News Summary

Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll will be sent to the back of the grid for the 2026 Azerbaijan GP after Aston Martin fitted additional Honda power-unit components to both cars in Baku.

The changes take both drivers beyond their permitted seasonal allocations. Because the cumulative penalties exceed 15 grid positions, Alonso and Stroll must start behind every driver who remains within the regular grid order, regardless of their qualifying results. FIA published its power-unit usage information for the Baku weekend.

Alonso’s allocation now includes a fifth MGU-K, sixth energy store, sixth control electronics unit and seventh auxiliary component set. The Spaniard is also using his fourth internal combustion engine and fourth turbocharger.

Stroll has reached a fifth internal combustion engine, fifth turbocharger, fifth MGU-K, sixth energy store, fifth control electronics unit and seventh auxiliary component set.

The final order between Alonso, Stroll and any other penalised drivers will be determined after qualifying. Consequently, Alonso should not yet be described definitively as starting 22nd until the FIA issues the official grid.

The penalties add another difficult chapter to Aston Martin’s first season with Honda under Formula 1’s 2026 engine regulations.

Reliability problems and a shortage of available components have repeatedly forced the team to introduce additional power-unit elements. Alonso previously received penalties in Belgium and started from the pit lane at Monza after Aston Martin changed electrical components under parc fermé conditions.

Baku represents an especially difficult circuit on which to absorb another setback. Its 2.2km flat-out section places enormous pressure on power output, electrical deployment and energy recovery—areas in which the Honda-powered AMR26 has struggled throughout the season.

The circuit does at least offer overtaking opportunities, particularly under braking for Turn 1. Safety cars and incidents have also frequently disrupted the conventional competitive order. However, starting behind the entire field will severely restrict Aston Martin’s strategic options.

Alonso has scored all three of Aston Martin’s points in 2026, but the team remains tenth in the Constructors’ Championship. Its strongest results have generally arrived at circuits where chassis performance and aerodynamic efficiency can partly compensate for the power-unit deficit. That protection will be significantly smaller in Azerbaijan.

The Azerbaijan GP continues with qualifying on Friday before the race takes place on Saturday. GRANDE PRÊMIO reports F1 from Baku.

F1 today: FAQ

What time is Singapore GP sprint qualifying today?

Sprint qualifying starts at 20:30 Singapore time on Friday, October 9, equivalent to 13:30 BST in the UK, 08:30 ET in the United States and Canada, and 18:00 IST in India. The session determines the starting grid for Saturday’s sprint.

Who was fastest in Singapore GP FP1?

George Russell topped FP1 with a 1:32.274, driving Mercedes’ older W17 aerodynamic specification. Charles Leclerc finished second, 0.198s behind, followed by Lando Norris in third. Kimi Antonelli was seventh with the upgraded Mercedes, while Gabriel Bortoleto finished 16th.

Why is George Russell using the old Mercedes at the Singapore GP?

Mercedes is comparing its previous W17 specification with the aerodynamic upgrade introduced at Sepang. Russell is using the older package, while championship leader Kimi Antonelli retains the new version. Russell led FP1, but differences in tyre compounds and run programmes mean the result alone does not establish which specification is faster.

Why has Fernando Alonso received a grid penalty in Baku?

Aston Martin introduced Honda power-unit components beyond Alonso’s permitted seasonal allocation. The accumulated penalties send him to the back of the grid.