F1 engine manufacturers are set to vote on a new test for 2026 power units, but the proposal may fail because it would block a performance loophole some rivals wanted to use. The test, designed to check compression ratios both cold and hot, was a response to Mercedes but could now be rejected by the very teams that pushed for a rule clarification.
F1 teams completed their final day of pre-season testing in Bahrain, prioritizing long-run data and reliability over outright speed. The session, marked by strategic performance concealment, provides essential insights for the upcoming Australian Grand Prix, where the true competitive order will be unveiled.
Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies says the team has "zero concern" about Max Verstappen quitting F1 over the 2026 rules, despite the champion's harsh criticism comparing the new era to "Formula E on steroids." Mekies believes Verstappen will master the new technical challenges, while the driver clarified he wants F1 to maintain a distinct identity from the all-electric series.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expresses confidence that Max Verstappen will not quit the sport over the 2026 regulations, despite the champion's harsh initial criticism. Domenicali points to Verstappen's passion for F1 and believes driver feedback will become more positive as teams develop their cars, noting that other drivers have already praised the new cars' handling.
CEO Stefano Domenicali says early testing shows 2026 cars are energy‑starved, but he sees no crisis. He urges calm, promising rule tweaks only after the opening races and expects driver concerns to fade.
Haas driver Oliver Bearman and Team Principal Ayao Komatsu have expressed significant concern over the 2026 Chinese GP being a sprint weekend, calling it "optimistic" and a "huge challenge." With sweeping new technical regulations debuting that year, the second-round sprint format allows minimal practice time, risking large performance disparities and placing extreme importance on pre-season work and the Australian season opener.
Ferrari's pre-season preparation hit a snag as a technical issue halted Lewis Hamilton's final test day. Red Bull countered by revealing a major upgrade package, while Mercedes set the fastest lap time, setting the stage for a closely contested 2026 season opener.
During Bahrain pre-season testing, Oscar Piastri's race simulation for McLaren was, on average, faster than Max Verstappen's run for Red Bull. While laden with the usual testing caveats, the data hints at a potentially tighter competitive field heading into the new F1 season, with McLaren showing strong long-run pace.
Oscar Piastri has dismissed claims McLaren sabotaged his 2025 title bid, blaming operational issues and complex team rules for his third-place finish. He confirmed the team is overhauling its 'papaya rules' for 2026 to avoid repeating the stressful scenarios that fueled speculation, while maintaining a commitment to fair competition between him and champion teammate Lando Norris.
Carlos Sainz reports that Williams has caught up on lost pre-season testing mileage after missing the Barcelona shakedown, but the team has uncovered several performance limitations on its new FW48 that need urgent addressing before the season opener.
Kimi Antonelli set the fastest time of pre-season testing for Mercedes on Day Two in Bahrain, narrowly beating Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen. The session highlighted both promising pace and concerning reliability issues for several top teams, including Ferrari and Aston Martin, with just one day of testing remaining before the season begins.
The FIA is voting to close a loophole in the 2026 power unit rules regarding compression ratio measurements, proposing a new test at operational temperatures from August 1st. Director Nikolas Tombazis says no one is accused of cheating, but the rule's intent must be upheld. The outcome will set a key precedent for policing F1's next-generation engine regulations.
