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Latest headlines from top Formula 1 sources, updated every 10 minutes.
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Ferrari's outwitted its rivals with key F1 2026 engine choice
Ferrari provided lots of eye-catching moments in F1 2026 testing, including on dummy race starts. Gary Anderson explains why one of Ferrari's engine design choices has set it apart
The Race2h ago
Each 2026 F1 driver's penalty points total
A full list of how many penalty points each 2026 F1 driver has
The Race2h ago
Top five American F1 teams ranked: Haas, Penske and more
As the 2026 Formula 1 season gets under way, we have a new American outfit on the grid in the form of Cadillac.Interest in F1 has been rising on the United States market, with Haas and Cadillac two full-fledged constructors while Red Bull Ford engines power the Red Bull and Racing Bulls cars. Three
Motorsport.com14h ago
Autosport Retro video - Top 10 F1 Cars That Never Won a Title
Championship winners and cars with multiple victories on their CVs usually grab the limelight when it comes to the greatest cars in Formula 1 history. But there have been some fantastic machines that have narrowly missed out on ultimate glory.We reckon they deserve recognition, too. So, in the lates
Autosport14h ago
Why rain is a growing concern for teams early in the 2026 F1 season
Safety concerns have led to changes in Formula 1's starting procedures for the 2026 season, and to a lower cap on the amount of energy which can be harvested on straights.But there are also worries emerging about how the new cars will perform in the wet, since very few teams have engaged in any mean
Autosport15h ago
We rate F1 2026 title contenders - Lewis Hamilton
It is no overstatement to say 2025 was Lewis Hamilton's annus horribilis, with the seven-time world champion's blockbuster move to Ferrari not exactly going the way he had imagined. Amid struggles with a difficult-to-drive SF-25, a pole-to-flag win in the Chinese Grand Prix sprint turned out to be a
Motorsport.com17h ago
"F1" movie star Damson Idris becomes Formula 1 global brand ambassador
Star of the F1 movie Damson Idris has become a global brand ambassador for Formula 1.In his new role, the Briton will "act as a bridge between the world of Formula 1 and the wider cultural and entertainment landscape," according to the press release, and will appear at several grand prix weekends to
Motorsport.com17h ago
Lewis Hamilton’s road to F1 2026: In pictures
With Ferrari preparing for Formula 1’s 2026 technical reset, Lewis Hamilton continues a career that has already reshaped the sport’s record books.From a title-challenging rookie F1 season with McLaren in 2007 to a dominant hybrid-era partnership with Mercedes, Hamilton has repeatedly adapted to chan
Motorsport.com18h ago
Jack Doohan reveals shocking death threats during Alpine F1 stint in "Drive to Survive"
Former Formula 1 driver Jack Doohan has spoken out about serious death threats he received during his time at Alpine.The Australian driver signed with the French team for his rookie season in 2025. But with rumours that he could be replaced by Argentine driver Franco Colapinto surfacing early in the
Motorsport.com18h ago
Williams F1 announces new multi-year partnership with major British brand
Williams Racing has announced another new partnership ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The Grove outfit has signed a multi-year partnership with M&S, which will dress the team for travel to and from races.In addition to supplying the team with a "modern travel wardrobe", those in leadership roles
Motorsport.com18h ago
Exclusive: How the FIA will use AI to police one of F1's most controversial subjects in 2026
For several years now, the enforcement of track limits has been among the most persistently controversial matters arising in Formula 1 grands prix. Drivers naturally push to the limits of what's permissible to find lap time; they also have a penchant for reporting rivals who they believe have crosse
Motorsport.com19h ago
Christian Horner: Liam Lawson-Yuki Tsunoda swap "wasn't my choice" in 2025
Former Red Bull Racing CEO and team principal Christian Horner has confirmed that it was not his choice to swap Liam Lawson for Yuki Tsunoda at the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season. It was confirmed at the end of 2024 that Sergio Perez, who had been with the Milton Keynes outfit since 2021, would
Motorsport.com19h ago
A key 2026 battleground teams are scrambling to exploit
Super clipping is a phrase you'll be hearing more and more of in F1 2026
The Race19h ago
Why one of the biggest challenges in upgrading 2026 F1 cars isn’t technical
Against a background of much rancour over Formula 1 power units, and which manufacturer has identified what particular loophole in the phrasing of the rules, one thing all the teams agree on is that the cars on the grid in Abu Dhabi will look very different from those which are due to line up in Mel
Autosport20h ago
Cadillac F1 team "is exhausted" before 2026 season start: "They're done"
Formula 1 pundit Will Buxton has suggested that Cadillac's campaign is already facing challenges caused by not only its transatlantic work patterns, but also by the work ethic expected from its United States management. “The team is exhausted. Like, they're done," he said on the Up to Speed podcast.
Motorsport.com21h ago
The biggest question mark on Formula E's first Gen4 grid
Of the 12 teams primed for Formula E's first Gen4 grid, there's one entity with the biggest question mark over what form it will take
The Race21h ago
12 riders to watch in the MotoGP junior ranks this year
Yes, early activity in the MotoGP rider market means those in the support classes have been sidelined. But plenty of them are bound to be in the spotlight for satellite seats
The Race23h ago
Six F1 drivers facing serious trouble already in 2026
Six F1 drivers already facing trouble ahead of the 2026 season-opener...
The Race23h ago
Lewis Hamilton urges followers to "stay curious" in message shaped by Ferrari move
Lewis Hamilton has urged his followers to "stay curious" in a LinkedIn post as he prepares for his second season with the Ferrari Formula 1 team. Hamilton joined the Scuderia for the 2025 season after more than a decade with Mercedes. After a disappointing first year dressed in red, recent posts fro
Motorsport.com1d ago
We rate F1 2026 title contenders - Oscar Piastri
For long spells of the 2025 Formula 1 season, Oscar Piastri looked the man to beat while team-mate Lando Norris struggled with his car and Red Bull was all at sea.A combination of an off-weekend in Azerbaijan and low-grip struggles in Austin and Mexico then opened the door for his rivals to swoop pa
Motorsport.com1d ago
F1 and ESPN renew partnership for full live coverage in 18 Latin American markets
Formula 1 has announced a contract extension with ESPN Inc. until the end of the 2028 season.The extended partnership will mean ESPN will continue to broadcast the championship in 18 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, excluding Mexico and Brazil.Included in the continued partnership w
Motorsport.com1d ago
Carlos Sainz asks FIA and FOM to stay flexible on new F1 rules after Bahrain testing
Williams Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz has asked the FIA and Formula One Management (FOM) to remain open-minded about the new regulations, arguing that some adjustments may need to be made.Now that pre-season testing in Bahrain has come to an end, the teams are focused on the season-opening Australi
Motorsport.com1d ago
Oscar Piastri’s road to F1 2026: In pictures
With McLaren returning to consistent frontrunning form and a new regulation cycle reshaping Formula 1 in 2026, Oscar Piastri enters the season as one of the sport’s most composed young race winners.Recognized early for his technical discipline and racecraft, the Australian rose rapidly through the j
Motorsport.com1d ago
What is success for Cadillac in F1 2026?
Cadillac becoming Formula 1’s 11th team has been one of the most drawn-out and reported storylines in years, dating back long before its entry was formally approved in March 2025.The initial plan was for the American outfit to form an entry with Andretti Global, but that application was rejected as
Motorsport.com1d ago
David Coulthard raises concerns for Sergio Perez: 'Valtteri Bottas is better prepared'
David Coulthard has raised concerns about Sergio Perez's return to Formula 1, arguing that his team-mate at Cadillac, Valtteri Bottas, is "better prepared" after spending a year as reserve driver for Mercedes.Both Bottas and Perez lost their full-time seats in the championship at the end of 2024. Wh
Motorsport.com1d ago
Stefano Domenicali: F1 can absorb Lewis Hamilton or Fernando Alonso retirement
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has said that the championship will absorb a Lewis Hamilton or Fernando Alonso retirement despite them both being 'very important assets'.The F1 chief was asked whether the series faces a potentially fateful season, with a regulation overhaul that several drivers hav
Motorsport.com1d ago
Mercedes F1 customers get engine boost for Australian GP
Mercedes customers McLaren, Alpine and Williams can expect a performance step for the Formula 1 season opener in Australia
The Race1d ago
F1 Fantasy 2026: Prizes and changes coming to this season explained
Formula 1 has rolled out a number of new features coming to F1 Fantasy for 2026. With the championship itself seeing a substantial overhaul of its regulations with new cars and power units, as well as the addition of an 11th team in the shape of Cadillac, it's no surprise that the free-to-play game
Motorsport.com1d ago
Christian Horner denies Verstappen influence on F1 exit, points to Helmut Marko input
Christian Horner has spoken out about his exit from Red Bull Racing during the eighth season of Netflix's Drive to Survive.The docuseries, which will be released on 27 February, will follow the on and off track stories of the 2025 Formula 1 season. The fourth episode, titled A Bull With No Horns, wi
Motorsport.com1d ago
Everything we learned from Season 8 of F1's Drive To Survive
Season 8 won't change anyone's opinionLong credited for its instrumental role in F1's mainstream breakthrough in recent years, Box to Box Films has stuck to its usual recipe that made Drive to Survive its most enduring sports documentary series. Focusing on one key storyline per episode, it stitches
Motorsport.com1d ago
David Coulthard challenges fans' expectations: Excitement isn't measured in overtakes
Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has shot down claims that the championship needs a lot of overtaking for it to be exciting.A new set of regulations has arrived in F1 this season, with one of the goals being to open up more opportunities to overtake. The cars are smaller and lighter than the
Motorsport.com1d ago
Will Buxton: Cadillac’s F1 project has already cost $1billion before a single race
Will Buxton says Cadillac's Formula 1 project has already become a $1billion undertaking as the American team looks forward to its first grand prix in Australia. Cadillac was approved to become F1's 11th team in March 2025, bringing the brand of General Motors into the championship which has, over t
Motorsport.com1d ago
Stefano Domenicali explains what Apple can do for Formula 1 that ESPN couldn't
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has unsurprisingly backed the championship's partnership with Apple as the technology company takes on broadcasting rights in the United States from this year. The Italian added that the giant will be able to put F1 "in the houses of other people in different ways,"
Motorsport.com1d ago
Red Bull's curious history with Formula E - and why it may change
A first, fact-finding foray into the Formula E paddock from Red Bull was quickly dismissed - and more than a decade on it's no more involved than it was then. Is now the time to reconsider that?
The Race2d ago
Ferrari's F1 2026 solution rivals can't copy
Ferrari's SF-26 exhaust wing required a lengthy approval process - and isn't something its main F1 rivals can copy this year...
The Race2d ago
Mercedes marks 10 years of its junior programme by naming nine drivers for 2026
Mercedes has confirmed its Junior Programme as it adds two drivers to its roster, karting prospects Niccolò Perico and Devin Titz. The announcement, published by the Mercedes Formula 1 team, describes this programme as a decade-long pipeline spanning talent from karting through to the Formula Region
Motorsport.com2d ago
Ayrton Senna's 1986 Lotus F1 car hits auction for eight-figure estimate
Ayrton Senna's 1986 Lotus 98T Formula 1 car will go up for auction with RM Sotheby's. The car, which features the iconic John Player Special livery, is estimated to fetch between $9.5million and $12million.The Brazilian driver piloted the Lotus 98T to win the 1986 Spanish Grand Prix and the 1986 Uni
Motorsport.com2d ago
Reliving Ford's F1 rollercoaster
History doesn’t always repeat, but it often echoes itself. So there’s something deeply resonant about Ford’s choice of team partner for its comeback as an engine supplier.Red Bull Racing was born out of what’s easily the nadir of FoMoCo’s involvement in Formula 1. Having supported Jackie Stewart’s e
Motorsport.com2d ago
Hannah Schmitz and Laura Mueller honoured at Albert Park as Australian GP renames Turn 6
The Australian Grand Prix has named Turn 6 of the Albert Park Circuit after Esteban Ocon's race engineer Laura Mueller and Red Bull head of race strategy Hannah Schmitz.As part of the In Her Corner initiative, which is in partnership with Engineers Australia and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation
Motorsport.com2d ago
Overlooked F2 champion who “deserved better” returns to F1 in Mercedes role
It looked like the Formula 1 door had closed for 2023 F2 champion Theo Pourchaire as he took up a full-time race drive in Peugeot’s WEC Hypercar programme this season. But it has creaked open just a fraction since Pourchaire has been announced – somewhat surprisingly – as an addition to Mercedes’ F1
Motorsport.com2d ago
We rate F1 2026 title contenders - Kimi Antonelli
Filip Cleeren: Promoting Antonelli now looks like a masterstrokeIf the outside world posed questions on Mercedes' decision to promote Kimi Antonelli to an F1 seat prematurely, then suddenly that move looks like a masterstroke now.Having barely finished high school, Antonelli went through inevitable
Motorsport.com2d ago
Mercedes brings F2 champion back to F1 in development role
Former Sauber F1 protege Theo Pourchaire is a surprise new addition to Mercedes' development driver ranks for 2026
The Race2d ago
Carlos Sainz meets fan behind his 'lucky' Sparkles sticker in heartwarming Williams video
Carlos Sainz met Thea, the young fan who designed his 'lucky' Sparkles sticker in 2025. Sainz and his team-mate Alex Albon responded to fan questions in a social media video posted on 13 September 2025. One young fan, Thea, asked the Spaniard if she should name her toy unicorn Sparkles or Sprinkles
Motorsport.com2d ago
Watch: Ford’s Dakar truck leaps over Red Bull’s RB7 in San Francisco stunt
Ford Racing jumped to the challenge of supporting Red Bull and its powertrain during testing in Bahrain over the last couple of weeks. But then, towards the end of last week, it quite literally leapt into its partnership as the brand's Dakar-spec Raptor T1+ was launched over Red Bull's RB7 on the st
Motorsport.com2d ago
"F1" movie wins Best Sound at 2026 BAFTAs as sequel plans gather pace
The F1 movie picked up another award over the weekend at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards. Having been nominated alongside Frankenstein, One Battle After Another, Sinners and Warfare, the Brad Pitt-led film won the Best Sound category at the awards.F1 had also been nominated for the Special Visual Effects
Motorsport.com2d ago
Damon Hill makes Williams return after Jenson Button's exit
Damon Hill will return to Williams as its official ambassador for the 2026 Formula 1 campaign, just weeks after Jenson Button left that role for Aston Martin. It comes on the 30th anniversary of Hill clinching the world title at the British outfit, where he spent half of his eight-year F1 career, ta
Motorsport.com2d ago
Hill back at Williams F1 30 years after leaving
Damon Hill has rejoined Williams 30 years after winning the 1996 Formula 1 world championship with the team.
The Race2d ago
Kimi Antonelli’s road to F1 2026: In pictures
With new F1 regulations this year, the Mercedes team has emerged as a favourite after testing, with Kimi Antonelli as one of the two racers who will drive the Silver Arrows in the 2026 season.Recognized for his skills at an early age, Antonelli has risen through the ranks as a long-term Mercedes pro
Motorsport.com2d ago
What time is F1's 2026 Australian Grand Prix? Qualifying + race times
All the times you need for the 2026 F1 season-opening Australian Grand Prix
The Race2d ago
Connor Zilisch shares karting story that proved Kimi Antonelli was destined for F1
19-year-old NASCAR Cup driver Connor Zilisch said he could always tell that Kimi Antonelli would get into Formula 1 after karting together.The two grew up karting together when the American driver would spend his summers in Europe to gain experience other forms of racing. During an appearance on the
Motorsport.com2d ago
"F1" movie's Damson Idris makes championship return with new "All To Drive For" campaign
F1 movie star Damson Idris has returned to the world of Formula 1 with a new campaign ahead of the 2026 season.The All To Drive For campaign will feature the 34-year-old British actor alongside all 22 drivers from the 2026 grid. F1.com shared a teaser trailer for the new campaign on 22 February. The
Motorsport.com2d ago
Lewis Hamilton shares strong "I'm not going anywhere" message: "For a moment, I forgot who I was"
Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton shared a defiant message on social media after pre-season testing in Bahrain, squashing speculation that the Briton could retire after the 2026 season if he does not find his championship-winning form.After pre-season testing concluded on Friday 20 Februa
Motorsport.com2d ago
How Ferrari's F1 2026 rear wing is reminiscent of 2011 Mercedes
If there was one team that really surprised the Formula 1 paddock with its imaginative designs during pre-season testing, it was Ferrari.In Bahrain, the Scuderia not only brought a new feature to the area behind the exhaust, designed to make the most of the volume allowed by the new-for-2026 regulat
Autosport2d ago
How Ferrari's 180-degree rear wing is a throwback to 2011 Mercedes F1 car
If there was one team that really surprised the Formula 1 paddock with its imaginative designs during pre-season testing, it was Ferrari.In Bahrain, the Scuderia not only brought a new feature to the area behind the exhaust, designed to make the most of the volume allowed by the new-for-2026 regulat
Motorsport.com2d ago
Yuki Tsunoda escapes as Red Bull F1 car bursts into flames during San Francisco demo run
Yuki Tsunoda returned to the seat of a Formula 1 car over the weekend for a demonstration run, but it took a turn for the worse when the car burst into flames.The Japanese driver took part in a show run in San Francisco alongside former F1 and rallycross driver Scott Speed, Ford off-road racer Mitch
Motorsport.com2d ago
What's left Williams compromised for F1 2026 opener
Heavy and short on mileage, the 2026 Williams car is set for a difficult start to the F1 campaign
The Race3d ago
Why Max Verstappen won’t ever try competitive rallying
Four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen will never compete in rallying. While the Dutchman is keen on racing in other series following his F1 career, he has revealed why he would not follow in his father's footsteps into the world of rallying.Jos Verstappen currently competes in the European Ral
Motorsport.com3d ago
We predict Formula 1's 2026 championship standings
Predicting Formula 1 standings after 2026's sweeping regulation changes initially appears easier on the surface, because on the bigger gaps between the teams. Most observers agree there were three tiers of teams in Bahrain, with a decent gap in between them.First up is the leading pack of Mercedes,
Motorsport.com3d ago
MotoGP 2026 pre-season winners and losers
Who's in best (and worst) shape at the end of the MotoGP winter?
The Race3d ago
Gary Anderson: Test disaster is the kick Honda needed
Honda and its partner Aston Martin have had a horrible start to 2026 - much like Jordan did with Honda in 1998. Gary Anderson explains how that situation was fixed, and the parallels for this year
The Race3d ago
The concern with straight mode which arose in F1 Commission meeting
McLaren boss Andrea Stella previously outlined three major concerns with the 2026 Formula 1 power unit rules and he has since revealed a fourth issue entered the mix. This year F1 is introducing a completely new set of regulations with one of the changes concerning the power unit, which is now more
Autosport3d ago
Audi switches to Alpine-style rear wing to maximise F1 active aero
Formula 1’s 2026 technical regulations are pushing teams to maximize aerodynamic efficiency, favoring innovative solutions.Read Also:Formula 1Explained: Audi's unique approach to its movable F1 rear wing flapsAudi has worked on this front and changed its philosophy from the Barcelona shakedown: its
Motorsport.com3d ago
Russell: Red Bull still holds best energy deployment in F1
Mercedes star George Russell is adamant that Red Bull holds the best energy deployment on the Formula 1 grid, with pre-season testing for the 2026 campaign now finished.This year will introduce widespread regulation changes, and one of the alterations concerns the power unit, which holds more electr
Autosport3d ago
Red Bull still holds best energy deployment in F1 - George Russell
Mercedes star George Russell is adamant that Red Bull holds the best energy deployment on the Formula 1 grid, with pre-season testing for the 2026 campaign now finished.This year will introduce widespread regulation changes, and one of the alterations concerns the power unit, which holds more electr
Motorsport.com3d ago
Liam Lawson reveals how Max Verstappen supported him after Red Bull demotion
Racing Bulls Formula 1 driver Liam Lawson has shared how Max Verstappen was "really good" to him after he was demoted from Red Bull in 2025.Heading into the 2025 season, the New Zealander signed with Red Bull for the seat alongside the four-time champion, taking Sergio Perez's place. But after just
Motorsport.com4d ago
Will Buxton: Why Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso are speaking out about 2026 F1 cars
Former F1 TV presenter Will Buxton has argued that drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso have been holding out for regulations that play to their strengths again, and questioned whether it could mean retirement for the champions if they do not get on with the new 2026 cars.The champions
Motorsport.com4d ago
"F1" movie star Damson Idris presented AMFF award by producer Jerry Bruckheimer
F1 movie star Damson Idris has received the Horizon Award, presented by producer Jerry Bruckheimer, at the American Black Film Festival.Prior to F1, the British actor starred in John Singleton's crime drama Snowfall from 2017 to 2023, and has made appearances in Black Mirror and Outside the Wire, am
Motorsport.com4d ago
Early pecking order and Verstappen’s concerns: 7 key takeaways from F1 testing
Mercedes still the favourite, Ferrari the second force for nowPrior to winter testing, George Russell was already the bookmakers’ top favourite for the 2026 Formula 1 world title, and that picture has not changed after three weeks of running.Yes, Ferrari ultimately topped the timesheets, but that sa
Motorsport.com4d ago
Five things to watch out for in F1 2026
New look, new soundFormula 1 has gone through a dramatic transformation ahead of the 2026 season. Gone are the ground-effect cars and the old turbo-hybrid motors, replaced by revolutionary new chassis and power unit rules that aim to mix up the racing.Let’s start on the outside with the new chassis
Motorsport.com4d ago
What Cadillac expects from Colton Herta in F2
Finishing in the top 10 of Formula 2’s driver championship would be an acceptable performance from Colton Herta in 2026, according to Cadillac Formula 1 team CEO Dan Towriss.Herta has joined F1’s newest team as a test driver, with a potential race seat within reach in the future.In the meantime, Cad
Motorsport.com4d ago
Russell: My F1 2026 practice starts were my worst ever
George Russell claimed his two practice starts in testing for the 2026 Formula 1 campaign “were worse” than his worst ever, with Ferrari looking the strongest in that regard. Changes to the race start procedure has been one of the main talking points during pre-season, as drivers must now rev their
Autosport4d ago
George Russell says F1 2026 practice starts were his worst ever
George Russell claimed his two practice starts in testing for the 2026 Formula 1 campaign “were worse” than his worst ever, with Ferrari looking the strongest in that regard. Changes to the race start procedure has been one of the main talking points during pre-season, as drivers must now rev their
Motorsport.com4d ago
F1 Bahrain pre-season test: Ferrari fastest as Aston Martin ends running early
Ferrari has achieved the fastest lap in Formula 1’s 2026 pre-season testing, courtesy of Charles Leclerc.The eight-time grand prix winner topped the timesheet throughout the day. He was quickest in the morning with a 1m33.689s; in the afternoon, he successively brought this benchmark down to 1m33.62
Autosport5d ago
Aston Martin ends F1 Bahrain pre-season test early after six laps on final day
Aston Martin curtailed its Formula 1 pre-season testing programme in Bahrain as an after-effect of earlier technical issues.Having switched to a Honda engine supply for F1’s new era, Aston Martin is the only team to use the Japanese power units and has struggled so far.Regardless of its mediocre pac
Autosport5d ago
F1 Bahrain pre-season test: Leclerc quickest, Aston Martin restricted to two laps
Charles Leclerc significantly impressed by topping the final morning of pre-season testing for the 2026 Formula 1 campaign, while further problems struck Aston Martin in Bahrain.The Ferrari driver set a 1m33.689s lap on the C3 tyre inside the opening hour, and that is the third session Leclerc has t
Autosport5d ago
F1 considering format changes, 12 sprints from 2027
Formula 1 is actively looking into doubling the number of sprint races from six to 12 per year from 2027, and is investigating other format changes to regular weekends.F1's commercial rightsholder Liberty Media has been keen to expand the number of sprint races for a while as it has found they lead
Autosport5d ago
Domenicali urges F1 'not to panic or overreact' over 2026 rules
F1 CEO and president Stefano Domenicali has urged fans to "stay calm" over the series' new 2026 regulations, which have already come under fire before the season has started.F1's wholesale regulation changes for 2026 revolve around a much more powerful electric motor and sustainable fuels, measures
Autosport6d ago
Explained: Why the FIA is putting Mercedes' F1 engine solution to a vote
In the weeks leading up to the season opener in Melbourne, the words “compression ratio” have dominated paddock conversations. Since rivals caught wind of the fact that Mercedes complies with the 16:1 limit during static tests at ambient temperature but is able to achieve a higher ratio while runnin
Autosport6d ago
F1 Bahrain pre-season test: Antonelli quickest on day five as Aston Martin's woes continue
Kimi Antonelli went quickest on the penultimate day of Formula 1’s pre-season testing in Bahrain on Thursday.The Mercedes driver set the best time so far for 2026-spec machinery at the Sakhir track, going over six tenths faster than anyone prior to today, with a 1m32.803s – narrowly quicker than Osc
Autosport6d ago
How Ferrari's 180-degree rear wing works – and why it's legal
Ferrari has debuted a novel approach to its rear wing active aerodynamics package in the second week of Bahrain's pre-season Formula 1 testing, sporting an upper wing flap that rotates over 180 degrees to run upside down.With Lewis Hamilton behind the wheel for Thursday's running, Ferrari put its ne
Autosport6d ago
F1 Bahrain pre-season test: Norris fastest as Ferrari debuts trick rear wing
Lando Norris has set a new fastest lap at Formula 1 Bahrain pre-season testing to head Max Verstappen, while Ferrari debuted a trick rear wing before being hit with a mechanical problem.F1 world champion Norris posted a 1m33.453s on the C3 compound tyres to go 0.006s quicker than George Russell’s pr
Autosport6d ago
Why McLaren is now encouraged by F1 practice starts as Bahrain trials continue
Amid safety concerns over Formula's laborious start procedure with the 2026 cars, the FIA trialled a longer start procedure at the end of Wednesday's running in Bahrain pre-season testing.Drivers received an additional five seconds between the last car lining up on the grid and the start light seque
Autosport6d ago
F1 Bahrain pre-season test: Mercedes heads McLaren by 0.01s, as four teams hit trouble
George Russell set the fastest lap of Formula 1’s Bahrain pre-season testing so far as the second week of running got under way at Sakhir.The Mercedes driver lapped in 1m33.459s this afternoon, which is two tenths faster than team-mate Kimi Antonelli’s benchmark last week, a 1m33.669s. Both of those
AutosportFeb 18
F1 and manufacturers to vote on extra engine tests over compression ratio saga
Formula 1's five power unit manufacturers are set to vote on a proposed tweak to how engine compression ratios are measured, which could come into force over the summer break.The 2026 power unit regulations prescribe an engine compression ratio of 16:1, down from 18:1 last year. That compression rat
AutosportFeb 18
Why Red Bull has "zero concerns" about Verstappen losing interest in F1
Of all 22 drivers on the grid, Max Verstappen has so far been most outspoken about the new technical regulations.The four-time world champion described it as “Formula E on steroids” and added during a Dutch media session that there was a period last year when he preferred not to test the 2026 car in
AutosportFeb 18
FIA to trial start procedure tweaks at Bahrain F1 test
Formula 1's governing body the FIA will experiment with tweaked start procedure timings at Bahrain's second pre-season test amid safety concerns.The FIA will trial a longer start procedure at the end of each day's running in Bahrain pre-season testing to alleviate team concerns.F1's 2026 rules have
AutosportFeb 18
Verstappen doubles down on criticism of F1 2026 regulations
Max Verstappen has doubled down on his criticism of the 2026 Formula 1 regulations, stating the championship must “stay away” from becoming Formula E.The four-time world champion caused a huge stir during last week’s Bahrain pre-season test, when he labelled the new F1 rule set as “anti-racing” and
AutosportFeb 18
F1 Bahrain pre-season test: Leclerc pips Norris on morning of day four
Charles Leclerc kicked off the final week of pre-season testing for the 2026 Formula 1 campaign by going fastest in Bahrain, as the top teams asserted their dominance over the midfield.The Ferrari driver set a 1m33.739s on prototype tyres inside the opening hour of Wednesday’s morning session, 0.070
AutosportFeb 18
Why Cadillac isn’t using as many Ferrari F1 parts as it could
The new Cadillac Formula 1 team has explained its approach regarding its Ferrari customer status.For its first three F1 seasons, the General Motors brand opted for Ferrari power units as its own engine project won’t come to fruition before 2029 at the earliest.The American outfit is also using the S
AutosportFeb 17
Video: F1 testing update
Formula 1 heads into its final days of pre-season testing for the 2026 campaign this week in Bahrain and there is much to discuss.The new-for-2026 regulations have obviously dominated headlines thus far, particularly after the angered Max Verstappen claimed they are "not fun" and like "Formula E on
AutosportFeb 17
The unexpected factor that makes F1 qualifying more complicated in 2026
During Formula 1 winter testing in Bahrain, the focus - apart from the ongoing compression ratio discussion - has mainly been on energy management during the races. Achieving consistent deployment over longer runs remains a key challenge for teams.Sergio Perez revealed that in his case, there were s
AutosportFeb 17
Red Bull chief designer leaves F1 team
Red Bull's veteran Formula 1 chief designer Craig Skinner has left the Milton Keynes team, Autosport can confirm.Skinner was an integral part of its success in recent seasons, as it established a second era of dominance powering Max Verstappen to four, consecutive titles from 2021 to 2024.However, f
AutosportFeb 17
Pirelli to host Bahrain wet-weather test with two F1 teams partaking
Formula 1 tyre supplier Pirelli will organise its first-ever wet weather test in Bahrain at the end of February, with McLaren and Mercedes providing two mule cars.The Italian manufacturer has often been urged to improve its intermediates and full wet tyres, but consistent opportunities to test its r
AutosportFeb 17
Barcelona joins F1 rotation with new three-race deal
Formula 1 has concluded fresh terms with the organisers of the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, keeping the race at Montmelo on the calendar for three out of the next six years.Barcelona has gone into the final year of its existing contract and has been under severe pressure to invest in its outdated
AutosportFeb 16
How McLaren has tweaked its steering wheel to maximise F1’s 2026 hybrid
Formula 1’s 2026 revolution has undeniably divided the paddock, especially engine-wise, and the new power units have significantly changed the required driving style.While the overall response to the chassis has been positive, with lighter, nimbler cars, the main issue has been the management of ele
AutosportFeb 16
Alonso: Newey hasn't forgotten how to design an F1 car
Fernando Alonso has reiterated his utmost confidence in Aston Martin team boss Adrian Newey, claiming it’s not like he’s ‘forgotten’ how to design a Formula 1 car despite a difficult pre-season.F1 is introducing widespread regulation changes this year, meaning the pecking order is largely unknown, b
AutosportFeb 16
Why race starts get so complicated in F1 2026
Formula 1’s first Bahrain test has highlighted a topic that will be discussed in the F1 Commission’s next meeting: race starts. The new power units are making those more difficult, as engines need to rev very high for an extended period of time in order to get the turbo in the right window.The issue
AutosportFeb 15
Why Mercedes’ praise of Red Bull’s F1 engine may not tell the full story
Formula 1’s 2026 season-opening Australian Grand Prix currently looks like a race nobody wants to win.Of course, that’s not the case, but it jokingly underlines that, at this stage of the pre-season, everyone is keen to avoid the role of clear favourite.Although that has always been the game during
AutosportFeb 15
Aston Martin confirms it's "not at the level" of other teams after tough F1 test
Aston Martin is firmly aware that it’s “not at the level” of other Formula 1 teams after a very disappointing start to pre-season testing, says Mike Krack. This year has introduced widespread regulation changes meaning much of the 2026 pecking order is unknown, but one thing which is clear is Aston
AutosportFeb 15
McLaren: Ferrari and Mercedes are top of early F1 2026 pecking order
McLaren F1 team principal Andrea Stella admitted Mercedes and Ferrari "were quicker than us" in race simulations at the first pre-season test in Bahrain, and also believes Red Bull will be in the mix.As teams dug into long runs on Thursday and Friday, the fog of war surrounding pre-season testing wa
AutosportFeb 15
How Red Bull plans to overcome Verstappen's anger at F1 2026 ruleset
Just under a year ago the first rumours emerged that Max Verstappen was actively trying to extract himself from Red Bull, and perhaps Formula 1 entirely.The team's general pattern of underperformance in the first half of the 2024 season left the way open for Verstappen to trigger a performance claus
AutosportFeb 14
Mercedes suffers "reality check" in Bahrain F1 test with Red Bull ahead - Russell
Mercedes Formula 1 driver George Russell says his squad is now on the back foot as Red Bull is the "team to beat" at the start of 2026.Mercedes was put on the pedestal before the start of pre-season testing amid rumours over its powerful new engine, and its reliable running in Barcelona's shakedown
AutosportFeb 14
McLaren pleas for "imperative" safety changes before start of F1 2026
McLaren team boss Andrea Stella has urged Formula 1 to agree to several refinements to the 2026 power unit rules to improve the show and general safety.F1's shift to power units with a much bigger electric component, close to 50% of the total power output, has caused trepidation for many months. But
AutosportFeb 13
F1 Bahrain pre-season test: Antonelli leads Russell in Mercedes 1-2 on day three
Mercedes reaffirmed belief that it is the team to beat in Formula 1 this year after Andrea Kimi Antonelli topped a Silver Arrows 1-2 on the final day of this week’s 2026 Bahrain pre-season test. The 19-year-old set a 1m33.669s, which was 0.249s quicker than team-mate George Russell, who topped the m
AutosportFeb 13
Red Bull fears it’s slower than F1’s top three: “Ferrari, Mercedes and McLaren are faster”
During winter testing in Bahrain, no one appears keen to take on the role of favourite for the 2026 Formula 1 season. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has labelled Red Bull Racing as “the benchmark”, but the Milton Keynes outfit does not agree.On Thursday, Max Verstappen hinted that he suspects extreme
AutosportFeb 13
Why Russell won't judge F1’s new rules just yet: “We've got to give it time”
Mercedes Formula 1 driver George Russell says it is too early to judge F1's new generation of cars amid criticism of how they are to drive.At Bahrain's first three-day test, F1 drivers were finally able to sample the much-discussed 2026 generation of cars in representative conditions, with a lot of
AutosportFeb 13
Formula E chief sends "naughty" Jeddah invite to Verstappen after F1 2026 criticism
Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds has invited Max Verstappen to this weekend’s Jeddah E-Prix after the Red Bull driver slammed the 2026 Formula 1 cars as “Formula E on steroids”.Verstappen caused a stir on the second day of the F1 testing in Bahrain when he voiced concerns about the new generation of grand p
AutosportFeb 13
F1 Bahrain pre-season test: Russell fastest from Hamilton in morning session
George Russell topped the final morning session of Formula 1’s first Bahrain pre-season test, leading Lewis Hamilton.Russell set the fastest time of the week so far less than half an hour into Friday’s running, with a 1m34.075s on soft tyres. Thirty minutes later, the Mercedes driver improved his ow
AutosportFeb 13
Verstappen hints at extreme Mercedes sandbagging: “I know what happens in Melbourne”
Max Verstappen did not take to the track on Thursday at Formula 1’s Bahrain pre-season test, yet the headlines were still dominated by the four-time world champion.The Red Bull driver fulfilled his media duties and shared his views on the new regulations, describing F1’s new era as “Formula E on ste
AutosportFeb 13
Where McLaren feels it is still lacking in F1 2026 testing
There's nothing more perilous than taking early Formula 1 testing numbers at face value, so while McLaren keeps leading the mileage charts in Bahrain and circulates near the top of the timesheets, the team doesn't appear to be particularly ecstatic about where it is right now.The paddock in Manama a
AutosportFeb 13
Norris on Verstappen criticism: F1 drivers have "nothing to complain about" with 2026 car
Reigning world champion Lando Norris feels Formula 1 drivers have little to complain about following Max Verstappen's explosive criticism on the new generation of cars.Speaking his mind on the new regulations, which feature a much bigger reliance on electric energy that forces drivers and teams to f
AutosportFeb 12
Verstappen didn't want to drive 2026 F1 car in simulator: "This belongs in Formula E"
At the end of the second day of testing in Bahrain, Max Verstappen shared his honest opinion about the new Formula 1 regulations, and it is fair to say he is far from impressed. Speaking during the English-language media session, he described the package as “anti-racing” and “Formula E on steroids”.
AutosportFeb 12
Verstappen slams "anti-racing" and "not fun" F1 2026 cars
Max Verstappen has slammed Formula 1's new generation of cars after sampling the new Red Bull in Bahrain testing, saying they are "not fun to drive" and "Formula E on steroids".On day two of the first three-day Bahrain test, Verstappen hosted his first proper press conference of 2026, having complet
AutosportFeb 12
F1 Bahrain pre-season test: Leclerc fastest as Norris completes most laps on day two
Charles Leclerc was fastest on day two of Formula 1’s 2026 pre-season test in Bahrain, pipping world champion Lando Norris who completed the most mileage.The Ferrari driver set a 1m34.273s early in the morning session with his time on softs subsequently going unbeaten - 0.511s quicker than the mediu
AutosportFeb 12
Stroll: Aston Martin "four seconds off" after tough start to F1 pre-season testing
Lance Stroll was extremely downbeat after Aston Martin’s tough start to pre-season testing for the 2026 Formula 1 campaign - claiming “we’re four seconds off”.The Silverstone-based outfit was four days late to the first collective shakedown of the year in Barcelona before Stroll completed just 36 la
AutosportFeb 12