McLaren's Zak Brown says F1's top four teams remain ahead after 2026 testing but warns cars are running out of electrical energy on straights, urging the FIA to tweak rules. He also expressed surprise at the immediate strength of Red Bull's new in-house power unit during the Barcelona shakedown.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff cites a testing overtake with a huge speed gap as evidence that 2026's new energy deployment rules will revolutionize F1 racing, adding a critical tactical layer and potentially increasing overtaking.
Adrian Newey says his first Aston Martin F1 car, the AMR26, is the most tightly packaged design the team has ever produced, featuring several novel elements. He emphasizes a holistic design approach where success depends on all components working in harmony, not on any single standout feature.
F1 icon Riccardo Patrese backs Lewis Hamilton for an eighth title, Ferrari fails to ban a rival engine loophole, and Red Bull sees more senior staff depart in a pre-season shakeup, setting the stage for a dramatic 2026 opener.
Red Bull may decide the fate of a 2026 engine rule loophole that benefits Mercedes. Rivals are pushing a change before the Australian GP, and Red Bull Powertrains' vote could seal it.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown says he "would love" to field Fernando Alonso in the Indianapolis 500 again, believing both have the capability to win. Alonso, who needs an Indy win to complete motorsport's Triple Crown, has an uncertain future with Aston Martin post-2026.
Christian Horner admits Red Bull did not give Daniel Ricciardo a title-contending car during his peak, suggesting the popular Australian driver could have been a world champion. Ricciardo's best years at the team coincided with Mercedes' dominance, and he left before Red Bull's current successful era began.
McLaren's Andrea Stella says Mercedes has 'raised the bar' after initial 2026 testing, but stresses the new era will be defined by which team best masters the complex new cars and develops fastest over the marathon season.
Audi, Ferrari, and Honda are urging the FIA to clarify the 2026 engine rules, concerned Mercedes may exploit a loophole for a higher compression ratio in running conditions. The dispute tests the new regulations' integrity ahead of the March homologation deadline, with Red Bull's vote and the FIA's stance being pivotal.
Lando Norris says F1's new 2026 'Overtake Mode' could create chaotic racing, as drivers gain a powerful speed boost to pass but are then left vulnerable with depleted batteries, leading to a potential 'yo-yo' effect of repeated position swaps.
Defending F1 champion Lando Norris has joked that George Russell is the clear favorite for the 2026 title, citing Mercedes' expected strength with the new power unit regulations. Norris praised their shared engine supplier's work but highlighted the uncertainty as major technical changes approach.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown is actively lobbying Fernando Alonso to return for another Indianapolis 500 attempt, stating he brings it up every time they meet. Brown believes both his team and Alonso have what it takes to win, offering an open invitation for the Spaniard to finally complete motorsport's Triple Crown.
