Ex-F1 racer Riccardo Patrese predicts Max Verstappen is best positioned to conquer F1's complex 2026 power unit rules due to his simulator mastery and adaptability. While citing Verstappen as the title favorite, Patrese also believes Ferrari could surprise and that Lewis Hamilton may rekindle his competitive edge at Maranello.
Esteban Ocon declares he remains in Formula 1 solely with the goal of becoming World Champion, using Lando Norris's recent success as proof that a competitive car can transform a driver's fortunes overnight. The Haas driver admits fighting for points is not his dream but a necessary step while believing the right opportunity will come.
McLaren is opting for a patient, comprehension-focused development strategy for its 2026 car, skipping early testing and major initial upgrades. This approach risks starting the season behind rivals like Ferrari but aims for stronger long-term development. The gamble is heightened by the team having the least wind tunnel time as reigning champion, limiting its ability to fix a flawed concept quickly.
F1 veteran Johnny Herbert believes Mercedes looks strong based on its massive testing mileage ahead of the 2026 rules reset, but says Red Bull's new engine and Ferrari's ability to convert testing pace remain major unknowns that could reshape the early pecking order.
Juan Pablo Montoya alleges Mercedes' new W17 car is currently running three to four seconds slower than its full potential, based on data from the Barcelona shakedown. This suggests the team is hiding immense performance ahead of the 2026 season, with the true competitive order to be revealed in Bahrain and Australia.
Guenther Steiner, the former Haas F1 boss, has moved into MotoGP as co-owner of the Tech3 KTM satellite team. He aims to help the squad improve its consistency, bringing his high-profile experience from Formula 1 to the two-wheeled paddock as he starts a new challenge.
Valtteri Bottas says his 2024 role as a Mercedes reserve driver gave him a complete, behind-the-scenes view of how a top F1 team operates. He believes this unique knowledge will be instrumental in helping the new Cadillac team build its operations from scratch as he returns to a full-time race seat alongside Sergio Pérez.
Apple plans an all-out offensive to promote F1 in the US, leveraging its devices, apps, music, and stores alongside a high-quality, interactive broadcast on Apple TV+. The strategy aims to convert fans from the "F1" movie and deeply integrate the sport into the Apple ecosystem.
The ultra-realistic F1 show cars used by teams like Red Bull for their season launches are built by British company Memento Exclusives. From memorabilia roots, it has grown into a major manufacturer, producing 180 cars a year using genuine F1 processes and ex-team personnel, becoming an essential partner for the sport's global marketing spectacle.
Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu has given a frank review of Esteban Ocon's 2025 season, calling it unsatisfactory after the experienced driver was outperformed by rookie teammate Oliver Bearman. Komatsu cited shared responsibility for the inconsistency and stressed the need for faster problem-solving to harness Ocon's clear speed in the coming season.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says he does not seek 'world dominance' for his team in F1's 2026 era, prioritizing a close and exciting championship for the sport's health over one-sided success, despite early testing suggesting Mercedes is a favorite.
Max Verstappen sees clear parallels with Michael Schumacher in their relentless drive to win, but the Red Bull champion has no interest in matching Schumacher's seven titles. With four championships already, Verstappen prioritizes his young family and personal life over a prolonged pursuit of statistical legacy, marking a distinct generational shift in priorities at the pinnacle of F1.
