Feb.25 (GMM) The fight to meet Formula 1’s stricter 2026 minimum weight has emerged as a key storyline ahead of Melbourne, with several teams struggling to hit the new lower limit. Williams and Aston Martin are understood to be among the outfits notably overweight after winter testing, while Alpine is believed to have reached the […]
Hadjar settling quickly at Red Bull after Tsunoda exit
Feb.25 (GMM) Isack Hadjar appears to be making a smooth start at Red Bull Racing after replacing Yuki Tsunoda as Max Verstappen’s teammate for 2026. The young Frenchman has kept a relatively low profile over the winter, but early signs suggest he is adapting well to life inside one of Formula 1’s most intense garages. […]
Stroll denies Aston sale as Honda pressure mounts
Feb.25 (GMM) Lawrence Stroll has dismissed rumours he is preparing to sell his Formula 1 team, insisting he is “not going anywhere” despite Aston Martin’s troubled start to 2026. The Canadian billionaire has now secured full and permanent rights to the Aston Martin name for use in Formula 1, tightening the link between the road […]
Vasseur plays down Ferrari pressure despite rumours
Feb.25 (GMM) Frederic Vasseur says he is unfazed by speculation about his position at Ferrari, insisting media noise is part of the job in Italy. The Ferrari team principal faced intense scrutiny during a difficult 2025 campaign, amid rumours his subsequent contract extension may have been limited to a single year. Now, with Ferrari emerging […]
Madrid GP step closer as track test planned
Feb.25 (GMM) Madrid’s return to Formula 1 has moved a step closer, with a mandatory pre-race test lined up for the new Madring circuit – although official confirmation is still pending. The Spanish GP is scheduled for September 11-13 as the 16th round of the 2026 season, but the semi-urban track must first pass final […]
Ecclestone, Briatore warn of ‘chaos’ under 2026 rules
Feb.24 (GMM) Long-time Formula 1 powerbrokers Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore have issued stark warnings about the direction of the sport under the new 2026 regulations. With drivers already voicing frustration about the heavy energy-management focus of the new cars, Ecclestone predicted a turbulent start to the season. “There will be chaos and confusion at […]
Sainz admits Williams step back after ‘very tough’ winter
Feb.24 (GMM) Carlos Sainz has admitted Williams has taken a step backwards heading into 2026, describing a “very tough” winter marked by production delays and missed targets. Speaking in Spain at a sponsor event with Estrella Galicia, the former Ferrari driver struck a realistic tone. “I prefer to be realistic, and we’re not where we […]
Wolff shrugs off e-vote over compression rule
Feb.24 (GMM) Toto Wolff insists Mercedes is indifferent to the outcome of the looming electronic vote on Formula 1’s controversial compression rule clarification. The FIA is set to seek approval for a revised checking method from August, following pressure from rival power unit manufacturers who argue the current interpretation leaves room for grey areas. Wolff, […]
Piastri plays down Webber shift ahead of 2026 season
Feb.23 (GMM) Oscar Piastri has dismissed suggestions of tension behind his evolving management structure, insisting recent changes were simply about doing things “a bit different” for 2026. The Australian has strengthened his personal support network over the winter following a frustrating end to his 2025 title bid, prompting speculation about his long-standing relationship with manager […]
Turkey eyed for F1 return, F1 CEO plans format shake-up
Feb.23 (GMM) Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has hinted that Turkey could be heading back to the calendar, while also outlining potential changes to the race weekend format. Speaking before departing the final Bahrain test, the Italian suggested the Istanbul circuit is now firmly on F1’s radar again. “Turkey is not 100 percent confirmed. We […]
F1 boss doubts Hamilton, Alonso set to retire
Feb.23 (GMM) Formula 1’s chiefs have moved to calm mounting criticism of the 2026 regulations, amid driver complaints that the new cars feel like “Formula E on steroids”. The biggest critic so far has been Max Verstappen, who has openly questioned the heavy energy-management emphasis under the new 50-50 hybrid rules. But F1 CEO Stefano […]
Ferrari now tipped as early 2026 favourite
Feb.23 (GMM) Ferrari is emerging as the early favourite for the 2026 season after an eye-catching turnaround from last year’s disappointing campaign. The Italian team impressed most during the second pre-season test in Bahrain, with rivals openly acknowledging both its pace and technical creativity under the new energy-focused regulations. Lewis Hamilton, who endured a psychologically […]
Big four still clear as 2026 gap widens
Feb.23 (GMM) The established ‘big four’ teams appear to have stretched their advantage under Formula 1’s new regulations, according to several midfield drivers after pre-season testing in Bahrain. Speaking as the clock to Melbourne ticks down, Franco Colapinto said it was no surprise to see McLaren, Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull at the front – […]
Sainz urges ‘open-minded’ approach, F1 boss rejects plan B
Feb.20 (GMM) Carlos Sainz has urged Formula 1’s bosses to remain “open-minded” as criticism of the new 2026 regulations continues to swirl through the paddock. Drivers have repeatedly complained about the aggressive energy management required under the new power unit rules, with fans and even broadcasters struggling to follow what is happening on track. Former […]
Ferrari stuns again with radical ‘Macarena’ rear wing
Feb.20 (GMM) Ferrari has sent fresh shockwaves through the Bahrain pitlane – this time with a rear wing innovation that appears to rotate 270 degrees when activated. After already raising eyebrows this week with its small exhaust-mounted winglet, the Maranello team unveiled another eye-catching solution – a novel approach to the active aerodynamics rules that, […]
Honda ‘Plan B’ offers hope for Aston Martin
Feb.20 (GMM) Aston Martin’s disastrous 2026 pre-season has descended further into frustration as Bahrain nears its end – though faint signs of hope are emerging behind the scenes. Every day of testing has been punctuated by setbacks, with the new Honda power unit widely regarded in the paddock as the team’s main Achilles heel under […]
Wolff hits back at ‘nonsense’ fuel rumours
Feb.20 (GMM) Toto Wolff has angrily dismissed fresh speculation that Mercedes may be facing fuel irregularities – comparing the rumour mill to conspiracy theories. After weeks of controversy surrounding Mercedes’ engine compression design, attention has now shifted to Petronas’ sustainable fuel homologation, with whispers in Bahrain suggesting the delay could be linked to regulatory concerns. […]
Jos Verstappen upbeat as Red Bull calm returns
Feb.20 (GMM) Jos Verstappen says he is satisfied with Red Bull’s winter progress – and relieved that stability has returned to the team. Speaking to RTBF in Bahrain, the father of quadruple world champion Max Verstappen said it is still too early to draw firm conclusions from testing. “You never know,” he said. “You never […]
FIA clears Ferrari’s new ‘blown’ winglet
Feb.19 (GMM) Ferrari has triggered fresh technical intrigue in Bahrain after the FIA gave the green light to a novel rear winglet positioned directly behind the exhaust outlet. As the second pre-season test began – just two weeks before Melbourne – observers quickly spotted a small, upward-curving element mounted at the top of the diffuser […]
Verstappen open to Le Mans with Vettel – and maybe Alonso
Feb.19 (GMM) Max Verstappen has confirmed that Sebastian Vettel’s idea of tackling the 24 Hours of Le Mans together is more than just fantasy – but only under one condition. Vettel revealed this week that the pair have discussed a joint endurance outing for years and are still in touch. Now, fellow four-time world champion […]