Martin Brundle warns that the 2026 F1 cars' intense focus on energy management could reduce 'raw' racing, shifting the spectacle from visible bravery to invisible strategic calculations. He calls for better data transparency to help fans understand the new tech-driven battles.
Mercedes has launched its 2026 F1 car, the W17, after a successful Barcelona shakedown. The team, with George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli, aims to return to championship contention with a car many believe can fight at the front, marking a pivotal reset for the Silver Arrows.
Williams boss James Vowles says the team's 2026 car is three times more complex than any previous model, overwhelming its factory capacity and causing the delay that led to a missed shakedown. The team has now passed crash tests and aims for a private run before Bahrain testing.
George Russell suffered a small cut to his leg after kicking the Mercedes W17 in the garage during pre-season testing in Barcelona. The minor incident was a footnote in a hugely positive test for Mercedes, which completed over 500 laps and established itself as an early 2026 favorite.
Ferrari faces a busy period analyzing data from its 435-lap Barcelona shakedown. Team Principal Fred Vasseur calls the upcoming review "very intense," with all findings feeding directly into the critical pre-season test in Bahrain ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.
Mercedes streams its 2026 F1 season launch live today, featuring Toto Wolff and drivers Russell and Antonelli. The event follows a positive Barcelona test and will offer insights into the new W17 car and the pivotal 2026 technical regulations.
Adrian Newey's first Aston Martin F1 car, the AMR26, features a comeback of the iconic aerodynamic 'horns' from his 2005 McLaren, blending nostalgic design with modern innovation for the 2026 season.
Christian Horner has broken his silence, expressing a desire to return to F1 but only for a winning project. The former Red Bull boss, linked to Alpine investment talks, says he has "unfinished business" but is barred from working until spring and won't settle for just any role.
The FIA and engine manufacturers are set for crucial talks to address a technical loophole regarding compression ratio measurements, while Christian Horner discusses the enduring nature of his rivalry with Toto Wolff in his first public appearance since leaving Red Bull.
1996 F1 champion Damon Hill speculates that Lewis Hamilton may leave Ferrari before the end of the 2026 season if motivation wanes after another tough year, citing Hamilton's struggles against teammate Charles Leclerc in his first Ferrari season.
Sergio Perez says the new Cadillac F1 team has started exploring its car's potential after a Barcelona shakedown, calling it a productive start. The team, which completed 164 laps, is now analyzing data and setup directions ahead of crucial pre-season testing in Bahrain as it prepares for its debut at the Australian GP.
F1 analyst Karun Chandhok picks George Russell as his 2025 title favorite, arguing that Mercedes' status as a fully integrated works team will give it a crucial head start in developing and optimizing the new-generation power units, despite customer teams receiving the same hardware.
