The FIA has no questions about the Mercedes and Red Bull engines.
We have already reported on the Formula 1 scandal related to the switch to next‑generation power units. Mercedes High Performance Powertrains and Red Bull Powertrains managed to find a "gray" area in the regulations and achieve a compression ratio of 18:1, whereas the regulations allow no more than 16:1. Under current FIA procedures, the compression ratio is measured statically at ambient temperature. Mercedes’ and Red Bull’s engines demonstrate compression ratios within the permissible range at the time of measurement, but higher internal temperatures during operation can cause engine components to expand, increasing cylinder volume and raising the compression ratio to 18:1, which gives a power gain of around 15 hp. In this regard, representatives of Ferrari, Audi and Honda turned to the FIA asking it to investigate the situation.
We have already reported on the Formula 1 scandal related to the switch to next‑generation power units. Mercedes High Performance Powertrains and Red Bull Powertrains managed to find a "gray" area in the regulations and achieve a compression ratio of 18:1, whereas the regulations allow no more than 16:1. Under current FIA procedures, the compression ratio is measured statically at ambient temperature. Mercedes’ and Red Bull’s engines demonstrate compression ratios within the permissible range at the time of measurement, but higher internal temperatures during operation can cause engine components to expand, increasing cylinder volume and raising the compression ratio to 18:1, which gives a power gain of around 15 hp. In this regard, representatives of Ferrari, Audi and Honda turned to the FIA asking it to investigate the situation.
In 2007 Lewis Hamilton made his Formula 1 debut, becoming Fernando Alonso's teammate at McLaren, and nearly won the title, finishing level on points with the two‑time world champion and losing by just one point to champion Kimi Räikkönen.
But the story could have been very different. In an interview with Blick, Peter Sauber said that Lewis almost made his debut with his team…
Peter Sauber: "Few people know that about twenty years ago Lewis Hamilton nearly became a Sauber driver.
McLaren wanted him to spend his debut season with us so he could gain experience. A McLaren delegation, together with Lewis and his father, met with me and our in‑house lawyer Monisha Kaltenborn at Kloten airport near Zurich.
We didn't reach an agreement then because McLaren wanted to let us have him for one season, while we were counting on two."
But the story could have been very different. In an interview with Blick, Peter Sauber said that Lewis almost made his debut with his team…
Peter Sauber: "Few people know that about twenty years ago Lewis Hamilton nearly became a Sauber driver.
McLaren wanted him to spend his debut season with us so he could gain experience. A McLaren delegation, together with Lewis and his father, met with me and our in‑house lawyer Monisha Kaltenborn at Kloten airport near Zurich.
We didn't reach an agreement then because McLaren wanted to let us have him for one season, while we were counting on two."
Leclerc explained why he didn't give Hamilton any advice.
Lewis Hamilton had a difficult first season at Ferrari, during which Charles Leclerc did not give his teammate any advice on how to turn the situation around. Charles explained his position by saying he did not consider himself sufficiently competent to advise the seven-time world champion.
Charles Leclerc: “My job is to make the most of everything at my disposal. I am already focused on many things to help the team and to adapt my driving style to the car as best as I can. It would be difficult for me to find time for anything else, and anyway Lewis has achieved much more than I have. So I can't give him any advice.
Of course, the adaptation process in a new team always takes time. I've been with Ferrari for eight years and don't remember what it's like to join a new team. I know how everything works here, and for me all the processes seem natural.
Lewis Hamilton had a difficult first season at Ferrari, during which Charles Leclerc did not give his teammate any advice on how to turn the situation around. Charles explained his position by saying he did not consider himself sufficiently competent to advise the seven-time world champion.
Charles Leclerc: “My job is to make the most of everything at my disposal. I am already focused on many things to help the team and to adapt my driving style to the car as best as I can. It would be difficult for me to find time for anything else, and anyway Lewis has achieved much more than I have. So I can't give him any advice.
Of course, the adaptation process in a new team always takes time. I've been with Ferrari for eight years and don't remember what it's like to join a new team. I know how everything works here, and for me all the processes seem natural.
Verstappen's team signed a contract with Mercedes.
Max Verstappen's racing team Verstappen Racing, competing in GT racing, has announced the signing of a multi-year contract with Mercedes‑AMG Motorsport.
Starting with the 2026 season, the four‑time Formula One champion's team will compete in a Mercedes‑AMG GT3 car in GT World Challenge Europe, the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup (GT World Sprint) and the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup (GT World Endurance).
British driver Chris Lalham will continue with the team, and his new teammate will be the experienced Daniel Juncadella. In the GT World Endurance series, which includes the 24‑hour Spa marathon, Mercedes driver Jules Gounon will be the third driver in the Verstappen Racing crew.
Stefan Wendl, Mercedes‑AMG Customer Racing: “We are very pleased that Verstappen Racing has chosen the Mercedes‑AMG GT3 to compete in the GT World Challenge Europe.
Max Verstappen's racing team Verstappen Racing, competing in GT racing, has announced the signing of a multi-year contract with Mercedes‑AMG Motorsport.
Starting with the 2026 season, the four‑time Formula One champion's team will compete in a Mercedes‑AMG GT3 car in GT World Challenge Europe, the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup (GT World Sprint) and the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup (GT World Endurance).
British driver Chris Lalham will continue with the team, and his new teammate will be the experienced Daniel Juncadella. In the GT World Endurance series, which includes the 24‑hour Spa marathon, Mercedes driver Jules Gounon will be the third driver in the Verstappen Racing crew.
Stefan Wendl, Mercedes‑AMG Customer Racing: “We are very pleased that Verstappen Racing has chosen the Mercedes‑AMG GT3 to compete in the GT World Challenge Europe.
Mazzola: The "gray area" of the regulations is what is permitted.
Former Ferrari engineer Luigi Mazzola sees nothing illegal in the actions of the Mercedes and Red Bull engine crews, who were able to raise the compression ratio in the internal combustion engines without breaking any rules.
In accordance with current FIA procedures the compression ratio is measured statically at ambient temperature, and everything else Mazzola considers an engineers' ingenuity.
Luigi Mazzola: "It is important to understand that the 'grey area' of the regulations is something that does not break the rules, and therefore is permitted. No one will intentionally break the rules; in that case you will certainly be disqualified. The 'grey area' itself is legal, and I'm happy for everyone who can find some new solution and use it effectively.
Former Ferrari engineer Luigi Mazzola sees nothing illegal in the actions of the Mercedes and Red Bull engine crews, who were able to raise the compression ratio in the internal combustion engines without breaking any rules.
In accordance with current FIA procedures the compression ratio is measured statically at ambient temperature, and everything else Mazzola considers an engineers' ingenuity.
Luigi Mazzola: "It is important to understand that the 'grey area' of the regulations is something that does not break the rules, and therefore is permitted. No one will intentionally break the rules; in that case you will certainly be disqualified. The 'grey area' itself is legal, and I'm happy for everyone who can find some new solution and use it effectively.
Formula 1's Christmas card copies the ironic style of Bernie Ecclestone's cards and even resembles them visually, but it lacks the plot around which Bernie's messages are always built.
Three dogs — Rosco on Lewis's sweater and two more on the ice, the nearly barefoot champion and the new boss of the Big Circus, Stefano Domenicali, applauding him — is how the artist for Formula 1's official website depicted the past season. But some details are rather amusing!
Three dogs — Rosco on Lewis's sweater and two more on the ice, the nearly barefoot champion and the new boss of the Big Circus, Stefano Domenicali, applauding him — is how the artist for Formula 1's official website depicted the past season. But some details are rather amusing!
An excellent Christmas card from the Williams team symbolizes the cyclical course of history in the form of an ornament capable of decorating the tree of every Formula 1 fan. It would make a great souvenir and gift.
On the western side of the bauble the 2026 car is already visible, the one the team hopes will help them take the next step. Williams finished the 2025 season in fifth place; the next steps will become increasingly difficult, but the team and its many fans believe in success!
On the western side of the bauble the 2026 car is already visible, the one the team hopes will help them take the next step. Williams finished the 2025 season in fifth place; the next steps will become increasingly difficult, but the team and its many fans believe in success!
On McLaren's Christmas card the artist depicted two drivers against the backdrop of the team's Technology Centre. Oscar Piastri, with the number 81 on his race suit, was given a ladder by the artist and climbed a little higher. Lando Norris wasn't given a ladder; he is clambering up by sheer force of will, but the championship trophy stands on his car. At the bottom of the picture, in the foreground, are IndyCar and WEC cars.
Ferrari's press office released a clip featuring Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in which the drivers thanked fans for their support throughout the season and wished them happy holidays.
“Hi everyone!” Lewis Hamilton began. “First of all, we want to say a big thank you to everyone for the amazing support and for staying with us all year. Know that we did everything we could.
We want to wish you happy holidays and a great time with your family and loved ones. All the best for 2026!”
After Lewis, Charles Leclerc took the floor, addressing the tifosi in Italian: “Hi everyone! They asked me to speak in Italian, so here we go!
I want to thank you for the huge support you've given us throughout the season. It was not an easy year, but we gave it our all and will continue to work in the same way.
Thanks again for the support, and we wish you happy holidays. Have fun! Bye-bye!”
“Hi everyone!” Lewis Hamilton began. “First of all, we want to say a big thank you to everyone for the amazing support and for staying with us all year. Know that we did everything we could.
We want to wish you happy holidays and a great time with your family and loved ones. All the best for 2026!”
After Lewis, Charles Leclerc took the floor, addressing the tifosi in Italian: “Hi everyone! They asked me to speak in Italian, so here we go!
I want to thank you for the huge support you've given us throughout the season. It was not an easy year, but we gave it our all and will continue to work in the same way.
Thanks again for the support, and we wish you happy holidays. Have fun! Bye-bye!”
On Viaplay, Max Verstappen said that he supports team tactics and the division of drivers into first and second…
Max Verstappen: "If you are the number one, the team leader, you can act much more aggressively, constantly attack — I like that approach more.
I understand McLaren's strategy when the team has two equal drivers capable of deciding the outcome of the race between themselves, but if I were the team principal, I would always clearly define who is number one and who is number two. Of course, the number two must score enough points to allow the team to fight for the Constructors' Championship. But there would be a clear number one and number two.
McLaren this year had two equal drivers, which prevented them from always using the most advantageous strategy. It helped us a little."
Max Verstappen: "If you are the number one, the team leader, you can act much more aggressively, constantly attack — I like that approach more.
I understand McLaren's strategy when the team has two equal drivers capable of deciding the outcome of the race between themselves, but if I were the team principal, I would always clearly define who is number one and who is number two. Of course, the number two must score enough points to allow the team to fight for the Constructors' Championship. But there would be a clear number one and number two.
McLaren this year had two equal drivers, which prevented them from always using the most advantageous strategy. It helped us a little."
Bortoleto: Max and I really hit it off.
Gabriel Bortoleto met Max Verstappen at age 11 at a karting event and told Racingnews365 in an interview that over the years they have become true friends…
Gabriel Bortoleto: “Max and I have become great friends. These days you often see us together when we go out, stream, play games and all that. Obviously, in Formula 1 we’ve grown closer to each other since we race together. Max is a wonderful person. Many people don’t know, but he has helped me a lot throughout my career.
When I was racing in the junior categories, I would ask him what he thought about one contract or another. When I was about to sign a contract with McLaren, I asked him for his opinion. When I was about to move to Sauber, I asked him about that too. He’s always ready to help if I have questions. He didn’t tell me what to do, but he would give his opinion, and he was always very kind and open with me.
Gabriel Bortoleto met Max Verstappen at age 11 at a karting event and told Racingnews365 in an interview that over the years they have become true friends…
Gabriel Bortoleto: “Max and I have become great friends. These days you often see us together when we go out, stream, play games and all that. Obviously, in Formula 1 we’ve grown closer to each other since we race together. Max is a wonderful person. Many people don’t know, but he has helped me a lot throughout my career.
When I was racing in the junior categories, I would ask him what he thought about one contract or another. When I was about to sign a contract with McLaren, I asked him for his opinion. When I was about to move to Sauber, I asked him about that too. He’s always ready to help if I have questions. He didn’t tell me what to do, but he would give his opinion, and he was always very kind and open with me.
Sergio Pérez: I want to guarantee a successful return.
Sergio Pérez returns to Formula 1 after a one-year break. The Mexican driver described how the pause in his career helped him restore his love for racing, what differences between Cadillac and Red Bull he has already noticed, and what he expects from the upcoming season.
Sergio Pérez: "I never felt I needed a break in my career before. When you compete in Formula 1, you are constantly thinking about the next season, the next race, the next contract. It's like you are on autopilot. When you are forced to step away, as happened in my case, you start to look at the sport differently.
I feel like I've fallen back in love with Formula 1. The last six months at Red Bull were very difficult for me in every way. I began to feel demotivated toward the sport, but I couldn't allow that attitude because this sport has given me everything.
Sergio Pérez returns to Formula 1 after a one-year break. The Mexican driver described how the pause in his career helped him restore his love for racing, what differences between Cadillac and Red Bull he has already noticed, and what he expects from the upcoming season.
Sergio Pérez: "I never felt I needed a break in my career before. When you compete in Formula 1, you are constantly thinking about the next season, the next race, the next contract. It's like you are on autopilot. When you are forced to step away, as happened in my case, you start to look at the sport differently.
I feel like I've fallen back in love with Formula 1. The last six months at Red Bull were very difficult for me in every way. I began to feel demotivated toward the sport, but I couldn't allow that attitude because this sport has given me everything.
It's wrong to count the money in someone else's pockets, especially when those pockets belong to drivers risking their lives, but the Dutch Racingnews365 has compiled its version of the top five wealthiest drivers of all time and nations.
Topping this ranking is Michael Schumacher — his fortune is estimated at 790 million US dollars, or 671 million euros, or 586 million pounds, or 1 billion 180 thousand Australian dollars.
Following the German are two active drivers: Lewis Hamilton in second place with 304 million US dollars and Fernando Alonso with 264 million US dollars. The Spaniard has fewer titles, but his record is solid.
The five richest drivers according to Racingnews365
1. Michael Schumacher
$790 million
2. Lewis Hamilton
$304 million
3. Fernando Alonso
$264 million
4. Kimi Räikkönen
$254 million
5. Niki Lauda
$203 million
Topping this ranking is Michael Schumacher — his fortune is estimated at 790 million US dollars, or 671 million euros, or 586 million pounds, or 1 billion 180 thousand Australian dollars.
Following the German are two active drivers: Lewis Hamilton in second place with 304 million US dollars and Fernando Alonso with 264 million US dollars. The Spaniard has fewer titles, but his record is solid.
The five richest drivers according to Racingnews365
1. Michael Schumacher
$790 million
2. Lewis Hamilton
$304 million
3. Fernando Alonso
$264 million
4. Kimi Räikkönen
$254 million
5. Niki Lauda
$203 million
Lindblad: Throughout my career I've had to learn quickly.
Arvid Lindblad will debut in Formula 1 next year with Racing Bulls, having spent just one season in Formula 2. The British driver suggests that the experience gained in that junior series will be of little use in Formula 1.
Arvid Lindblad: "Formula 2 is unique. Yes, it's the final step to Formula 1, but the two championships are very different. I've learned a lot this year in Formula 2, but I don't know whether that experience will be applicable to Formula 1.
On the other hand, I've learned a lot about myself on and off the track. I've learned a great deal about working with the team, which will be especially important in Formula 1.
As for driving, it's hard for me to single out anything specific that I've learned. I progressed through the junior categories so quickly that I had to adapt and learn incredibly fast.
Arvid Lindblad will debut in Formula 1 next year with Racing Bulls, having spent just one season in Formula 2. The British driver suggests that the experience gained in that junior series will be of little use in Formula 1.
Arvid Lindblad: "Formula 2 is unique. Yes, it's the final step to Formula 1, but the two championships are very different. I've learned a lot this year in Formula 2, but I don't know whether that experience will be applicable to Formula 1.
On the other hand, I've learned a lot about myself on and off the track. I've learned a great deal about working with the team, which will be especially important in Formula 1.
As for driving, it's hard for me to single out anything specific that I've learned. I progressed through the junior categories so quickly that I had to adapt and learn incredibly fast.
Former Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo is skeptical about the Scuderia's chances of winning the championship in the foreseeable future.
The Italian executive, who joined the board of directors of McLaren Group Holdings Limited, which runs the McLaren Racing division, in the summer, compared Ferrari to the football club Bologna, which he has supported for many years. Journalists from Quotidiano Nazionale asked di Montezemolo who will become champion first — Ferrari in Formula 1 or Bologna winning the Italian championship.
Luca di Montezemolo's answer was short but categorical: "Given the current situation in Maranello, Bologna will lift the trophy first."
After fifteen games of the current season, Bologna sit sixth in the Serie A table, eight points behind leaders Inter. The last time the team won Serie A was in the 1963–64 season.
The Italian executive, who joined the board of directors of McLaren Group Holdings Limited, which runs the McLaren Racing division, in the summer, compared Ferrari to the football club Bologna, which he has supported for many years. Journalists from Quotidiano Nazionale asked di Montezemolo who will become champion first — Ferrari in Formula 1 or Bologna winning the Italian championship.
Luca di Montezemolo's answer was short but categorical: "Given the current situation in Maranello, Bologna will lift the trophy first."
After fifteen games of the current season, Bologna sit sixth in the Serie A table, eight points behind leaders Inter. The last time the team won Serie A was in the 1963–64 season.
Describing a possible title fight in the 2026 season, George Russell spoke about a rivalry with Max Verstappen...
George Russell: "I know for sure that I can compete with the best. Obviously, Max is the benchmark right now — he's the one I'd like to go one-on-one with. I think only his fans might doubt my pace — and I'll be happy to prove them wrong.
Max is the only driver you'd want to be in the same team with to gauge your competitiveness.
I always think of Michael Schumacher at Ferrari, who needed five years to win the championship. People remember only the years of his peak, but no one remembers 1996 and 1997. I hope a better future awaits me too."
George Russell: "I know for sure that I can compete with the best. Obviously, Max is the benchmark right now — he's the one I'd like to go one-on-one with. I think only his fans might doubt my pace — and I'll be happy to prove them wrong.
Max is the only driver you'd want to be in the same team with to gauge your competitiveness.
I always think of Michael Schumacher at Ferrari, who needed five years to win the championship. People remember only the years of his peak, but no one remembers 1996 and 1997. I hope a better future awaits me too."
Today legendary Formula 1 engineer Adrian Newey turned 67.
The British specialist has won with Williams, McLaren and Red Bull Racing over the years. The cars he designed have won 14 drivers' titles and 12 Constructors' Championships.
Newey made champions of Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill, Jacques Villeneuve, Mika Häkkinen, Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.
In 2012 Newey was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to motorsport. He has stepped away from Formula 1 several times, but each time he returned. Now he has taken on a new challenge and moved to Aston Martin, and there is no doubt the team will be fast. People say that "he sees the air."
The British specialist has won with Williams, McLaren and Red Bull Racing over the years. The cars he designed have won 14 drivers' titles and 12 Constructors' Championships.
Newey made champions of Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill, Jacques Villeneuve, Mika Häkkinen, Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen.
In 2012 Newey was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to motorsport. He has stepped away from Formula 1 several times, but each time he returned. Now he has taken on a new challenge and moved to Aston Martin, and there is no doubt the team will be fast. People say that "he sees the air."