Red Bull technical chief Pierre Wache has countered rival claims of the team's early dominance, stating data shows Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren are currently ahead. While praising its new engine's reliability, Red Bull identifies traction and cornering as weaknesses, all while navigating pre-season political games over engine regulations.
Formula E driver Dan Ticktum has sided with Max Verstappen in criticizing F1's planned 2026 regulations, calling the cars an unfulfilling compromise. He argues the sport should champion internal combustion engines for pure spectacle, leaving electric development to other series, and fears the new rules please no one.
George Russell has outright rejected Max Verstappen's criticism that 2026 F1 cars feel like 'Formula E on steroids.' While Russell admits the low-gear cornering required is annoying, he is optimistic about the cars' power and expects significant development, urging patience with the new regulations.
Jenson Button predicts Lando Norris will be a 'formidable force' in 2026, arguing the massive technical regulation change is the perfect fresh challenge for the new world champion, preventing a post-title comedown and allowing him to build on his proven success with renewed confidence.
Alpine’s A526 debuted in Barcelona with a pull‑rod front suspension and a rear‑wing flap that moves opposite to rivals. Steve Nielsen says it feels different and impact will be judged as data arrives.
Charles Leclerc acknowledges the 2026 F1 cars are less fun to drive but finds a new challenge in mastering them, offering a contrasting view to Max Verstappen's sharp criticism. Lando Norris added fuel to the debate with a blunt retort to the reigning champion.
George Russell led a Mercedes 1-2 over Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari in the final morning of Bahrain testing, setting the fastest lap of the week so far. The session provided a positive step for Mercedes after early troubles, while Cadillac suffered another reliability setback with a red flag.
George Russell led Lewis Hamilton as Mercedes and Ferrari set the pace in the final morning of F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain. While the top two showed promising speed, Aston Martin's struggles were confirmed, and Cadillac suffered another reliability setback, casting doubt on their readiness for the new season.
Mercedes' George Russell warns Red Bull holds a 'scary' performance advantage of up to a second per lap based on pre-season testing, but Red Bull's technical director Pierre Waché insists Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren are actually ahead, setting up a tense narrative ahead of the new season.
Formula E champion Lucas Di Grassi has challenged Max Verstappen to try Formula E's future cars after the F1 champion criticized 2026 F1 regulations as "Formula E on steroids." The exchange reveals tension over F1's technical direction and its appeal to top drivers.
Alpine has challenged Mercedes' rival teams to file an official protest at the Australian GP if they are dissatisfied with the compression ratio rules, calling their bluff amid a push for a last-minute change. Alpine warns that altering the regulations now sets a dangerous precedent, arguing Mercedes' engine is legal under the current, clearly written rules.
The final morning of F1 testing in Bahrain saw high mileage and a fastest lap from Mercedes' George Russell. Liam Lawson led lap counts, while the Red Bull-Ford and Ferrari power units showed strong reliability, setting the stage for the season opener.
