Steiner: Max won't repeat Fernando Alonso's mistakes
In yesterday’s piece about the main expectations for the upcoming season, there was a separate discussion of likely personnel changes to come and, above all, the future of Max Verstappen.
The four-time world champion could invoke a special clause in his contract with Red Bull if results in 2026 fall below a certain level, and begin talks with other teams.
Of course, these are purely theoretical musings, but on the eve of a new championship, when Formula 1 is switching to next-generation machinery, you can make any assumptions, since there is currently no information at all about the balance of power.
It is also unknown how the power units being developed by Red Bull Powertrains, the Milton Keynes team’s engine division, together with Ford, will perform.
In yesterday’s piece about the main expectations for the upcoming season, there was a separate discussion of likely personnel changes to come and, above all, the future of Max Verstappen.
The four-time world champion could invoke a special clause in his contract with Red Bull if results in 2026 fall below a certain level, and begin talks with other teams.
Of course, these are purely theoretical musings, but on the eve of a new championship, when Formula 1 is switching to next-generation machinery, you can make any assumptions, since there is currently no information at all about the balance of power.
It is also unknown how the power units being developed by Red Bull Powertrains, the Milton Keynes team’s engine division, together with Ford, will perform.
Dakar: The rally-raid in Saudi Arabia began with a prologue.
This morning in Saudi Arabia the 48th Dakar Rally officially began. 317 two- and four-wheeled vehicles were cleared to start this year, and the total number of competitors in the main event is 564 people. These are motorcycle and car racers, as well as their co-drivers, and they represent 49 different countries.
As is customary, a so‑called prologue takes place on the first day; its distance is small by rally‑raid standards — just 96 km, of which only 22 km is the timed special stage.
As usual, the motorcyclists were the first to set off — there are 115 of them, and they compete in three classes, while the other participants drive off‑road vehicles and trucks.
This morning in Saudi Arabia the 48th Dakar Rally officially began. 317 two- and four-wheeled vehicles were cleared to start this year, and the total number of competitors in the main event is 564 people. These are motorcycle and car racers, as well as their co-drivers, and they represent 49 different countries.
As is customary, a so‑called prologue takes place on the first day; its distance is small by rally‑raid standards — just 96 km, of which only 22 km is the timed special stage.
As usual, the motorcyclists were the first to set off — there are 115 of them, and they compete in three classes, while the other participants drive off‑road vehicles and trucks.
Carlos Sainz addressed a touching message to his father.
Carlos Sainz Sr. set off today on the Dakar rally-raid route, having promised in advance that this would be his last time starting this supermarathon.
His son Carlos, who races for Williams in Formula 1, sent his father a touching send-off, accompanying it with a photo from the family archive taken many years ago.
"For many years I've watched you take on this challenge," he writes. "Last summer I got a taste of it to some extent, and my admiration for you and what you do keeps growing. Good luck at Dakar, Dad! I'm proud of you and how you keep raising the bar and keep attacking! Vamos!"
The Spanish word with which Sainz ended his message can be simply translated as "Forward!"
His father has always had an attacking style, and it's no coincidence that he has two championship titles in the WRC and four Dakar wins to his name — Sainz Sr.
Carlos Sainz Sr. set off today on the Dakar rally-raid route, having promised in advance that this would be his last time starting this supermarathon.
His son Carlos, who races for Williams in Formula 1, sent his father a touching send-off, accompanying it with a photo from the family archive taken many years ago.
"For many years I've watched you take on this challenge," he writes. "Last summer I got a taste of it to some extent, and my admiration for you and what you do keeps growing. Good luck at Dakar, Dad! I'm proud of you and how you keep raising the bar and keep attacking! Vamos!"
The Spanish word with which Sainz ended his message can be simply translated as "Forward!"
His father has always had an attacking style, and it's no coincidence that he has two championship titles in the WRC and four Dakar wins to his name — Sainz Sr.
Lando Norris has the most expensive Super Licence.
The cost of the superlicense that allows drivers to compete in Formula 1 includes a base payment equal for everyone of €11,842, and otherwise depends on the number of points scored in the previous season — €2,392 for each point.
In the 2026 season the most expensive superlicense belongs to world champion Lando Norris, while four drivers will pay only the base amount — Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas, who returned to Formula 1, Franco Colapinto who scored no points in 2025, and rookie Arvid Lindblad.
Superlicenses are paid by the teams; this payment is not subject to the budget cap.
The cost of the superlicense that allows drivers to compete in Formula 1 includes a base payment equal for everyone of €11,842, and otherwise depends on the number of points scored in the previous season — €2,392 for each point.
In the 2026 season the most expensive superlicense belongs to world champion Lando Norris, while four drivers will pay only the base amount — Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas, who returned to Formula 1, Franco Colapinto who scored no points in 2025, and rookie Arvid Lindblad.
Superlicenses are paid by the teams; this payment is not subject to the budget cap.
Attendance in Melbourne will once again be record-breaking.
In 2025 the Australian Grand Prix drew more than 465,000 fans over the weekend, becoming the second-most attended race after the Silverstone round. This year organizers are expecting even more impressive numbers and are preparing for significant investments — we reported that the Albert Park circuit is set to undergo reconstruction after the event.
Travis Old, chief executive of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation: “On a global level Formula 1 is in great shape right now, which is reflected in our event. In 2025 every day of the weekend delivered a record audience for us, and we expect even more spectators.
Without doubt, we could have sold more tickets.
In 2025 the Australian Grand Prix drew more than 465,000 fans over the weekend, becoming the second-most attended race after the Silverstone round. This year organizers are expecting even more impressive numbers and are preparing for significant investments — we reported that the Albert Park circuit is set to undergo reconstruction after the event.
Travis Old, chief executive of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation: “On a global level Formula 1 is in great shape right now, which is reflected in our event. In 2025 every day of the weekend delivered a record audience for us, and we expect even more spectators.
Without doubt, we could have sold more tickets.
The FIA doesn't expect any one team to dominate for long.
Switching to a new set of regulations always changes the balance of power. Nicholas Tombazis, the FIA's director of single-seater racing, believes that this time there will be no years-long dominance by one team, and that over time results will become even tighter than before.
Nicholas Tombazis: "I expect that at the initial stage the main factor will be the efficiency of the internal combustion engine. New manufacturers have entered the championship, the regulations have changed — and for a while that will be the key factor. But we believe that the procedures we have proposed will gradually reduce the gap.
Yes, probably at the start of 2026 the difference between power units from different manufacturers will be greater than in 2025, but over time it will become even smaller than before.
Switching to a new set of regulations always changes the balance of power. Nicholas Tombazis, the FIA's director of single-seater racing, believes that this time there will be no years-long dominance by one team, and that over time results will become even tighter than before.
Nicholas Tombazis: "I expect that at the initial stage the main factor will be the efficiency of the internal combustion engine. New manufacturers have entered the championship, the regulations have changed — and for a while that will be the key factor. But we believe that the procedures we have proposed will gradually reduce the gap.
Yes, probably at the start of 2026 the difference between power units from different manufacturers will be greater than in 2025, but over time it will become even smaller than before.
Goethe and Tramnitz have been excluded from the Red Bull program.
Red Bull has decided to part ways with two fairly decent drivers who were part of the Austrian company's junior programme. However, it seemed that this was inevitable.
21-year-old German Oliver Goethe raced in Formula 2 for MP Motorsport but finished the season only 15th in the drivers' standings. His best results were a pair of fourth places in the Saturday sprint races, which nevertheless did not prevent him from staying with the Dutch team for another season.
Tim Tramnitz, another German MP Motorsport driver who competed in Formula 3, also will not be able to continue his collaboration with Red Bull, despite finishing 4th in the drivers' standings. He was warned in advance that if he could not find a seat in F3 or F2 teams for the 2026 season, they would have to part ways with him.
According to GPBlog.
Red Bull has decided to part ways with two fairly decent drivers who were part of the Austrian company's junior programme. However, it seemed that this was inevitable.
21-year-old German Oliver Goethe raced in Formula 2 for MP Motorsport but finished the season only 15th in the drivers' standings. His best results were a pair of fourth places in the Saturday sprint races, which nevertheless did not prevent him from staying with the Dutch team for another season.
Tim Tramnitz, another German MP Motorsport driver who competed in Formula 3, also will not be able to continue his collaboration with Red Bull, despite finishing 4th in the drivers' standings. He was warned in advance that if he could not find a seat in F3 or F2 teams for the 2026 season, they would have to part ways with him.
According to GPBlog.
The verdict is still pending on this Toyota Land Cruiser show truck equipped with 37-inch tires.
Kuhl Racing
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Japanese tuner Kuhl Racing has previously produced some unique builds, so a lifted Toyota Land Cruiser may seem rather conventional. However, Kuhl has still included an unexpected twist for aftermarket enthusiasts, showcasing its new Land Cruiser—named the Blocker Iron Build—at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon.
This Land Cruiser 250 (also referred to as the Land Cruiser Prado and currently the only version available in the United States) features 37-inch Yokohama Geolander M/T G003 tires, which is not out of the ordinary.
Kuhl Racing
The most significant car news and reviews without any nonsense.
Our daily newsletter, which is free, delivers the most important stories directly to you every weekday.
Japanese tuner Kuhl Racing has previously produced some unique builds, so a lifted Toyota Land Cruiser may seem rather conventional. However, Kuhl has still included an unexpected twist for aftermarket enthusiasts, showcasing its new Land Cruiser—named the Blocker Iron Build—at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon.
This Land Cruiser 250 (also referred to as the Land Cruiser Prado and currently the only version available in the United States) features 37-inch Yokohama Geolander M/T G003 tires, which is not out of the ordinary.
The history of Ferrari is inseparable from Modena and Maranello — these places mean a great deal to Scuderia fans, who will be able to take part in an intriguing event in the spring. On March 29 the Mezza Maratona d'Italia is scheduled, running through well-known places associated with Ferrari. There are several distance options for every level of fitness — from five- and ten-kilometer races in Maranello to a half marathon that starts in Maranello, goes through the Fiorano circuit and finishes in Modena. Entry fees range from €11 for the short distances to €28 for the half marathon. The proceeds will be directed to the creation of new sports facilities in Maranello, including equipment for people with disabilities.
The 2026 Australian Grand Prix will take place on March 8 and will be the 1,150th in Formula 1 history and the 85th race in March. Here's how the 1,149 previous rounds were distributed by quarter and month.
The earliest race in history took place on New Year's Day 1965 in South Africa. The latest race — on December 29, 1962, also in South Africa at the East London circuit.
More than half of all Formula 1 races in history were held from May through August — 611 rounds. From January through April there were 201 Grands Prix, and from September through December — 337.
The most races were held in July — 186, and the fewest in February — these were Argentina 1960, Brazil 1973 and Brazil 1979.
Distribution of Formula 1 Grands Prix by month
Month
Total races
January
24
February
3
March
84
April
90
May
160
June
134
July
186
August
131
September
146
October
123
November
57
December
11
The earliest race in history took place on New Year's Day 1965 in South Africa. The latest race — on December 29, 1962, also in South Africa at the East London circuit.
More than half of all Formula 1 races in history were held from May through August — 611 rounds. From January through April there were 201 Grands Prix, and from September through December — 337.
The most races were held in July — 186, and the fewest in February — these were Argentina 1960, Brazil 1973 and Brazil 1979.
Distribution of Formula 1 Grands Prix by month
Month
Total races
January
24
February
3
March
84
April
90
May
160
June
134
July
186
August
131
September
146
October
123
November
57
December
11
Arvid Lindblad: A very serious challenge awaits me.
Arvid Lindblad is the only rookie this season. Having quickly moved through the junior categories, the driver with a British license but of Indian and Swedish descent will, at 18, become the youngest driver in the 2026 World Championship with Racing Bulls.
In an interview with the official website, Arvid admitted that he is used to changing series every year and is not afraid of the pressure…
Arvid Lindblad: "I moved up the career ladder fairly quickly, spending no longer than one season in each category. I'm used to being thrown in at the deep end. I hope that will help in Formula 1.
On the other hand, I haven't competed in Formula 1 yet and don't know what to expect. I need to learn fast, be open to new things and work hard, because this is the biggest step in my career.
While racing in Formula 2, I knew that if I did everything right, I'd get a chance.
Arvid Lindblad is the only rookie this season. Having quickly moved through the junior categories, the driver with a British license but of Indian and Swedish descent will, at 18, become the youngest driver in the 2026 World Championship with Racing Bulls.
In an interview with the official website, Arvid admitted that he is used to changing series every year and is not afraid of the pressure…
Arvid Lindblad: "I moved up the career ladder fairly quickly, spending no longer than one season in each category. I'm used to being thrown in at the deep end. I hope that will help in Formula 1.
On the other hand, I haven't competed in Formula 1 yet and don't know what to expect. I need to learn fast, be open to new things and work hard, because this is the biggest step in my career.
While racing in Formula 2, I knew that if I did everything right, I'd get a chance.
Cadillac driver, Mexican Sergio Pérez, posted a message on social media in solidarity with the people of Venezuela amid political turmoil in the country.
"Brothers and sisters from Venezuela, I send you warm, heartfelt hugs. You are an example that faith is never lost! My prayers are with all of you! Freedom for Venezuela," Pérez wrote.
At the moment, the post has been removed from the feed.
"Brothers and sisters from Venezuela, I send you warm, heartfelt hugs. You are an example that faith is never lost! My prayers are with all of you! Freedom for Venezuela," Pérez wrote.
At the moment, the post has been removed from the feed.
Oscar Piastri recalls leaving Alpine.
In an interview with Off The Grid, Oscar Piastri recalled the difficult situation of his split from the Alpine team in 2022, which was only resolved by the Contract Recognition Board.
As a member of the Renault/Alpine junior program, Piastri won championship titles in the Renault Eurocup, and then on his first attempts in Formula 3 and Formula 2 — and was invited to Alpine's Formula 1 team, but only as a reserve driver — and in 2022 for the first time in his career he watched events from the sidelines.
Left without a seat, Oscar signed a contract with McLaren, which immediately offered him a race seat, but before that was announced Alpine released a press statement asserting that in 2023 Piastri would be their team's lead driver.
In response Oscar posted an emotional denial on social media: “Without my consent Alpine F1 issued a press release saying that I would be racing for them next year.
In an interview with Off The Grid, Oscar Piastri recalled the difficult situation of his split from the Alpine team in 2022, which was only resolved by the Contract Recognition Board.
As a member of the Renault/Alpine junior program, Piastri won championship titles in the Renault Eurocup, and then on his first attempts in Formula 3 and Formula 2 — and was invited to Alpine's Formula 1 team, but only as a reserve driver — and in 2022 for the first time in his career he watched events from the sidelines.
Left without a seat, Oscar signed a contract with McLaren, which immediately offered him a race seat, but before that was announced Alpine released a press statement asserting that in 2023 Piastri would be their team's lead driver.
In response Oscar posted an emotional denial on social media: “Without my consent Alpine F1 issued a press release saying that I would be racing for them next year.
We have not yet seen the new cars or assessed the balance of power, but bookmakers are already taking bets on the outcomes of the upcoming season.
One well-known firm gives a slight preference to Max Verstappen in the fight for the championship title, although it rates George Russell's chances almost as highly. The trio is rounded out by the reigning champion Lando Norris.
Bookmakers rate Fernando Alonso's chances of the title in a car built by Adrian Newey as twice as high as those of the Ferrari drivers.
Driver
Odds
Probability
Verstappen
5/2
28.57%
Russell
11/4
26.67%
Norris
7/2
22.22%
Piastri
6/1
14.29%
Alonso, Antonelli
12/1
7.69%
Leclerc
22/1
4.35%
Hamilton
33/1
2.94%
Sainz
80/1
1.23%
Bearman, Bottas, Gasly, Stroll, Hadjar, Albon
100/1
0.99%
Pérez, Hulkenberg
150/1
0.66%
Lindblad, Lawson, Ocon
200/1
0.50%
Bortoleto, Colapinto
250/1
0.40%
One well-known firm gives a slight preference to Max Verstappen in the fight for the championship title, although it rates George Russell's chances almost as highly. The trio is rounded out by the reigning champion Lando Norris.
Bookmakers rate Fernando Alonso's chances of the title in a car built by Adrian Newey as twice as high as those of the Ferrari drivers.
Driver
Odds
Probability
Verstappen
5/2
28.57%
Russell
11/4
26.67%
Norris
7/2
22.22%
Piastri
6/1
14.29%
Alonso, Antonelli
12/1
7.69%
Leclerc
22/1
4.35%
Hamilton
33/1
2.94%
Sainz
80/1
1.23%
Bearman, Bottas, Gasly, Stroll, Hadjar, Albon
100/1
0.99%
Pérez, Hulkenberg
150/1
0.66%
Lindblad, Lawson, Ocon
200/1
0.50%
Bortoleto, Colapinto
250/1
0.40%
Will Courtney has become McLaren's sporting director.
Former Red Bull Racing chief strategist Will Courtney has started work at McLaren, becoming the team's sporting director.
Courtney's move to McLaren was announced in September 2024, but his contract with Red Bull Racing only expired in mid-2026, and an agreement on early termination could not be reached.
As a result, Courtney spent the entire 2025 season in his previous role at Red Bull Racing, and was only released now, which Courtney reported on social media.
Will Courtney: "After 22 years at Red Bull Racing, the last fifteen as head of the strategy department, I am pleased to announce that I am now taking on a new challenge by joining McLaren Racing as the Formula 1 team's sporting director.
I want to express my huge gratitude to everyone I worked with at Red Bull. There I made many wonderful friends, and I hope to see many of them again in the paddock.
Former Red Bull Racing chief strategist Will Courtney has started work at McLaren, becoming the team's sporting director.
Courtney's move to McLaren was announced in September 2024, but his contract with Red Bull Racing only expired in mid-2026, and an agreement on early termination could not be reached.
As a result, Courtney spent the entire 2025 season in his previous role at Red Bull Racing, and was only released now, which Courtney reported on social media.
Will Courtney: "After 22 years at Red Bull Racing, the last fifteen as head of the strategy department, I am pleased to announce that I am now taking on a new challenge by joining McLaren Racing as the Formula 1 team's sporting director.
I want to express my huge gratitude to everyone I worked with at Red Bull. There I made many wonderful friends, and I hope to see many of them again in the paddock.
Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll doesn't like the new rules so far – and he said his colleagues share that view…
Lance Stroll: "I think everyone has doubts about these rules. It's a bit of a shame that on the straights we'll be doing just under 400 km/h, and in the corners about half as fast.
That's not what the drivers want. Managing energy and the battery charge isn't as interesting as attacking flat-out in high-downforce cars.
However, if in Melbourne it turns out we're the fastest and I only see rivals in my mirrors, then I'll like these rules and such a car. Everything is relative!"
Lance Stroll: "I think everyone has doubts about these rules. It's a bit of a shame that on the straights we'll be doing just under 400 km/h, and in the corners about half as fast.
That's not what the drivers want. Managing energy and the battery charge isn't as interesting as attacking flat-out in high-downforce cars.
However, if in Melbourne it turns out we're the fastest and I only see rivals in my mirrors, then I'll like these rules and such a car. Everything is relative!"
Dakar: The first stage was won by the crew of de Mevius and Bomel.
The first stage of the Dakar rally‑raid is behind us, and its winners deserve special mention: today the crew of Guillaume de Mevius and Matthieu Bomel — the Belgian‑French duo competing in a MINI JCW Rally racing SUV — were the first to cross the finish.
They covered a distance of 518 km, of which 305 km were a timed special stage, completing it 40 seconds faster than the crew of Nasser Al‑Attiyah, who are competing in a Dacia Sandrider, and almost a minute and a half ahead of experienced Czechs Martin Prokop and Viktor Chytka, who are driving a Ford Raptor — the same four‑wheel‑drive prototype as Martin Ekström, the factory Ford Racing driver, who set the fourth‑best time.
And now why crew No.
The first stage of the Dakar rally‑raid is behind us, and its winners deserve special mention: today the crew of Guillaume de Mevius and Matthieu Bomel — the Belgian‑French duo competing in a MINI JCW Rally racing SUV — were the first to cross the finish.
They covered a distance of 518 km, of which 305 km were a timed special stage, completing it 40 seconds faster than the crew of Nasser Al‑Attiyah, who are competing in a Dacia Sandrider, and almost a minute and a half ahead of experienced Czechs Martin Prokop and Viktor Chytka, who are driving a Ford Raptor — the same four‑wheel‑drive prototype as Martin Ekström, the factory Ford Racing driver, who set the fourth‑best time.
And now why crew No.