
Alonso doesn’t have that kind of time left in his F1 career and could easily be overtaken by younger, faster drivers if the team were to improve. He has other racing interests where he could achieve more success rather than spending those remaining years effectively testing for Aston.
Keith Campbell (@Keithedin)
Social media and links
Formula 1 and FIA announce extension of Pirelli’s global tyre partnership through 2028 (F1)
“We are pleased to extend our presence in Formula 1 by a further year, until 2028, thanks to the agreement reached with the FIA – under the leadership of its President Mohammed Ben Sulayem – and with Formula 1.”
My first race – Norris (McLaren)
“I’m the most ‘McLaren-est’ racing driver, which is pretty good, pretty cool! For my name to be alongside the likes of Hunt, Prost, Senna, and Lauda is unbelievable — to be a part of McLaren’s history, alongside all these other incredible people. In 10 years, 20 years, 30 years’ time, I think it’s going to be very cool to look back on.”
The engineer bringing a steadying hand as new Prema chief (Formula Scout)
“His might not be a household name, particularly in junior open wheel racing, but Mitas’s CV is a powerful one. It is easy to see why he was at the top of Prema’s shortlist. In his 25-year career to date, he has amassed a wealth of experience, encompassing V8 Supercars, World Endurance through both LMP1 and hypercars, and Formula 1 with BMW Sauber and Red Bull.”
‘Out of reach’: Russell refuses to think about F1 title after Antonelli surge (The Guardian)
“The pressure feels off. I’m going to try to enjoy every race, not even think about the championship: it’s so far out of reach.”
Toyota: LMDh manufacturers in ‘another class’ to LMH (Sportscar 365)
“I’m not sure that it has anything to do with the aero package. Yesterday we saw there was a two-class qualifying with LMDh on top and LMH behind. That seems to be the picture.”
Seeing ‘His Excellency…’ and ‘HE Mohammed Ben Sulayem’ crop up more frequently in official FIA/FOM communications lately. I’m sure it’ll catch on. #F1
— Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine.bsky.social) 2026-06-11T19:41:46.228Z
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Happy birthday!
Happy birthday to Zimkazimka and Deb Trom!
On this day in motorsport
- 10 years ago today Lewis Hamilton won the Canadian Grand Prix while title rival Nico Rosberg finished fifth
- Born today in 1930: Innes Ireland, who won the 1961 United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen for Lotus and was then dropped by the team at the end of the season
- 15 years ago today Jenson Button scored a dramatic win in a soaked Canadian Grand Prix by passing Sebastian Vettel on the final lap
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