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.
Raymond Vermeulen, manager for Max Verstappen, says he's heard positive reports about Red Bull's new 2026 power unit but cautions that its true performance is an unknown until the season begins. The engine's competitiveness is crucial for Red Bull's factory future with Ford and Verstappen's title ambitions.
Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli admits he found it tough to adjust to the intense scrutiny that comes with replacing Lewis Hamilton at a top F1 team, stating every mistake is magnified. He credits strong team support for helping him overcome a mid-season dip and build momentum for 2026.
Ferrari's 2025 season, despite pairing Charles Leclerc with new signing Lewis Hamilton, ended without a win. A flawed car concept, a costly disqualification in China, and operational missteps led to a drop from 2nd to 4th in the standings, with Hamilton failing to score a podium all year.
Max Verstappen will use the number 3 in 2026 after losing the right to #1. The angular design of his new digit has fans speculating about a hidden '1' cleverly embedded within it, seen as a subtle nod to his dethroned champion status.
In 1992, frustrated by McLaren's uncompetitive car, Ayrton Senna secretly tested a Penske IndyCar. His stunning immediate pace served as a powerful warning to McLaren during tense contract talks, proving the champion had serious options beyond F1 and forcing the team to reassess its commitment.
Following Portimao's return, calls are growing for F1 to reinstate classic circuits like Sepang and Istanbul Park to improve racing variety. The article argues for a calendar that better balances new street circuits with historic, driver-challenging tracks, including a push for a long-awaited return to the African continent.
Nico Rosberg has disclosed that he decided to retire from Formula 1 the exact moment he crossed the line to win the 2016 World Championship, telling Sky F1 he "wanted to go out on the top." The shock retirement, announced just days after his title triumph, ended his fierce rivalry with Lewis Hamilton.
Cadillac has appointed Carlo Pasetti and John Howard as race engineers for Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, respectively, for the team's 2026 F1 debut. The moves bring experienced personnel from Aston Martin and Alpine to the new operation as it continues its build-up, including initial track testing and a planned Super Bowl livery reveal.
