The FIA has revised its super licence points system, significantly increasing the allocation for top IndyCar finishers from 2026. This change makes the American series the second-most valuable feeder series behind F2, removing a major hurdle for drivers like Colton Herta who previously missed F1 opportunities due to points deficits.
The 2026 Formula 1 season, featuring radically new cars and engines, will kick off with a series of team launches starting in mid-January. Key reveals include Red Bull and Racing Bulls on January 15, Alpine and Haas on January 23, and the debut of Adrian Newey's Aston Martin on February 9.
Despite speculation following the Abu Dhabi finale, Max Verstappen's race engineer Gianpiero 'GP' Lambiase will remain in his role for 2026. The pair, one of F1's most successful driver-engineer duos, will continue their partnership as Red Bull undergoes significant management changes.
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur says he would be 'destroyed' if his drivers praised the team's performance after a difficult 2025 season, emphasizing that constant criticism from Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton is necessary to push the Scuderia forward.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, who is leaving the team after 20 years, has stated that Max Verstappen is not looking to exit the team. Marko emphasized Verstappen's desire for a harmonious environment to succeed and reflected on their shared belief in the 2025 title fight that ultimately fell short.
Williams is giving its global fanbase the power to select the test livery for its 2026 Formula 1 car, the FW48. Fans can vote from six bespoke designs, with the winning look to be revealed later this month and used during pre-season testing in Barcelona in January.
Despite being crowned champion in Qatar, Lando Norris must wait until the FIA's official prize-giving gala in Tashkent to receive the physical drivers' trophy. The delay is a long-standing F1 tradition designed to preserve the ceremony's significance and act as a safeguard against post-race title protests.
Honda has issued a formal farewell statement to Red Bull Racing, marking the end of an eight-year partnership that yielded multiple world championships. The Japanese manufacturer will now supply power units to Aston Martin for the 2026 season, while Red Bull begins its new chapter with Ford.
Helmut Marko has left Red Bull after more than two decades, concluding a tenure that saw him shape the careers of multiple world champions and define the team's ruthless driver development philosophy. His departure, following other key exits, signals a profound cultural shift within the championship-winning organization.
George Russell expresses immense relief that the challenging ground effect era is over, voicing his excitement for the 2026 regulation reset. The Mercedes driver looks forward to a fresh start, acknowledging the difficulty teams faced in understanding the previous car concepts.
Max Verstappen tops the 2025 F1 earnings list despite not winning the championship, with his total compensation, boosted by bonuses, surpassing Lewis Hamilton's higher base salary. Lando Norris, the reigning world champion, ranks third.
New Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies, a 25-year F1 veteran, says working directly with Max Verstappen left him stunned by the driver's technical feedback, sensitivity, and unparalleled 24/7 dedication to motorsport.
