F1's 2025 season review shows record-breaking growth, with the global fanbase hitting 827 million. Attendance and digital engagement soared, while a significant shift toward younger and female fans highlights the sport's expanding appeal, backed by commercial successes like a blockbuster movie and new broadcast deals.
George Russell declares he is ready to fight for a Formula 1 world championship and specifically wants to challenge Max Verstappen, whom he calls the "gold standard," to prove his mettle. The Mercedes driver, reflecting on his strong 2025 season, believes he has the pace and mentality for a title fight, pinning his hopes on the team's 2026 car under new regulations.
A specially liveried Alliance Airlines plane honoring Sir Jack Brabham has arrived in Australia. The green and gold design commemorates his unique 1966 F1 World Championship, won in a car he manufactured himself—a feat never repeated in the sport's history.
Max Verstappen has publicly reaffirmed his disagreement with Red Bull's swift demotion of Liam Lawson, as experts urge the team to make a fundamental 'philosophical decision' regarding its underperforming second car to challenge for championships.
McLaren boss Andrea Stella dismisses the idea his team are 2026 favorites, despite their 2025 dominance. He warns the complete reset of chassis, engine, and tire regulations makes all predictions meaningless, setting the stage for a wide-open development battle where past success offers no advantage.
Australian media claims Oscar Piastri was 'robbed' of the 2025 title by McLaren favoring Lando Norris. However, a season review shows Piastri's mid-season podium drought and errors, contrasted with Norris's relentless consistency, were the true deciding factors, not team orders.
Liam Lawson says having a stable off-season with Racing Bulls will be crucial for 2026, after a chaotic 2025 start saw him dropped by Red Bull and forced to play catch-up all year. He emphasizes the importance of preseason time to tailor the car and prepare properly.
On December 19, 2005, a 24-year-old Fernando Alonso shocked the F1 world by announcing he would leave Renault for McLaren in 2007, just months after winning his first world title. This bombshell move, which set off a driver market chain reaction and led to his explosive partnership with rookie Lewis Hamilton, is still considered the most surprising driver switch in the sport's history.
Mercedes has released an audio teaser previewing the sound of its 2026 Formula 1 power unit, joining Honda in offering an early glimpse into the next era of engine regulations. The clip hints at the acoustic profile of the engine that will power Mercedes, McLaren, Williams, and Alpine from 2026 onward.
Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad, confirmed for a 2026 F1 seat with Racing Bulls, has no time for a long break after his F2 season. The British driver faces a busy winter of preparation, with the first pre-season test in late January and the added challenge of adapting to F1's new technical regulations.
Max Verstappen has expressed sympathy for Lewis Hamilton's difficult 2025 season with Ferrari, calling it "not nice to see" after the seven-time champion failed to score a podium in his maiden Scuderia campaign. Verstappen dismissed retirement rumors but acknowledged the increasing physical and motivational challenges drivers face with age, contrasting Hamilton's struggles with Fernando Alonso's sustained performance.
2026 F1 rookie Arvid Lindblad reveals his racing journey began with motocross before karting at age five. The Racing Bulls driver, who rose swiftly through Red Bull's junior program, says he always believed he would reach F1 despite having no family background in the sport.
