Red Bull and Mercedes are accused of exploiting a loophole in the 2026 F1 engine regulations to maintain a higher compression ratio, potentially gaining a 15hp advantage. Rivals Honda, Audi, and Ferrari are demanding the FIA close the loophole, but logistical hurdles may force the governing body to allow it temporarily, setting the stage for technical protests and controversy at the season opener.
As a rookie in 2007, Lewis Hamilton had to personally overrule McLaren boss Ron Dennis to drive the standard Suzuki Liana on BBC's *Top Gear*, after Dennis insisted he use a Mercedes. The story highlights Hamilton's early determination and passion for the iconic show, where he later returned in 2013 to set a near-record lap time.
A GPblog opinion piece argues against penalizing Mercedes for potential 2026 power unit superiority, stating it would punish engineering success. This comes amid reports that Mercedes, Red Bull Ford, and Audi have solved a key regulatory challenge early.
Oscar Piastri's failure to convert a 2025 championship lead into a title has sparked debate and divided fan opinion on his McLaren future. With his management reportedly assessing options despite a contract until 2028, his next move is pivotal ahead of F1's 2026 rule changes.
Ferrari is allegedly behind a series of media leaks in Italy, claiming rivals Mercedes and Red Bull have an 'illegal' engine advantage for 2026. The campaign aims to pressure the FIA into banning the technology before the new season starts, highlighting the off-track political warfare in F1.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff expresses conflicted feelings about the team's 2025 constructors' championship runner-up finish, stating that while positive statistically, it fails to meet the team's ultimate goal of winning races and titles.
Jacques Villeneuve advises Oscar Piastri to return as a "completely new man" after his 2025 title disappointment, while Ferrari's Fred Vasseur cautions that the early 2026 pecking order will be misleading. Meanwhile, the FIA closes another engine loophole and Red Bull explains its prolonged development of an underperforming car.
Kym Illman, the Australian photographer turned F1 social media star, discusses his unconventional rise from fan to paddock insider. He reveals his strategy of capturing unseen moments, how Drive to Survive changed the sport's media landscape, and the critical balance between access and trust with teams and drivers.
Helmut Marko has been formally removed as a director of Red Bull Racing, with Alistair David Rew appointed to the board alongside Laurent Mekies. The change marks a significant step in the team's leadership evolution.
Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff has detailed the company's reasoning for ending Christian Horner's 20-year reign as team principal, stating it was a necessary step to "start a new chapter" and not a decision based on sentiment or reaction to allegations.
Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur warns that the 2026 F1 pecking order from the Australian GP will be meaningless, as a season-long development war under all-new technical rules will completely reshape the competitive landscape, making in-season progress the true key to success.
In a mid-season review, Max Verstappen is rated as the top driver of 2024, continuing his dominant form. In contrast, Lewis Hamilton's challenging final year with Mercedes, marked by the car's struggles and his own inconsistent results, has led to him being labeled the 'biggest disappointment' so far.
