Martin Brundle has responded to Max Verstappen's criticism of F1's 2026 energy management rules, arguing that managing car systems has always been part of the sport. Verstappen called the new driving experience "not very F1-like,\
Lewis Hamilton reported positive findings from his first drive of the 2024 Ferrari SF-26 in Bahrain testing, highlighting "good discoveries" and a key step in understanding the new tires. With high lap counts from both drivers, the team gathered crucial data to refine the car before the final pre-season test and the opening race.
Aston Martin faces a steep climb after its first 2026 F1 test, with Mike Krack admitting the team has "a lot of work" and Lance Stroll fearing a four-second deficit. While the new car with Honda power shows potential, integration issues have put the squad behind schedule ahead of the new season.
Oscar Piastri raises major safety red flags over 2026 F1 race starts, calling the prospect of 22 low-downforce cars launching together a 'recipe for disaster.' The McLaren driver urges urgent talks to simplify the complex new start procedure and overtaking system before the Australian GP.
The 2026 F1 pre-season is shrouded in mystery as Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull, and McLaren each claim their rivals have the faster car. This confusion stems from new technical regulations, a political battle over engine rules, and strategic gamesmanship, setting up an unpredictable start to the new era.
Liam Lawson recognizes his rookie Racing Bulls teammate Arvid Lindblad may adapt quicker to F1's new 2026 rules but calls it "not an excuse." He stresses top drivers must adapt to anything, as he prepares to take on a lead development role for the team in the new regulatory era.
Mercedes led the final day of Bahrain testing, but off-track, Ferrari demanded clarity on a reported Mercedes engine 'trick'. George Russell added to the intrigue by warning that Red Bull's true pace advantage could be up to a second per lap, setting the stage for a tense season opener.
McLaren boss Andrea Stella warns that unresolved issues with F1's 2026 power unit regulations pose serious safety risks and threaten to ruin racing. He identifies flawed race start procedures, a near-impossible overtaking environment, and dangerous lift-and-coast scenarios as critical problems that require simple fixes before the season starts in Melbourne.
Cadillac spent an estimated $20 million on a Super Bowl commercial to reveal its 2026 F1 livery, using advanced virtual production technology similar to "The Mandalorian." The cinematic spot frames the General Motors-backed team's entry as a historic American underdog story, with leadership acknowledging the investment will take years to recoup as they build towards their grid debut.
McLaren Andrea Stella urges the FIA to amend the 2026 rulebook on three safety fronts – start procedures, lift‑and‑coast tactics and close‑following on straights – before season opens in Melbourne.
Mercedes ended the first 2026 F1 pre-season test fastest, with Andrea Kimi Antonelli topping the timesheets. McLaren accumulated the most mileage, while Red Bull's running appeared limited. The test highlighted early reliability for some and potential concerns for others ahead of the new era.
Max Verstappen reported a solid but not perfect first test for Red Bull, completing many laps and system checks while identifying areas for improvement. Competitors, however, voiced concern over Red Bull's apparent performance advantage, with George Russell calling the gap "pretty scary."
