An analysis of Red Bull's 2026 car reveals two radical design features: prominently placed crash structures enabling ultra-compact sidepods and a diffuser slot solution also adopted by Mercedes. The design underscores Red Bull's extreme, performance-first philosophy in the new regulatory era.
Haas's second day of F1 pre-season testing in Barcelona was hampered by two reliability issues, limiting the team to just 42 laps. Despite the stoppages, Team Principal Ayao Komatsu said the car showed a 'huge step forward' in performance when it was running.
A new report states that F1 legend Michael Schumacher, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2013, has progressed to the point where he is no longer bedridden and can sit in a wheelchair. The rare update offers a glimpse of hope in his closely guarded, decade-long recovery managed by his family and a dedicated medical team in Switzerland.
Lando Norris completed the McLaren MCL40's first laps in Barcelona testing, while Mercedes underscored its strong early reliability by topping the lap charts. The session focused on systems checks with F1's new-generation cars ahead of the 2026 season.
Kimi Antonelli set the fastest time on the third day of F1's private Barcelona test, leading a Mercedes 1-2 ahead of George Russell. McLaren's Lando Norris was third in the team's first run with its updated car, as the test focused on mileage and system checks ahead of the new season.
Williams boss James Vowles explains skipping Barcelona testing was a strategic choice to protect the race-ready car and spares, not due to a major weight problem with the complex new FW48. He admits the 2026 design has pushed the team's operations to the limit.
Audi's first F1 shakedown in Barcelona was interrupted by technical issues, but driver Gabriel Bortoleto says finding problems now is part of the plan. The team is using the running to identify and fix reliability concerns before pre-season testing begins, as it builds towards its long-term championship ambitions.
Williams Team Principal James Vowles has dismissed rumors of failed crash tests and an overweight 2026 car, confirming the team passed all homologation checks. He explained skipping the Barcelona test was a strategic choice due to the unprecedented complexity of the new project, opting for advanced virtual testing instead to be fully prepared for Bahrain.
Daniel Ricciardo has willingly passed his famous #3 to Max Verstappen for 2026, bypassing the usual retirement waiting period. The move, born from a friendly conversation, symbolizes their strong bond from their Red Bull teammate days and allows Verstappen a preferred single-digit number.
F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali participated in the Olympic Torch relay ahead of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Games, carrying the flame in Italy. The honor highlights his status as a leading figure in global sport and symbolizes the growing alignment between F1 and other major sporting institutions.
Mercedes set the pace on the final day of F1's Barcelona shakedown, with George Russell topping the timesheets. The day was notable for Lando Norris's first official laps with McLaren since his offseason move, marking a key milestone for both driver and team ahead of critical testing in Bahrain.
Charles Leclerc gave a positive first review of Ferrari's 2026 SF-26 after a wet shakedown in Barcelona, focusing on system checks. He believes the new regulations are a major opportunity for the team to challenge for championships again after years of falling short.
