Max Verstappen's manager says the team is hearing positive feedback about its new in-house 2026 F1 engine, but cautions that no one knows the true competitive benchmark yet. The success of Red Bull's risky transition to a full constructor will be revealed in the opening races, where adaptability may be as important as raw performance.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has criticized former Red Bull rival Christian Horner, claiming his "sense of entitlement" led to his ousting and that he would have reacted poorly if the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi GP had gone against Max Verstappen.
Williams boss James Vowles rejects the idea that Mercedes is the clear favorite for F1's 2026 rules reset, calling it a 'narrative' pushed by rivals. He believes Ferrari and Honda are too strong for a repeat of Mercedes' past dominance and sets realistic goals for Williams' own progress.
Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli hopes the team can repeat its 2014 masterclass when new F1 regulations arrive in 2026, calling a title fight a "dream." He's seen promising early development work but stresses that reliability in testing will be key, with Team Principal Toto Wolff remaining cautious about predictions.
Jacques Villeneuve warns Oscar Piastri that Formula 1 is a 'fickle' business and cautions against a rash exit from McLaren, despite speculation about his future. Villeneuve argues Piastri should focus on rebuilding confidence at the team that had the best car in 2025.
Lewis Hamilton is relaxing in New York after a difficult first year with Ferrari, where he finished sixth and failed to score a podium for the first time in his F1 career. His off-season break comes before intense preparation for the 2026 season, despite his stated concerns about the new regulations.
Juan Pablo Montoya insists Oscar Piastri is exploring options outside McLaren, while Max Verstappen's manager offers encouraging early signs for Red Bull's crucial 2026 power unit project.
Liam Lawson discusses the psychological difficulty of F1's relentless schedule, where drivers have no time to dwell on setbacks. He reflects on his turbulent 2025 season and the challenge of avoiding emotional pitfalls during a grueling championship.
Alpine F1 boss Steve Nielsen says the team is abandoning rigid multi-year plans for its recovery, focusing instead on a slow, grinding rebuild. After finishing last in 2025, Alpine has bet everything on the 2026 regulation change, hoping a fresh start can reverse its fortunes without the pressure of public timelines.
Formula 1's 2026 power unit revolution continues a long tradition of engine regulations reshaping the sport. From the overpowered turbo V6s of the 1980s to the iconic V10s, cost-cutting V8s, and today's complex hybrids, each era has defined the competitive landscape. The 2026 rules will make electric power an equal partner to the combustion engine, marking a fundamental shift in F1's technical philosophy.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says the 2026 technical regulations will completely scramble the competitive order, following a wildly unpredictable 2025 season that showcased the sport's depth and the rise of its next generation of drivers.
A fan poll reveals most believe Max Verstappen will leave F1 before his Red Bull contract ends in 2028, with 44% predicting a 2026 exit. His future is uncertain due to his criticisms of the sport's direction and his desire to race elsewhere.
