F1 rivals are lobbying to change the 2026 engine rules mid-season to close a loophole Mercedes is suspected of using for a major performance gain. A vote in August could alter the competitive landscape, forcing the FIA to choose between sporting integrity and preventing one-team dominance.
Mercedes will supply its latest power unit upgrade to customer teams McLaren, Alpine, and Williams starting at the Australian GP, after the works team ran it exclusively in testing. F1 rules require equal specification once the season begins, potentially boosting the competitive standing of the customer teams, particularly the already-strong McLaren.
FIA technical chief Nikolas Tombazis admits the governing body faces a difficult balancing act with 2026 engine rules, responding to Max Verstappen's criticism that they are "anti-racing" while trying to keep major manufacturers like Audi and GM happy. The new 50-50 power split was a key demand from manufacturers, creating a tension between sporting purity and commercial strategy.
Ex-F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has performed a sharp U-turn, now telling the sport to 'watch out for Ferrari' in 2025 and hoping Lewis Hamilton can secure a record eighth title, which he calls 'a great story.' His changed view follows encouraging signs for the Scuderia in pre-season testing.
Christian Horner's Australian speaking tour, originally set for late February, has been postponed to August due to a scheduling conflict. The delay occurs amid ongoing rumors that the former Red Bull boss is in talks to invest in and potentially join the Alpine F1 team.
F1 expert Ralf Schumacher predicts Mercedes junior Andrea Kimi Antonelli as the driver with the strongest chance to win the 2026 world championship, based on the team's promising pre-testing form and the Italian's rapid development after his rookie season.
During a wet Super Formula test at Suzuka, Williams reserve driver Luke Browning lost rear grip at the 130R corner, vaulted over the catch fence and landed upside‑down. The Halo and other safety devices kept him unharmed, and the team confirmed he is fine.
Esteban Ocon has responded to Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu's admission that the team 'expected more' from him in 2025. Ocon agreed the season's struggles were a 50/50 responsibility, attributing much of his difficulty to a persistent car instability issue that wasn't resolved until the final race in Abu Dhabi.
Ralf Schumacher asserts Max Verstappen has become Red Bull's "absolute team leader," providing essential stability after numerous key personnel departures. He believes calm has returned to the team, which is now harmoniously collaborating with Ford on its 2026 power unit project, setting the stage for a potential three-way title fight.
Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso have discussed their mutual concerns over Williams' and Aston Martin's difficult starts to the 2026 F1 season, with both teams hampered by pre-testing setbacks. While confident in their teams' ability to recover, the drivers face a race against time to be competitive for the opening rounds.
After a podium-less 2025 season, Lewis Hamilton's high-stakes move to Ferrari faces a critical test in 2026. The new car regulations offer hope for a reset, but he must quickly adapt to its quirks and outperform a motivated Charles Leclerc to prove the gamble can still pay off.
The 2026 F1 season features a mix of long-term security and pending free agency, with stars like Verstappen and Leclerc on lengthy deals containing performance clauses. Many drivers, including Sainz, Albon, and Bearman, are on contracts expiring this year, making their on-track results crucial for securing a 2027 seat and setting the stage for potential market volatility.
