Pirelli has cancelled a planned wet tire test in Bahrain with Mercedes and McLaren due to security concerns following military strikes in the region. The cancellation disrupts F1's technical preparations and complicates travel logistics for personnel heading to the Australian Grand Prix, while also raising questions about the upcoming races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Formula 1 is assessing security for its upcoming Middle Eastern races after missile strikes hit Bahrain over the weekend. The sport, which has races scheduled in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia next month, stated it is monitoring the situation closely, drawing on experience from past incidents in the region. The next three Grands Prix are in Australia, China, and Japan, providing a window for evaluation before the series returns to the Gulf.
The FIA has unanimously amended the 2026 power unit regulations to close a loophole related to engine compression ratio measurements. The change, accelerated to take effect in June 2026, mandates checks under hot operating conditions after rivals suspected Mercedes of exploiting a cold-condition rule. Mercedes, after initial resistance, agreed to the change under pressure from other manufacturers, averting a potential protest as the new season begins.
Lewis Hamilton says he’s never trained harder between seasons, detailing his intensive fitness routine and confidence in Ferrari’s new SF‑26. He promises a strong fight at the Melbourne Grand Prix.
F1 has abandoned the mandatory two-stop tire rule for the Monaco GP after just one season. The 2025 experiment, intended to spice up the race, backfired by encouraging teams to use contrived tactics and artificial strategies, leading to widespread criticism and a swift regulatory U-turn.
David Coulthard sees parallels between Ferrari's new rotating rear wing and McLaren's innovative yet banned 'third brake pedal' from the late 90s, highlighting how bold technical solutions can offer a major competitive advantage before often being outlawed by the sport's governing body.
Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies reveals the extensive, 'crucial' role Max Verstappen plays within the team, far exceeding his driving duties. He credits Verstappen's technical insight and holistic involvement in all decisions as a key asset, especially as the team prepares for the major 2026 regulation changes with its new power unit.
The FIA has accelerated a rule requiring power‑unit compression ratios to be measured at 130 °C, targeting a Mercedes engine trick. Effective 1 June 2026, the change shortens any advantage the team might have in the season’s first races.
The official chassis names for all 11 teams contesting the 2026 Formula 1 season have been confirmed. Cadillac's MAC-01, honoring Mario Andretti, was the final reveal, while Audi's R26 marks a clean break for the new manufacturer. The list showcases a mix of enduring team traditions and fresh naming philosophies for the new era.
Max Verstappen downplays Red Bull's chances at the Australian GP, citing the team's need for performance gains and the extreme challenge Melbourne's layout poses for the new 2026 energy management systems. While satisfied with pre-season reliability, he sets realistic expectations for the season opener.
Formula 1 has adjusted its qualifying format for the 2026 season, extending Q3 by a minute and changing elimination numbers to manage an 11-team grid. The unpopular mandatory two-stop rule used in Monaco has also been scrapped following criticism.
McLaren Racing, Chip Ganassi Racing, and driver Alex Palou have settled their high-profile contract lawsuit. The settlement follows a UK court order for Palou to pay McLaren over $12 million and includes a public admission from the driver that he had poor advice during the 2023 dispute.
