Arvid Lindblad, at 18, will debut with Racing Bulls at the 2026 Australian GP, setting an F1 record for the largest age gap with Fernando Alonso. This generational shift highlights the sport's blend of rising stars and enduring legends, with Lindblad's early entry underscoring a new era while Alonso continues his remarkable career.
Cadillac is set to unveil its first Formula 1 car livery during a 2026 Super Bowl commercial, strategically targeting the massive American audience to amplify its entry into the sport. This high-profile reveal, planned for February 8, 2026, underscores Cadillac's commitment to F1 and its proud American identity, aiming to capture the attention of millions ahead of its debut at the Australian Grand Prix.
Arvid Lindblad, a Red Bull Junior driver, recounts the Hamilton-inspired vow he made to Lando Norris five years ago, predicting his entry into F1. Now, with a confirmed seat at Racing Bulls for the 2026 season, Lindblad's audacious claim has become a reality, echoing Lewis Hamilton's famous declaration to Ron Dennis. His journey highlights the power of ambition and self-belief in achieving a Formula 1 dream.
IndyCar champion Alex Palou boldly claims Max Verstappen would have secured the 2025 F1 title two months earlier in a McLaren. This statement adds intrigue to the upcoming Abu Dhabi finale, where Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri are in a tight three-way battle for the championship. Norris, the current leader, faces a historical jinx concerning multi-driver title deciders.
Ferrari has extended its half-century-old sponsorship with Philip Morris International (PMI), marking a new phase that includes the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli. PMI's ZYN nicotine alternative will feature on Ferrari's SF-25 car, reflecting the evolving nature of F1 sponsorships as the sport navigates advertising bans on traditional tobacco products while maintaining long-standing financial partnerships under strict regulatory adherence.
Ferrari has extended its partnership with Philip Morris International, a collaboration spanning over 50 years. The renewed deal will see PMI's ZYN brand featured on the F1 car's livery at select races, including the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This highlights an evolving relationship, adapting to modern advertising regulations while maintaining a long-standing financial and brand connection.
The F1 2025 World Championship comes down to the final race in Abu Dhabi, with Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri all mathematically in contention. Norris leads, needing a podium finish to secure his maiden title, while Verstappen requires a podium and Norris to finish lower. Piastri, with the slimmest chance, must secure a top-two finish to have any hope. The season finale promises a thrilling conclusion to an intense championship battle.
Former F1 driver Matteo Bobbi has issued a stark warning to Lando Norris ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, suggesting that his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri could pose a greater threat than Max Verstappen. Bobbi believes Piastri, fueled by a season of internal frustrations and perceived slights, is determined to prevent Norris from winning the championship, potentially creating explosive intra-team dynamics in the season finale.
Lewis Hamilton will skip the first free practice session at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as Ferrari adheres to F1 regulations by fielding rookie driver Arthur Leclerc, Charles Leclerc's brother, in the SF-25. This move, part of a mandate for teams to give young drivers track time, sees other established drivers like Oscar Piastri and Fernando Alonso also making way for rookies.
Lando Norris heads to Abu Dhabi as the F1 championship leader, but a quirky statistic notes he has never won on the same track twice. While he's secured eleven Grand Prix wins this season, all were on new circuits. For the championship, a podium finish is all he needs, regardless of this peculiar historical trend, setting the stage for a thrilling finale against Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri.
Lewis Hamilton has provided Ferrari with an extensive list of improvements for their 2026 car, following a challenging 2025 season where the team struggled significantly. After finishing a winless year and observing key developmental gaps, Hamilton's detailed notes aim to address weaknesses and build on strengths. The critical challenge for Ferrari now is to act decisively on these recommendations to avoid repeating past struggles.
Oscar Piastri will miss the opening practice session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as McLaren fulfills a mandatory rookie driver slot with Pato O'Ward. This puts Piastri at a disadvantage in his championship bid, forcing him to quickly adapt to the Yas Marina circuit in later sessions, while his rivals gain crucial track time.
