A German media report outlines a theoretical method by which Mercedes and Red Bull could exploit a 2026 engine regulation loophole, using thermal expansion and a micro-chamber to increase compression ratio on track. Mercedes insists its design is legal as the FIA works to clarify testing procedures.
Cadillac is set to become F1's first new team in ten years for the 2026 season. The American outfit, backed by General Motors, will launch its livery during the Super Bowl and has already begun testing with an experienced driver duo of Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas.
Red Bull Racing faces continued senior staff departures from marketing, communications, and HR departments, signaling an ongoing internal reshuffle. This follows the earlier firing of team boss Christian Horner and comes as Ferrari poaches a top performance engineer from the Red Bull family.
Ex-Red Bull boss Christian Horner says Daniel Ricciardo possessed world champion talent, but the team failed to provide a title-contending car during the Australian's peak years with the squad, calling him a driver the sport still misses.
Oscar Piastri has denied claims McLaren favored Lando Norris over him in their 2024 title fight, stating he had a "fair shot." While acknowledging some team processes could have been better, the Australian driver stressed he never doubted the team's intentions, seeking to end a debate that became a topic in Australia's Parliament.
Red Bull Racing has severed ties with four senior administrators in marketing, communications, and HR, continuing a clear-out that began with the ousting of Christian Horner. The moves are seen as new CEO Laurent Mekies and Chairman Oliver Mintzlaff stamping their authority on the team's operational side.
Reports of a split between Lewis Hamilton and Marc Hynes are false; Hynes is moving to Cadillac F1. Separately, George Russell calls Adrian Newey's Aston Martin AMR26, notably its rear suspension, an impressive design that has the paddock talking.
Adrian Newey states Aston Martin began work on its 2026 F1 car four months behind competitors due to wind tunnel delays and his late arrival, leading to a severely compressed development cycle for the new AMR26.
Christian Horner has spoken to every F1 team about a comeback since leaving Red Bull, confirming he will only return for a project dedicated to winning. The former champion team boss is most strongly linked with Alpine but insists he is waiting for the perfect competitive opportunity.
The 2026 F1 season's first public pre-season test runs in Bahrain from February 11-13, featuring all 11 teams and their new cars. Limited live TV coverage and fan access will offer the first glimpses of performance and reliability ahead of the new campaign.
Reigning F1 champion Lando Norris says he fully believes rival George Russell will become a world champion, noting the Mercedes driver is "giddy" with hunger after Norris's 2025 title win. Norris highlighted their mutual respect and said his success has increased the competitive drive among his peer group.
Reigning F1 champion Lando Norris says he has not lost any motivation after winning his first title and is fully focused on defending his crown in 2026. He dismissed comparisons to past champions who struggled after success, stating his desire to win remains his 'baseline feeling.'
