Red Bull Racing has restructured its technical team, promoting Ben Waterhouse to a chief role and hiring Andrea Landi from sister team Racing Bulls. The changes aim to boost performance and innovation as the team struggles in sixth place early in the 2026 season. This follows a trend of key personnel leaving for rivals, making internal stabilization a priority.
Red Bull, after a weak 2026 car, promoted Racing Bulls' former deputy technical director Andrea Landi to head of performance and elevated Ben Waterhouse to chief performance engineer, hoping to revive competitiveness.
Max Verstappen has publicly supported his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase's decision to join McLaren in 2028, revealing he encouraged the move for Lambiase's family and future. This dispels notions of a rift, framing it as a natural step after winning four titles together, though it marks a major structural change for Red Bull.
Lando Norris called McLaren's Pirelli tire test at the Nurburgring a productive and useful learning exercise. Following a start to the 2026 season hampered by technical issues and DNSs, the test provided valuable track time for data collection and driver confidence, even under the strict limitations of a supplier-mandated session.
Former FIA director Niels Wittich defended Michael Masi’s safety‑car call at 2021 Abu Dhabi finale, saying it followed a green‑flag policy, as FIA scapegoated him, sparking debate on authority.
Max Verstappen welcomed Gianpiero Lambiase’s move to McLaren as Chief Racing Officer, calling the offer impossible to refuse and underscoring the impact of losing a key engineer after a decade‑long partnership.
Verstappen said he urged his race engineer Gian Piero Lambiase to take McLaren’s ‘fantastic’ offer, citing family security, and gave his blessing as Lambiase prepares to leave Red Bull by 2028.
Lewis Hamilton admits he could have adapted to Ferrari's 2025 ground-effect car with more development input, but is optimistic the 2026 regulations will better suit his aggressive driving style, offering a fresh start after a difficult first season with the team.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says adjustments to the 2026 regulations are being finalized, with a focus on improving qualifying and safety. The FIA is expected to announce specific tweaks ahead of the Miami GP, developed through collaboration with teams and drivers. Domenicali also urged a decision on the next engine rules within 2026 to respect manufacturer investments and guide future development.
The FIA has banned a qualifying power‑reduction bypass used by Mercedes and Red Bull, stating it’s only for emergencies. The move arrives as Red Bull struggles in the opening three races of 2026 while Ferrari’s valuation tops $7.1 billion.
Oscar Piastri says McLaren can bounce back to win after a strong early showing in Japan, despite a safety‑car loss, early‑season reliability issues and a tough start to 2026.
British driver Lando Norris joins TIME’s 2026 ‘Innovators’ list after his 2025 title win and expanding influence via McLaren, his Quadrant apparel brand and a karting program.
