Andy Cowell, the former Mercedes engine guru recruited to lead Aston Martin's technical revolution, is reportedly preparing to leave the team. His influence waned following Adrian Newey's arrival, leading to a reassignment and now an imminent exit, highlighting the shifting power dynamics within the ambitious Silverstone squad.
The first F1 pre-season test in Bahrain is set for ideal weather, with sunny skies, consistent temperatures of 24-26°C, and no rain forecast. The stable conditions will provide teams with perfect data-gathering opportunities as they debut their 2026 cars.
Aston Martin has presented its 2026 F1 car livery, the AMR26, sticking with a matte British Racing Green theme. The launch formally begins its works partnership with Honda, though some fans hoped for more prominent branding from the new engine supplier. The car will debut on track in Bahrain pre-season testing.
The FIA anticipates a surge of team protests over engine regulations and radical car designs as 2026 pre-season testing begins. With Mercedes' engine facing scrutiny from four rival manufacturers and Aston Martin's extreme car pushing regulatory boundaries, the governing body aims to resolve disputes before the season starts to keep the competition on the track.
Cadillac's new F1 team has named former racer and Lewis Hamilton associate Marc Hynes as its Chief Racing Officer. He will be tasked with building the team's culture and streamlining operations ahead of its 2026 debut, focusing on aligning drivers and engineers for long-term competitiveness.
Cadillac's new F1 team has hired Marc Hynes, former manager and confidant of Lewis Hamilton, as its Chief Racing Officer. He will be responsible for aligning the drivers and engineers and managing the driver program, bringing championship-winning experience to the start-up operation.
Mercedes junior driver Kimi Antonelli emerged unhurt from a single-car road accident in Italy, where he damaged a rare, limited-edition Mercedes-AMG. The team confirmed the incident will not affect his scheduled running in this week's crucial pre-season test in Bahrain.
Initial driver reactions to F1's 2026 cars highlight two major themes: the need for intricate energy management, leading to potential lift-and-coast in qualifying, and a significant reduction in downforce that changes the cars' feel. While some drivers are skeptical, the early development phase will determine how these challenges shape the new competitive era.
Christian Horner is reportedly in talks with investment firm MSP Sports Capital about a controlling stake in Alpine F1. The discussions point to Horner's serious intent to return to the sport in a leadership role, backed by significant private equity, targeting a project with winning potential.
All 11 Formula 1 teams have unveiled their 2026 cars built under completely new technical regulations, marking a major competitive reset. The reveals feature significant changes including Red Bull's first in-house engine, Audi's full works entry, and Mercedes and Ferrari's hopes for a return to the front in the new era.
Mercedes junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli walked away unscathed from a single-car road accident days before his crucial F1 test debut in Bahrain. His running schedule in the Mercedes W17 remains unaffected, allowing the highly-touted prospect to continue his preparation as planned.
Red Bull Racing team principal Laurent Mekies will miss the first F1 pre-season test in Bahrain after having minor surgery. He will work remotely with the team during the test and is scheduled to return trackside for the second test session next week.
