Cadillac has secured Tommy Hilfiger as the official apparel partner for its new F1 team, replacing the brand's previous alliance with Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes. The deal aims to merge performance and classic American style for fans as Cadillac builds its identity ahead of its 2026 entry.
Honda has hailed its first track test with Aston Martin as a pivotal step for their new works partnership. The Barcelona shakedown focused on initial data collection with the new power unit, with Fernando Alonso completing most of the limited laps. The immediate goal is to prove engine reliability during the upcoming official test in Bahrain.
Lando Norris suggests the 2026 F1 cars possess the latent power to exceed 380 kph and break the sport's top speed record if energy deployment limits were removed. He also notes the new generation delivers a significant increase in acceleration G-forces, presenting a fresh physical challenge for drivers.
George Russell called Adrian Newey's 2026 Aston Martin the most visually impressive car after its Barcelona test debut, specifically praising its rear suspension. However, he stressed that looks are irrelevant compared to outright speed, with the true benchmark being which car is fastest in Melbourne.
McLaren is refining its 'Papaya Rules' team racing principles after a 2025 season where strict fairness between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri nearly cost the drivers' title. Piastri admits the policy caused headaches, confirming a streamlined approach for 2026 while reaffirming core values of equal opportunity.
McLaren's Lando Norris forecasts increased unpredictability in F1's 2025 season, stating new technical rules will bring 'more chaos' by bringing the midfield much closer to the traditional front-running teams, making every race weekend a broader challenge.
Initial tests of 2026 F1 cars show drivers must master "counter-intuitive" techniques to manage massive new energy-harvesting demands, balancing traditional speed with efficient battery use. While still fun to drive, the new rules require a mental shift that could redefine what makes a top driver.
Ferrari has yet to name a race engineer for Lewis Hamilton weeks before the 2026 season, following the reassignment of Riccardo Adami. Pundit Karun Chandhok calls the delay 'strange,' stressing the vital need for Hamilton to build rapport with a new engineer before racing begins.
McLaren will simplify its team orders strategy for 2026 after driver Oscar Piastri admitted the 2025 system caused unnecessary 'headaches'. The team aims to retain the benefits of coordinated racing while streamlining decision-making, as development continues following pre-season testing.
Christian Horner has rejected claims that Mercedes and Red Bull are 'cheating' with 2026 engine loopholes, while Adrian Newey promises a 'very different' Aston Martin for the season opener. In other news, Williams splits with a key sponsor, Ferrari hires a new performance chief, and the Williams FW48 completes its shakedown.
Christian Horner believes Oscar Piastri's painful near-miss of the 2025 F1 title will serve as powerful motivation, backing the young McLaren driver to come back stronger and continue improving with more experience in the 2026 season.
Simona de Silvestro, a former F1 test driver for Sauber and IndyCar competitor, has qualified to represent Italy in bobsleigh at the 2026 Winter Olympics after switching sports in 2022. She will compete in the monobob and two-woman events, marking a stunning cross-sport career change.
