Author Archives: PressBox

Romain Grosjean apologized to McLaren chief executive Zak Brown after saying he had misinterpreted Brown’s remarks about Oscar Piastri during Spanish Grand Prix coverage. Grosjean said in a Sunday evening social-media post that he had “completely misunderstood” Brown and wanted to correct the record after previously suggesting Brown had dismissed Piastri and called Lando Norris the better driver.

Brown had praised Norris’s pole lap on F1 TV and called it an “A-plus” effort after qualifying in Madrid. He also said Piastri had been close to Norris all weekend. Grosjean later said on Canal+ that Brown’s comments amounted to saying Norris was a world champion and better than Piastri, a reading he then retracted.

Grosjean said McLaren was treating both drivers fairly and equally, and he described the team as having the fastest car that day. He also said McLaren had been unlucky with the virtual safety car and suggested Norris and Piastri would have another chance to fight for a win in Baku. In Madrid, Kimi Antonelli won, Norris finished third and Piastri was eighth after qualifying seventh, while Norris and McLaren were hurt by the virtual safety car.

Romain Grosjean apologized to McLaren chief executive Zak Brown after saying he had misinterpreted Brown’s remarks about Oscar Piastri during Spanish Grand Prix coverage. Grosjean said in a Sunday evening social-media post that he had “completely misunderstood” Brown and wanted to correct the record after previously suggesting Brown had dismissed Piastri and called Lando Norris the better driver.

Brown had praised Norris’s pole lap on F1 TV and called it an “A-plus” effort after qualifying in Madrid. He also said Piastri had been close to Norris all weekend. Grosjean later said on Canal+ that Brown’s comments amounted to saying Norris was a world champion and better than Piastri, a reading he then retracted.

Grosjean said McLaren was treating both drivers fairly and equally, and he described the team as having the fastest car that day. He also said McLaren had been unlucky with the virtual safety car and suggested Norris and Piastri would have another chance to fight for a win in Baku. In Madrid, Kimi Antonelli won, Norris finished third and Piastri was eighth after qualifying seventh, while Norris and McLaren were hurt by the virtual safety car.

Honda said it will restructure its Formula 1 power unit development program on Oct. 1, promoting deputy project leader Yoichiro Fukao to large project leader in place of Tetsushi Kakuda. Honda described the move as a planned transition aimed at accelerating development, building a stronger framework and passing technical knowledge to the next generation of engineers.

Fukao currently serves as assistant leader and heads Honda’s software division, and Honda said the leadership change is meant to prepare its engine program for further regulation changes expected from 2027. Kakuda has led Honda’s 2026 Formula 1 power unit program so far.

The reshuffle comes during a difficult first season of Honda’s return to Formula 1 with Aston Martin. The team has struggled to take advantage of the 2026 engine rule changes, with recent upgrades improving drivability but not delivering a major performance gain. Aston Martin has scored three points and sits just ahead of Cadillac in the constructors’ standings, while Fernando Alonso finished 17th at the Spanish Grand Prix and Lance Stroll retired with brake problems.