The 2026 F1 season, marked by major regulation changes, is fast approaching with critical dates on the calendar. Teams will undertake a final Pirelli tire test on December 9, 2025, before car launches commence with Red Bull's RB22 debut on January 15, 2026. Pre-season testing follows, with five days in Barcelona (January 26-30) and two separate three-day sessions in Bahrain (February 11-13 and February 18-20), all leading up to the season opener in Melbourne, Australia, on March 8, 2026.
Juan Pablo Montoya asserts that Ferrari's path to success lies in listening to Lewis Hamilton's technical feedback. He believes Hamilton is an "unstoppable" force with a point to prove, and his current frustration stems from a lack of reciprocal effort from the team. Ignoring Hamilton's insights, Montoya warns, will hinder not only the seven-time champion but also Charles Leclerc and Ferrari's overall performance.
All 10 Formula 1 teams have agreed to a multi-year deal to continue sponsoring an F1 Academy driver and car, signifying a major commitment to the all-female series. The agreement also sees Cadillac join as a grid sponsor from 2027. Crucially, the two-season participation limit will be extended to three years for high-potential drivers from 2027, reinforcing the F1 Academy's dedication to long-term talent development and creating a robust pathway for female racers in motorsport.
Sebastian Vettel expressed his surprise at Christian Horner's departure from Red Bull Racing, emphasizing that Horner left "big footsteps" as a "central part" of the team that led Vettel to four F1 world titles. Horner's exit, after nearly two decades at the helm, has sparked discussions about Red Bull's future leadership under Laurent Mekies and the potential for Horner's return to F1 in 2026.
George Russell is banking on Mercedes' dedicated trackside team to secure their Constructors' Championship position against Red Bull and Max Verstappen in the remaining 2025 races, despite most of the team focusing on the 2026 car. He also shared an "obscure" prediction for 2026, expecting more overtakes in unusual locations due to evolving battery strategies.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko states that only a retirement or collision for Lando Norris can keep Max Verstappen's title hopes alive. Verstappen trails Norris by 49 points with 83 available, making a fifth consecutive championship highly unlikely without unforeseen circumstances for McLaren's driver. Despite the challenging outlook, Marko remains optimistic about Red Bull's overall progress this season.
Oscar Piastri received a significant penalty, while discussions surrounding Max Verstappen's 'luck' resurfaced, sparking debate within F1. These incidents are crucial as Lando Norris leads the Drivers' Championship with Piastri close behind, intensifying the championship battle amidst McLaren's dominant performance.
Sergio Perez is testing a Ferrari F1 car at Imola, evoking memories of his nearly-realized career path with the Scuderia. Once a Ferrari Driver Academy prospect, Perez opted for McLaren in 2013, foregoing a potential 2014 Ferrari seat. This decision shaped his journey through Force India/Racing Point to Red Bull, ultimately leading him away from Maranello and towards his upcoming venture with Cadillac, a powerful 'what if' in his F1 story.
Cadillac is actively preparing for its 2026 Formula 1 entry, conducting a two-day test at Imola with a 2023 Ferrari car, featuring Sergio Perez. This initiative, part of a 'loan' from Ferrari, focuses on establishing internal practices, communication protocols, and integrating personnel rather than chasing performance, marking a critical step in the American manufacturer's ambitious F1 journey.
Legendary F1 designer Adrian Newey reveals his intense drive, fueled by a "fear of failure," as he takes on the challenge of making Aston Martin F1 champions. His deep focus on the 2026 car project has led to his wife complaining about his 'design trance,' as he channels all his energy into developing a title-winning machine for the new era of Formula 1, emphasizing collaborative progress over immediate performance predictions.
Audi is ramping up for its 2026 Formula 1 entry, teasing the imminent 'first fire-up' of its engine after revealing the R26 concept car's livery. Led by Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley, the team aims for championship contention by 2030, leveraging new regulations and a focus on sustainable technology. This marks a crucial step in Audi's ambitious journey to become a dual chassis and engine manufacturer in F1.
Lando Norris has dismissed suggestions he needs to change his mindset despite expecting a tough Las Vegas Grand Prix for McLaren. The championship leader, fresh off a win in Brazil, emphasized his commitment to honesty, citing McLaren's past struggles at the Las Vegas circuit. Norris asserts he will continue to express his genuine opinions, prioritizing realistic assessment over forced optimism as the season enters its final rounds.
