George Russell reveals Mercedes has regained a crucial link between its simulator data and real-world car performance for the first time since 2021, marking a key technical reset after years of unpredictable development. While encouraged by a solid Barcelona test, he warns that Red Bull and Ferrari also look strong and reliable, setting the stage for a potentially tight battle at the front of the grid.
Red Bull Racing is systematically removing executives and staff linked to former boss Christian Horner, marking a definitive end to his 20-year cultural legacy. The purge, extending from HR to marketing, signals a full cultural reset under new leadership as the team prepares for its 2026 engine partnership with Ford.
Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli argues that F1's major 2026 technical reset could help level the playing field for younger drivers. The rookie believes those accustomed to adapting to new cars each year in junior categories may find the transition easier than veterans, though he acknowledges racecraft experience remains a key factor.
Mercedes driver George Russell says driving a 2026 Formula 1 prototype felt intuitive and dismissed fears the new regulations would create an 'engineering race,' asserting that the fastest driver will still determine success.
Cadillac has placed a countdown clock in Times Square, building hype for the reveal of its official 2026 Formula 1 car livery during the Super Bowl halftime show, following a shakedown in Barcelona with a temporary design.
Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli predicts F1's 2026 energy management rules will transform racing into a high-speed strategic game, demanding drivers to think several moves ahead like chess players while battling on track. He believes creativity and mental agility will become as crucial as outright speed.
Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu says the team expected more from Esteban Ocon in 2025 after the experienced driver was outperformed by rookie teammate Oliver Bearman. Komatsu cited a shared responsibility between team and driver for failing to quickly solve car handling issues, but emphasized that unlocking Ocon's clear potential is vital for the team's success moving forward.
Haas's Oliver Bearman is set to play a key development role for the 2026 season, marking his first direct involvement in shaping a new F1 car amid sweeping regulation changes. The highly-touted rookie sees it as a chance for drivers to make a tangible difference.
Lando Norris anticipates F1 race starts will be far trickier in 2026 due to new power units with greater electrical output. Drivers must now strategically manage a 50/50 energy split from the launch, where using battery for a better start could leave them vulnerable before the first corner, adding a critical new layer of race strategy.
McLaren's Zak Brown says F1's top four teams remain ahead after 2026 testing but warns cars are running out of electrical energy on straights, urging the FIA to tweak rules. He also expressed surprise at the immediate strength of Red Bull's new in-house power unit during the Barcelona shakedown.
Kelly Piquet, longtime partner of F1 champion Max Verstappen, has turned heads with a new campaign for Tiffany & Co., showcasing daring fashion and ultra-luxury jewelry valued in the hundreds of thousands of euros. The social media posts highlight her role as a major influencer and brand ambassador, extending the Verstappen circle's reach into the high-fashion world.
Adrian Newey says his first Aston Martin F1 car, the AMR26, is the most tightly packaged design the team has ever produced, featuring several novel elements. He emphasizes a holistic design approach where success depends on all components working in harmony, not on any single standout feature.
