Oscar Piastri rejects the idea that McLaren is at a disadvantage as a customer team in F1's new era, citing its strong partnership with engine supplier Mercedes. He downplays the impact of not being a works team, attributing any early challenges to general teething problems rather than structural flaws.
Riccardo Patrese believes Lewis Hamilton can target an eighth world title with Ferrari in 2026, as the team faces a setback in its bid to ban a rival engine loophole. Separately, Red Bull has seen several senior staff depart in an ongoing internal reshuffle weeks before the season starts.
Established IndyCar star Colton Herta is taking a highly unusual route to F1, entering Formula 2 at age 25 to earn a Super Licence. The move highlights the barriers for non-traditional drivers and puts his adaptability to the test in a crucial season.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown says he "would love" to field Fernando Alonso in the Indianapolis 500 again, believing both have the capability to win. Alonso, who needs an Indy win to complete motorsport's Triple Crown, has an uncertain future with Aston Martin post-2026.
McLaren's Andrea Stella says Mercedes has 'raised the bar' with its highly reliable pre-season test, identifying them alongside Ferrari and Red Bull as the early pace-setters. Stella's comments signal a competitive challenge for McLaren to match this benchmark as F1 heads to the final test in Bahrain.
On the 15th anniversary of the crash, we look back at the rally accident that shattered Robert Kubica's body and his signed deal to drive for Ferrari in Formula 1, altering the course of his career and the F1 grid.
McLaren boss Andrea Stella warns that beating Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull in 2026 will hinge on his team's ability to develop its car faster throughout the season, predicting the initial competitive order will not hold as development becomes the key battleground.
McLaren's Lando Norris predicts the 2026 F1 season will see "chaotic" racing as new regulations hand drivers a powerful 'boost button' for strategic energy deployment, creating overtaking opportunities in unexpected places but requiring careful management to avoid being left vulnerable.
Ford's racing director, Mark Rushbrook, states the manufacturer is ready to increase its technical support for Red Bull Racing's 2026 F1 engine project if needed to achieve maximum performance. The current collaboration includes on-site software engineers and advanced manufacturing of parts, with a focus on long-term development beyond the 2026 season debut.
At 25, two-time WRC champion Kalle Rovanperä is walking away from rallying to pursue single-seater racing. He explains the move is driven by a desire to learn new skills and push himself beyond the familiar world of rally, with a full Toyota-backed program starting in Super Formula and aiming for F2 in 2027.
Aston Martin F1 has entered a multi-year partnership with Breitling, launching a special racing green edition Navitimer watch to mark the deal. The collaboration, centered on shared values of precision and craftsmanship, will see Breitling branding appear on the team's 2026 car and uniforms.
Alpine F1 driver Pierre Gasly has purchased a nearly $5 million luxury condominium in Miami, citing the city's energy and the property's 'effortless living' as key factors for the F1 globetrotter.
