Feb.13 (GMM) Toto Wolff has confirmed that Mercedes-AMG was involved in rescheduling a Nurburgring Endurance Series (NLS) round to accommodate Max Verstappen’s now-likely return to the Nordschleife in 2026. After an NLS race was moved to avoid a clash with the Japanese GP, the path has effectively been cleared for Verstappen to compete in preparatory […]
Verstappen mocks Wolff’s ‘couple of horsepower’ claim
Feb.13 (GMM) Max Verstappen has mocked Toto Wolff’s claim that Mercedes’ controversial engine compression concept is worth only “a couple of horsepower”. When told in Bahrain that the Mercedes boss had downplayed the advantage to “two or three” horsepower, Verstappen laughed. “You can definitely put a zero behind that,” the Red Bull driver said, suggesting […]
Alonso and Aston facing ‘another year in hell’
Feb.13 (GMM) Fernando Alonso’s body language in Bahrain told its own story. According to DAZN commentator Antonio Lobato, the Spaniard climbed out of his Aston Martin on day two of testing and “threw his gloves not even close to where he should have put them”. Lobato later revealed the mood inside the team is bleak. […]
‘Clear’ that Verstappen leading early in ’26
Feb.13 (GMM) Max Verstappen may be loudly criticising Formula 1’s new 2026 cars – but many in the Bahrain paddock believe Red Bull is already the team to beat. On day 2 of the Bahrain test, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff declared that Red Bull appeared “clearly ahead”, although some suspect the Austrian is deflecting attention […]
Verstappen slams ‘anti-racing’ 2026, hints at F1 exit
Feb.13 (GMM) Max Verstappen has launched a fierce attack on Formula 1’s new 2026 regulations, describing the current driving experience as “not Formula 1” and even suggesting he could walk away from the sport. Speaking on day 2 at the Bahrain test, the four-time world champion made clear that despite Red Bull’s strong early form, […]
Wolff braced for FIA ruling, Merc only P6 in Bahrain
Feb.12 (GMM) Mercedes’ controversial engine compression concept remains the dominant talking point as official pre-season group testing began in Bahrain on Wednesday. While Red Bull appeared strong from the outset – with Max Verstappen impressing on long runs – George Russell could manage only sixth fastest at the end of day one. Russell admitted afterwards […]
Hamilton says 2026 cars ‘slower than GP2’
Feb.12 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton has delivered a blunt early verdict on Formula 1’s all-new 2026 machinery, suggesting the cars feel “slower than GP2” as pre-season testing got underway in Bahrain. Day 1 laptimes were about four seconds off the equivalent 2025 benchmark – with several teams even several seconds further behind that new slower pace. […]
Fornaroli confirms no racing campaign in 2026
Feb.12 (GMM) Leonardo Fornaroli has confirmed he will not race in 2026 as he begins his new role with McLaren. Speaking to Sky Italia on the opening day of testing in Bahrain, the reigning Formula 2 champion made clear this season will be focused entirely on development work rather than competition. “We’re not racing yet, […]
Bruckheimer confirms sequel to F1 movie
Feb.12 (GMM) A sequel to the Formula 1 blockbuster film F1 has been officially confirmed. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer revealed the news at the annual Academy Awards luncheon in Los Angeles, stating simply: “We’re working on a sequel.” The original film, directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Brad Pitt as veteran driver Sonny Hayes, has grossed […]
Hamilton admits engineer change ‘detrimental’
Feb.12 (GMM) Lewis Hamilton has admitted Ferrari’s reshuffle of his race engineering team is “detrimental” ahead of the 2026 season. Following the seven time world champion’s difficult first year with the Scuderia, it was confirmed that Riccardo Adami would move into a role within Ferrari’s academy structure. Carlo Santi has now stepped in trackside, but […]
Antonelli crashes ultra-rare AMG days after delivery
Feb.11 (GMM) Mercedes’ teenage racer Kimi Antonelli has escaped injury after crashing his newly delivered company car near his new home in San Marino – just hours before pre-season testing in Bahrain. According to Germany’s Bild and Italian reports including Il Resto del Carlino and Corriere della Sera, the 19-year-old lost control of a strictly […]
‘Software’ more important than drivers now – Marko
Feb.11 (GMM) Former Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko says Formula 1’s new 2026 era will belong more to software engineers than star drivers – and believes Mercedes currently holds the upper hand. The 82-year-old Austrian, long regarded as the discoverer of Max Verstappen, has kept a low profile since leaving his official role. Speaking […]
Cowell set to depart Aston Martin altogether
Feb.11 (GMM) Andy Cowell has now reportedly left Aston Martin altogether, as the power shift toward Adrian Newey continues to reshape the ambitious Silverstone outfit. The highly regarded British engineer, long credited as the architect of Mercedes’ dominant hybrid power units, became group CEO and then team principal in 2025, overseeing a major restructuring. But […]
Cadillac engine project ‘ahead of schedule’ – Towriss
Feb.11 (GMM) Dan Towriss insists Cadillac’s long-term Formula 1 power unit program is progressing faster than expected, as the American newcomer prepares for its debut season. Speaking in a conference call with major media, the team’s CEO confirmed General Motors’ in-house engine is currently targeted for 2029 – but could arrive sooner if the regulatory […]
Hadjar must focus on ‘learning growth’ – Massa
Feb.11 (GMM) Felipe Massa believes Isack Hadjar has arrived at Red Bull Racing at the right time – but must treat 2026 as a year of development alongside Max Verstappen. Speaking to RMC-BFM, the former Ferrari driver said Hadjar’s strong 2025 campaign earned him the promotion, but warned that the pressure inside the Milton Keynes […]
De la Rosa hints 2026 could be Alonso’s final season
Feb.11 (GMM) Pedro de la Rosa has hinted that 2026 may prove to be Fernando Alonso’s final year in Formula 1, urging fans to savour every race the two-time world champion contests. Speaking to DAZN and Cadena SER, the Aston Martin ambassador and long-time Alonso colleague struck a reflective tone when asked about the 44-year-old’s […]
Shwartzman linked with Audi reserve role
Feb.11 (GMM) Robert Shwartzman is being linked with a return to Formula 1, amid reports he could become a reserve driver for Audi F1 Team in 2026. The 26-year-old Russian-Israeli previously worked as a reserve and test driver for Ferrari and Sauber – the Hinwil-based squad that has now transitioned into Audi’s full works project […]
FIA confirms 25pc downforce cut in F2-like shift
Feb.11 (GMM) Lando Norris has likened Formula 1’s new 2026 machinery to Formula 2, as the FIA confirms a dramatic reduction in aerodynamic load under the sport’s sweeping new regulations. After the Barcelona shakedown, McLaren’s world champion Norris said: “It certainly feels like an F2 car in some aspects, because of the way you have […]
Brown hits back at senator jokes about ‘Papaya rules’
Feb.11 (GMM) McLaren CEO Zak Brown has fired back after a tongue-in-cheek question in Australia’s parliament reignited debate about the team’s so-called ‘Papaya rules’ and whether Oscar Piastri has been disadvantaged. At a committee meeting on agriculture and transport, Queensland senator Matt Canavan asked a minister whether he thought Piastri had been deliberately disadvantaged so […]
Cadillac ‘disappointed’ if last in 2026
Feb.10 (GMM) Sergio Perez admits Formula 1’s newest team could face a tough debut season, but insists Cadillac would be deeply disappointed to end 2026 at the back of the grid. Speaking to Reuters after Cadillac unveiled its striking black-and-white, asymmetric livery during a Super Bowl commercial, the returning Mexican was clear that expectations extend […]