McLaren has taken the wraps off the MCL40, the papaya-and-black car it will use to defend its 2025 championship double. The launch comes ahead of the sport's most significant technical rule change in years, putting the team's ability to sustain success to the ultimate test.
Sergio Perez says finishing last in 2026 would be a huge letdown for the new Cadillac F1 Team, emphasizing that their level of investment demands better. While acknowledging a title fight is impossible, he targets beating several rivals and showing clear progress in their debut season.
Cadillac's F1 CEO has responded to a $1.5M lawsuit from director Michael Bay, who claims the team used his ideas for a $10M Super Bowl ad without payment. Dan Towriss called the suit 'disappointing' and denied using Bay's creative concepts, setting the stage for a public legal dispute as the new team builds its brand.
Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli describes being left physically shaking by the speed and downforce during his first Formula 1 test in the W12 car. The rookie says the intense experience fuels his competitive desire to win and become the best, as he builds on a debut season with three podiums.
Christian Horner is leading a consortium, backed by former McLaren investor MSP Sports Capital, in a serious bid to acquire a 24% stake in the Alpine F1 team, marking a significant step in his planned return to the sport.
Cadillac's F1 team CEO Dan Towriss has responded to a lawsuit from director Michael Bay, who alleges the team used his creative concepts without payment. Towriss called the legal action 'disappointing' but expressed confidence in an amicable resolution, as the team celebrated the successful reveal of its 2026 livery.
Ferrari's engine boss Enrico Gualtieri believes the FIA's new 2026 system to help lagging engine makers catch up (ADUO) is well-designed and hard to manipulate, addressing concerns about strategic 'sandbagging'. He also notes that the shift to fully sustainable fuels is more about supply chain ethics than changing engine chemistry.
A fan poll shows 65% believe Red Bull's new in-house 2026 power unit will allow Max Verstappen to fight for a fifth championship, expressing strong confidence in the team's risky transition to becoming an engine manufacturer.
McLaren will publicly reveal its 2026 F1 car livery in a live-streamed event from Bahrain on February 9, featuring drivers Norris and Piastri. The launch precedes the crucial final pre-season test at the same circuit, setting the visual identity for the team's latest championship contender.
Oliver Bearman, following a strong rookie F1 season with Haas, has declared he feels 'ready' for a future race seat at Ferrari. The Ferrari Academy graduate, who scored points in five consecutive races last year, is positioning himself as the leading candidate to eventually join the iconic team.
Haas and Red Bull are the first teams to outline their driver schedules for the crucial three-day pre-season test in Bahrain. Haas will run race drivers Ocon and Bearman, while Red Bull will give junior driver Isack Hadjar a full day in the car alongside Max Verstappen. The test is the final major track running for teams to prepare their radically new 2026 cars before the season opener.
Aston Martin heads into the 2026 F1 season with a radical new car designed under Adrian Newey's leadership and a switch to Honda power. The team carries huge expectations but also faces significant challenges, including a late start to its development program and the pressure to deliver on its massive investment and technical promise.
