Carlos Sainz says he's open to more F1 sprint races but warns the format must change to avoid spoiling Sunday's Grand Prix and that driver workload from media duties must be reduced to make an expanded calendar sustainable.
Alex Palou, McLaren and Chip Ganassi Racing settled a £12 million court award, with Palou apologising and both teams warning him to choose better advisers ahead of his St Petersburg title defence.
Fresh off his 2025 title, Lando Norris heads into F1's new 2026 era with confidence, but McLaren's apparent performance deficit to Mercedes and Ferrari threatens his championship defense. Experts highlight his elite pace but question if the car will allow a repeat.
Netflix and Apple TV+ have agreed to a landmark content swap for the 2026 F1 season in the U.S. Netflix will stream the Canadian Grand Prix live, while Apple will carry the new season of 'Drive to Survive.' This collaborative move aims to maximize F1's reach by leveraging both platforms' strengths, marking a significant shift from exclusive broadcasting models to a strategy focused on ubiquity and fan engagement.
Streaming giants Apple and Netflix are teaming up for the first time to simulcast the Canadian Grand Prix for U.S. viewers, a strategic move as F1 begins its exclusive U.S. broadcast deal with Apple. The collaboration includes cross-promotion with Netflix's 'Drive to Survive' and tests a new model for reaching fans in the sport's key market.
Honda is scrambling to fix severe vibration issues in its 2026 F1 power unit that have wrecked Aston Martin's pre-season testing. The problem has damaged the battery system, limited running to a fraction of rivals' mileage, and risks compromising the start of their critical new partnership from the very first race in Australia.
The FIA has signaled a willingness to modify the 2026 F1 technical regulations following critical feedback from drivers like Max Verstappen. Single-seater chief Nikolas Tombazis confirmed the governing body is open to adjustments after pre-season testing highlighted drivability concerns with the new 50/50 hybrid power units. While the core 2026 concept remains, the FIA is now focused on fine-tuning the rules to balance innovation with raceability before the new era begins.
Honda's works partnership with Aston Martin has begun under a cloud, hampered by a delayed development start and F1's new engine cost cap. This double handicap contributed to a troubled pre-season test with limited running, putting pressure on the team to recover from a significant data deficit as the season begins.
The FIA's Nikolas Tombazis says the new 2026 Overtake Mode, replacing DRS, can be strengthened or weakened after its race debut depending on performance. The system, which recharges battery energy for cars within one second, wasn't fully tested in Bahrain, with its real-world impact to be assessed starting in Australia.
Max Verstappen says he is nearing the end of his F1 career, dissatisfied with the direction of the 2026 rules and prioritizing life beyond racing. The four-time champion, content with his achievements, stated he could easily walk away and does not plan to emulate drivers who compete into their 40s.
The Adelaide Motorsport Festival is preparing for its 2026 event, set to celebrate historic Formula 1 cars and drivers on the former Grand Prix street circuit. The festival acts as a key hub for motorsport heritage, featuring demonstrations and displays that connect fans with the sport's classic era.
Ahead of his home race, Oscar Piastri will test a Tickford Racing Supercar in a private session organized by mutual sponsor Monster Energy, highlighting the growing trend of cross-discipline promotions in motorsport.
