F1 News Today: Aston Martin to swap drivers as Lance Stroll issues 'piece of s***' verdict

Aston Martin have announced that a young driver will drive in free practice at the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend.

The youngster will replace Fernando Alonso, as Aston Martin's early 2026 season woes look set to carry on into the third grand prix weekend of the year.

➡️ READ MORE: Aston Martin confirm driver swap at Japanese Grand Prix

Lance Stroll's brutal Aston Martin F1 takedown: 'Worst piece of s*** I’ve ever driven'

Lance Stroll's x-rated reaction to his Aston Martin F1 car following Chinese Grand Prix qualifying has been revealed.

Aston Martin's drivers have been struggling with intense vibrations within their AMR26 cars, while the team have failed to finish a single grand prix as of yet as they struggle with reliability issues.

➡️ READ MORE: Lance Stroll's brutal Aston Martin F1 takedown: 'Worst piece of s*** I’ve ever driven'

EXCLUSIVE: Lewis Hamilton in a Ferrari at the Nurburgring? What comes next after Verstappen success

According to Nurburgring expert Mischa Charoudin, it’s a major win that Max Verstappen is so passionate about the Nordschleife and racing there and it could lure an F1 rival to the legendary track.

The seasoned Russian driver, who even spent some time living in the Netherlands, told GPFans that Verstappen has created the “third shockwave” for the iconic circuit.

➡️ READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Nurburgring Max Verstappen Mercedes Mischa Charoudin F1

F1 stars braced for Japanese Grand Prix weather chaos

While trying to predict the weather accurately nearly a week out is a mug's game, the early signs are there that the Japanese Grand Prix weekend might see intermediate or wet tyres bolted onto cars for the first time at a race this year.

For Mercedes this is bad news. As the dominating team in the paddock they need a full weekend of predictable track conditions in the dry. However, it doesn't look like they are going to get it.

➡️ READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton Fia Ferrari F1 Aduo Beat Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton given FIA lifeline to beat Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari F1 boss Fred Vasseur has hinted that an FIA rule could give the team a boost in their pursuit of Mercedes.

Ferrari have started the season off in fine fashion having claimed two grand prix podiums already, including one for Hamilton, his first since joining Ferrari in January 2025. But they've still been a fair chunk from Mercedes' pace thus far.

➡️ READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton Fia Ferrari F1 Aduo Beat Mercedes

Kimi Antonelli's F1 victory: Star ignored George Russell order at Chinese GP

An emotional moment for Mercedes F1 star Kimi Antonelli led to orders being ignored at the Chinese Grand Prix last time out.

The Silver Arrows star made history in Shanghai by becoming the youngest grand prix polesitter, before going on to claim victory over his team-mate George Russell.

➡️ READ MORE: F1 2026 Mercedes Kimi Antonelli Chinese Gp Win George Russell Order David Coulthard

Max Verstappen announces 'natural next step' away from F1

Max Verstappen has made a major announcement about his exploits away from the F1 track.

As well as being a four-time world champion in F1, Verstappen also has many other racing hobbies, including owning his own GT Racing team, and being involved in sim racing.

➡️ READ MORE: Max Verstappen Red Bull F1 Sim Racing Chris Lulham Team Redline

Kimi Antonelli makes bold pitch for Max Verstappen to become his team-mate

Mercedes F1 star Kimi Antonelli has made a passionate pitch for he and four-time champion Max Verstappen to be paired up as team-mates.

The pair are now the youngest and the second-youngest winners of a grand prix of all time in F1, following Antonelli's victory in China last weekend.

➡️ READ MORE: Max Verstappen Kimi Antonelli F1 Team Mate Request Mercedes Gt Nurburgring