The F1 2026 season will bring unprecedented regulation changes for both chassis and engines, alongside an expanded grid. Red Bull and Racing Bulls have confirmed a joint car launch on January 15, 2026, while pre-season testing will be extended to 11 days across Barcelona and Bahrain, providing ample opportunity for teams to adapt to the new machinery before the Australian Grand Prix.
Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls will jointly launch their 2026 F1 car liveries with new partner Ford at an event in Detroit on January 15. This marks Ford's return to F1 and the start of a new engine era for Red Bull, featuring significantly revised power unit regulations with a 50-50 split between ICE and electric power, and sustainable fuels. The ambitious project aims to keep Red Bull at the forefront of F1.
Jenson Button, the 2009 F1 World Champion, has concluded his extensive racing career, describing his final World Endurance Championship race as more emotional and sadder than his Formula 1 retirement. After two decades across various motorsport disciplines, Button, 45, cited a busy life as the reason for stepping back, expressing contentment with his achievements while planning to continue driving at historic events for pure enjoyment.
Lando Norris has seized control of the 2025 F1 title race after a dominant Brazilian Grand Prix weekend, winning both the sprint and main races. His 24-point lead over Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen's distant third place put him in a commanding position with three races left. While not yet secured, Norris's confidence and strategic advantage make him the clear favorite.
Red Bull Racing has officially confirmed January 15 as the launch date for Max Verstappen's RB22 in Detroit, Michigan. This event, also revealing the Racing Bulls' 2026 car, signifies Red Bull's critical pivot to building its own power units with Ford for the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 regulations. This strategic move in the home of Ford underscores a major shift for the team, aiming for greater independence and control over its future performance on the grid.
Kimi Antonelli called his final-lap defense against Max Verstappen at the São Paulo Grand Prix "way too stressful," yet he clinched a career-best second place. The rookie's impressive drive, fending off Verstappen on fresher tires, marks his second podium of the season and a crucial confidence boost. He aims to carry this momentum into the upcoming Las Vegas GP.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella expressed relief after Red Bull opted not to take a high-risk strategy with Max Verstappen's tires at the São Paulo Grand Prix. Despite Verstappen starting from the pit lane, Red Bull's decision to pit him for a third time, rather than pushing for a two-stop victory, spared McLaren a direct fight. This highlights the critical role of tire degradation and strategic calls in F1, especially when battling for podium positions against top-tier competitors.
Oscar Piastri's 10-second penalty at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix for a collision involving Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc has sparked controversy, with F1 commentator Martin Brundle calling the decision "very harsh." Brundle disputes the FIA's claim of Piastri being entirely at fault, arguing a mitigating circumstance of being squeezed by Antonelli warranted a lighter five-second penalty. The incident led to Leclerc's retirement and further impacted Piastri's championship standing, fueling debate over stewarding consistency.
Max Verstappen's impressive podium finish at the 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix, starting from the pit lane, reignites the debate over his best Brazilian drive. From his 2016 wet-weather masterclass to his dominant 2024 victory and now the 2025 comeback, each performance highlights his exceptional skill, adaptability, and ability to conquer adversity, cementing his legacy as a Formula 1 legend at Interlagos.
Four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel is open to returning to Formula 1, but only for a role that offers genuine purpose and meaning, rather than status or salary. Since retiring in 2022, Vettel has focused on environmental advocacy, launching the F1RST project. He emphasizes F1's potential to lead in sustainability and acknowledges speculation linking him to a Red Bull advisory role, though he's not actively seeking a position. His conditional openness highlights a desire for impactful contributions within the sport's evolving landscape.
Martin Brundle has hailed Max Verstappen's drive from the pit lane to a podium finish at the Brazilian Grand Prix as an 'historic' and one of the most impressive performances ever seen in Formula 1. Despite a puncture and starting from the back, Verstappen showcased "pure pace" and clinical overtakes in a highly competitive, dry race, reinforcing his status as a true F1 legend.
Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have publicly affirmed their commitment and the importance of team unity, responding to chairman John Elkann's call for them to 'focus on driving and talk less.' Following a double DNF in Sao Paulo and a slip to fourth in the Constructors' Championship, both drivers posted rallying cries to motivate the team ahead of the crucial final three races, emphasizing their determination to fight back and achieve a strong finish.
