The FIA has increased the superlicence points awarded to IndyCar drivers, making it easier for top talent from the American series to qualify for Formula 1. The changes, effective from 2026, see points boosts for positions third through ninth, reflecting the category's growing significance.
Martin Brundle has criticized Yuki Tsunoda's team radio during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, describing his 'I know what to do' message as 'bordering on menacing' as he attempted to hold up Lando Norris. Tsunoda's aggressive defending earned him a penalty and sparked debate over strategic team orders in the tense title decider.
The FIA has revised its super licence points system, significantly increasing the allocation for top IndyCar finishers from 2026. This change makes the American series the second-most valuable feeder series behind F2, removing a major hurdle for drivers like Colton Herta who previously missed F1 opportunities due to points deficits.
The 2026 Formula 1 season launch schedule is taking shape, with Red Bull and Racing Bulls kicking off the new era with livery reveals on January 15. The new regulations, described as the 'biggest changes ever,' promise a major shake-up, making these early glimpses crucial for understanding the competitive landscape.
Despite speculation following the Abu Dhabi finale, Max Verstappen's race engineer Gianpiero 'GP' Lambiase will remain in his role for 2026. The pair, one of F1's most successful driver-engineer duos, will continue their partnership as Red Bull undergoes significant management changes.
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur says he would be 'destroyed' if his drivers praised the team's performance after a difficult 2025 season, emphasizing that constant criticism from Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton is necessary to push the Scuderia forward.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, who is leaving the team after 20 years, has stated that Max Verstappen is not looking to exit the team. Marko emphasized Verstappen's desire for a harmonious environment to succeed and reflected on their shared belief in the 2025 title fight that ultimately fell short.
Williams is giving its global fanbase the power to select the test livery for its 2026 Formula 1 car, the FW48. Fans can vote from six bespoke designs, with the winning look to be revealed later this month and used during pre-season testing in Barcelona in January.
Despite being crowned champion in Qatar, Lando Norris must wait until the FIA's official prize-giving gala in Tashkent to receive the physical drivers' trophy. The delay is a long-standing F1 tradition designed to preserve the ceremony's significance and act as a safeguard against post-race title protests.
Honda has issued a formal farewell statement to Red Bull Racing, marking the end of an eight-year partnership that yielded multiple world championships. The Japanese manufacturer will now supply power units to Aston Martin for the 2026 season, while Red Bull begins its new chapter with Ford.
Helmut Marko has left Red Bull after more than two decades, concluding a tenure that saw him shape the careers of multiple world champions and define the team's ruthless driver development philosophy. His departure, following other key exits, signals a profound cultural shift within the championship-winning organization.
George Russell expresses immense relief that the challenging ground effect era is over, voicing his excitement for the 2026 regulation reset. The Mercedes driver looks forward to a fresh start, acknowledging the difficulty teams faced in understanding the previous car concepts.
