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 […]
Month: February 2026
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 […]
FIA launches vote on Mercedes compression saga
Feb.19 (GMM) The FIA has formally triggered an e-vote on the controversial power unit compression issue, with a rule clarification now expected within the next 10 days. After a week of intense lobbying in Bahrain – including meetings of the F1 Commission and the Power Unit Advisory Committee – the governing body confirmed on Wednesday […]
FIA says no panic changes, Verstappen stands firm
Feb.19 (GMM) The FIA and Formula 1 have signalled there will be no knee-jerk reaction to mounting criticism of the new 2026 cars – even as Max Verstappen insists he will not apologise for his outspoken remarks. After describing the new era as “Formula E on steroids,” the Red Bull driver clarified to Dutch media […]
F1 should consider ‘flying starts’ – Marko
Feb.19 (GMM) Formula 1’s controversial new start procedure is under increasing scrutiny after further confusion during practice runs in Bahrain. Following the chaotic end to the first test – when multiple cars lined up for practice starts and nearly collided – teams again experimented with launch procedures as the second test began, while off-track talks […]
Liberty eyes expansion of Sprint format
Feb.19 (GMM) Formula 1 could be heading toward a dramatic expansion of its Sprint format. In a statement following the latest Formula 1 Commission meeting in Bahrain, officials confirmed the idea is firmly under discussion. “There were discussions around the possibility of increasing the Sprint events up to 12 based on the demand for Sprints […]
Red Bull clears fuel hurdle as Mercedes races against time
Feb.19 (GMM) Red Bull is believed to have secured FIA homologation for its 2026 sustainable fuel – leaving Mercedes and Petronas increasingly isolated as the Melbourne opener approaches. Earlier this week it emerged that only Shell – supplying Ferrari, Haas and Cadillac – and BP, Audi’s partner – had fully cleared the FIA’s new sustainable […]
Rumours swirl over Cadillac livery legality
Feb.19 (GMM) Cadillac’s eye-catching Formula 1 debut may already be under scrutiny – not for performance, but for paint. According to Germany’s Bild, the American newcomer could face FIA questions over the legality of its recently unveiled 2026 livery. Cadillac reportedly spent more than EUR 20 million to showcase the car’s colours in a high-profile […]
Antonelli loses licence after AMG crash
Feb.19 (GMM) Italian police have confirmed that Kimi Antonelli temporarily lost his road driving licence following his recent traffic accident in Italy. The 19-year-old Mercedes driver lost control of his Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO Motorsport Collectors Edition company car during the night of February 7-8 in Serravalle. According to the police statement, the incident occurred […]
Vettel urges patience as F1’s 2026 ‘DNA’ debate grows
Feb.18 (GMM) Sebastian Vettel has called for calm as criticism of Formula 1’s new 2026 cars intensifies – but admits the sport must not “lose sight” of its identity. Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso have all publicly questioned the new energy-heavy regulations, with Verstappen even likening the cars to “Formula E on steroids”. […]
Spa still negotiating with F1 despite rotation deal
Feb.18 (GMM) The future of the Belgian GP remains under discussion, despite last year’s announcement of a rotation deal with Formula 1. In 2025, F1 confirmed a multi-year extension for Spa-Francorchamps covering the 2026, 2027, 2029 and 2031 seasons, as part of a rotation model. This week’s confirmation that Barcelona will share the alternating slot […]