F1 power unit manufacturers have agreed to move a key 'hot' engine test forward to June 2026, targeting a technical area where Mercedes is believed to have gained an advantage. The rule change aims to ensure a level playing field for the new engine regulations by checking compression ratios at operating temperature much earlier than originally planned.
The FIA will enforce a new engine compression ratio test from June 1, 2026, moving measurements to hot operating conditions to close a pre-season loophole. The change, agreed upon by all manufacturers, resolves a dispute that threatened to overshadow the launch of F1's new technical era and aims to ensure fair competition under the groundbreaking 2026 regulations.
Formula 1 has abandoned its mandatory two-stop rule for the Monaco Grand Prix after a single trial in 2025. The experiment, designed to spice up the processional race, failed spectacularly by incentivizing teams to use one car as a roadblock to aid their teammate's strategy, creating farcical racing and widespread criticism.
Anthony Davidson argues F1 rivals should study Lando Norris's 2025 title win, highlighting that the McLaren driver's seemingly "fragile" and self-critical public persona masks incredible resilience. Norris overcame early-season struggles and mental battles to defeat Max Verstappen for the championship, providing a masterclass in psychological durability.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff says FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has consistently backed Mercedes in the compression‑ratio dispute, as the Power Unit Advisory Committee heads toward an e‑vote.
F1 analyst Will Buxton asserts that Ferrari's SF-26, with its revolutionary rotating rear wing and blistering launch speed observed in testing, possesses such a straight-line advantage that it could theoretically jump from last on the grid to first place before even reaching the first corner of a race.
Mercedes-AMG F1 has unveiled its first fanwear collection with new technical partner adidas. The 2026 'Silver Arrows' line features a modern, performance-oriented design, marking a strategic shift from fashion to sportswear as the team aims to boost its brand and fan engagement during a crucial competitive period.
Max Verstappen explains his deep involvement with Team Redline sim racing is driven by a desire to create an alternative, affordable career pathway into motorsport. He argues skyrocketing karting costs are excluding talented drivers, and that simulators can professionally prepare individuals for real-world opportunities in GT and endurance racing, as demonstrated by protégé Chris Lulham's move into GT3.
Ahead of the Australian GP, Aston Martin and Honda are troubleshooting 'abnormal vibrations' that limited testing mileage, while Honda admits to a delayed start under the cost cap. In other news, Ferrari's rear wing design sparks gamesmanship theories, the Alex Palou-McLaren legal dispute is settled, and Max Verstappen hints at an earlier-than-expected retirement.
Jack Doohan's F1 race seat at Alpine lasted just six rounds before team advisor Flavio Briatore replaced him with Franco Colapinto, a move captured by Netflix. Doohan's failure to score points opened the door, but Colapinto's significant sponsorship played a key role in the cold, business-focused decision that highlights the cutthroat nature of midfield team politics.
Cadillac's inaugural Formula 1 car will be called the MAC-26, named in honor of 1978 champion Mario Andretti. The team, featuring drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, is set to make its competitive debut with the chassis in the 2026 season, initially using Ferrari engines.
Mercedes junior Kimi Antonelli warns that F1's new 2026-spec power units, with their heavy focus on electrical energy management, will deliver a 'shock' at the Australian GP. The vastly different Melbourne circuit, combined with only three practice sessions to optimize deployment, presents a far greater challenge than the extended pre-season test in Bahrain.
