Dakar: Matthias Ekström won the 7th stage of the rally raid.
Swedish driver Mattias Ekström once again confirmed that he has all the necessary qualities to win the Dakar rally-raid. Whether he will actually succeed is another question, but in any case his off-road prototype Ford Raptor bearing number 226 arrived first at the finish of the seventh stage.
He beat his nearest pursuer, Portuguese João Ferreira, a driver for the factory Toyota team, by almost four and a half minutes and moved up to second place in the overall standings. But Nasser Al-Attiyah remains the leader, although Ekström reduced the deficit to the five-time Dakar winner.
The driver from Qatar finished outside the top ten today — both due to navigation difficulties and because, at full speed in his Dacia Sandrider off-roader, he clipped a tree.
Swedish driver Mattias Ekström once again confirmed that he has all the necessary qualities to win the Dakar rally-raid. Whether he will actually succeed is another question, but in any case his off-road prototype Ford Raptor bearing number 226 arrived first at the finish of the seventh stage.
He beat his nearest pursuer, Portuguese João Ferreira, a driver for the factory Toyota team, by almost four and a half minutes and moved up to second place in the overall standings. But Nasser Al-Attiyah remains the leader, although Ekström reduced the deficit to the five-time Dakar winner.
The driver from Qatar finished outside the top ten today — both due to navigation difficulties and because, at full speed in his Dacia Sandrider off-roader, he clipped a tree.
Vaulz: We don't have Mercedes' infrastructure and capabilities.
James Vowles, head of Williams, believes that one of the main obstacles to his team's success remains an outdated infrastructure that lags behind their rivals' capabilities. He also admits that Williams finds it difficult to catch up with Mercedes, where he worked for a long time before taking charge of the Grove-based team, whose cars have been fitted since 2014 with engines produced by Mercedes' power unit division. Williams will also use such power units in the coming years.
"If there's one thing Brackley do very well, it's adapting to a change in the technical regulations," RacingNews365 quotes Vowles. "There's no doubt about that. I'm doing everything necessary to ensure our team continues to grow and can, in the future, reach a higher level and compete for the championship.
James Vowles, head of Williams, believes that one of the main obstacles to his team's success remains an outdated infrastructure that lags behind their rivals' capabilities. He also admits that Williams finds it difficult to catch up with Mercedes, where he worked for a long time before taking charge of the Grove-based team, whose cars have been fitted since 2014 with engines produced by Mercedes' power unit division. Williams will also use such power units in the coming years.
"If there's one thing Brackley do very well, it's adapting to a change in the technical regulations," RacingNews365 quotes Vowles. "There's no doubt about that. I'm doing everything necessary to ensure our team continues to grow and can, in the future, reach a higher level and compete for the championship.
Thierry Boutsen will participate in a festival in Adelaide.
Thierry Boutsen, a Belgian motorsport veteran who raced in Formula 1 from 1983 to 1993, is returning to the wheel of a racing car — this will take place in Australia during the Adelaide festival, which runs from 28 February to 1 March.
We have reported on Valtteri Bottas’s participation in the Adelaide Motorsport Festival, and while the Finnish Cadillac F1 driver is set to pilot the historic Ferrari 156/85, Boutsen will sit behind the wheel of a March 871, a 1987 car, and will also bring a Porsche 962C sports prototype onto the city circuit.
Boutsen, who is now 68, once won the Australian Grand Prix, which was then held in Adelaide — that was in 1989 when he was driving for Williams. In total Boutsen started the F1 race in that Australian city eight times and, in addition to the mentioned victory, stood on the podium twice more.
Thierry Boutsen, a Belgian motorsport veteran who raced in Formula 1 from 1983 to 1993, is returning to the wheel of a racing car — this will take place in Australia during the Adelaide festival, which runs from 28 February to 1 March.
We have reported on Valtteri Bottas’s participation in the Adelaide Motorsport Festival, and while the Finnish Cadillac F1 driver is set to pilot the historic Ferrari 156/85, Boutsen will sit behind the wheel of a March 871, a 1987 car, and will also bring a Porsche 962C sports prototype onto the city circuit.
Boutsen, who is now 68, once won the Australian Grand Prix, which was then held in Adelaide — that was in 1989 when he was driving for Williams. In total Boutsen started the F1 race in that Australian city eight times and, in addition to the mentioned victory, stood on the podium twice more.
Audi is the first team to operate a genuine 2026 Formula 1 car.
Mileage was capped at 200 kilometres.
Audi has quietly become the first Formula 1 team to test a genuine 2026-spec car, completing a private rollout in Barcelona last Friday. Grainy videos and spy shots circulating online depict an all-black vehicle operating at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, featuring no sponsors and only Audi's four-ring logo on the rear wing.
Significantly, this is not a modified 2025 Sauber. The car is thought to be Audi's first true 2026 chassis, designed entirely around the new regulations and the brand-new Audi power unit.
Security was reportedly stringent as the car took to the track shortly after 10 am local time on January 9, with Audi choosing not to disclose much about the event. Observers at the track noted that the initial installation laps were completed without any issues.
Mileage was capped at 200 kilometres.
Audi has quietly become the first Formula 1 team to test a genuine 2026-spec car, completing a private rollout in Barcelona last Friday. Grainy videos and spy shots circulating online depict an all-black vehicle operating at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, featuring no sponsors and only Audi's four-ring logo on the rear wing.
Significantly, this is not a modified 2025 Sauber. The car is thought to be Audi's first true 2026 chassis, designed entirely around the new regulations and the brand-new Audi power unit.
Security was reportedly stringent as the car took to the track shortly after 10 am local time on January 9, with Audi choosing not to disclose much about the event. Observers at the track noted that the initial installation laps were completed without any issues.
FIA schedules a meeting on January 22 as tensions regarding engines escalate.
"The scheduled meeting will involve technical experts."
The FIA has announced a technical meeting with Formula 1 engine manufacturers set for January 22, amid increasing concerns regarding the interpretation of the new 2026 power unit regulations.
Controversy has arisen surrounding a Mercedes concept that competitors believe provides a genuine performance advantage while remaining compliant with current measurement methods. The discussion centers on the new maximum compression ratio of 16:1, which the FIA verifies under static, ambient conditions.
It is understood that several manufacturers argue that once the engine reaches operating temperature, thermal expansion enables Mercedes to effectively surpass that limit in actual running conditions, without violating the written rules.
"The scheduled meeting will involve technical experts."
The FIA has announced a technical meeting with Formula 1 engine manufacturers set for January 22, amid increasing concerns regarding the interpretation of the new 2026 power unit regulations.
Controversy has arisen surrounding a Mercedes concept that competitors believe provides a genuine performance advantage while remaining compliant with current measurement methods. The discussion centers on the new maximum compression ratio of 16:1, which the FIA verifies under static, ambient conditions.
It is understood that several manufacturers argue that once the engine reaches operating temperature, thermal expansion enables Mercedes to effectively surpass that limit in actual running conditions, without violating the written rules.
Top F1 drivers face million-euro super licence fees.
The fees are imposed by the FIA.
The FIA's super licence charges for 2026 are pushing some of the sport's top drivers to exceed the million-euro milestone. Every F1 driver is required to renew their super licence each year, with the cost directly linked to the World Championship points accumulated in the previous season. The fee structure is straightforward yet harsh – an initial fee of EUR 11,842, plus an additional EUR 2,392 for each point earned.
For the current world champion Lando Norris, who scored 423 points in 2025, the McLaren driver faces a bill just over a million euros – the highest in the lineup. Max Verstappen follows closely with a fee of EUR 1,018,874 after a 421-point season. Verstappen still holds the record for the highest payment, having paid over EUR 1.2 million for his licence in 2024 after an impressive 575 points the previous year.
The fees are imposed by the FIA.
The FIA's super licence charges for 2026 are pushing some of the sport's top drivers to exceed the million-euro milestone. Every F1 driver is required to renew their super licence each year, with the cost directly linked to the World Championship points accumulated in the previous season. The fee structure is straightforward yet harsh – an initial fee of EUR 11,842, plus an additional EUR 2,392 for each point earned.
For the current world champion Lando Norris, who scored 423 points in 2025, the McLaren driver faces a bill just over a million euros – the highest in the lineup. Max Verstappen follows closely with a fee of EUR 1,018,874 after a 421-point season. Verstappen still holds the record for the highest payment, having paid over EUR 1.2 million for his licence in 2024 after an impressive 575 points the previous year.
Wolff halts Mercedes' side projects during title drought.
"This was the first time that we didn’t get it right."
Toto Wolff has announced that Mercedes is discontinuing its diversification efforts and is concentrating solely on Formula 1 as the team prepares for a significant reset under the 2026 regulations. In an interview with Forbes, the Mercedes team principal confirmed that activities outside of F1, such as participation in the America’s Cup and technology consulting, are being scaled back after several seasons without a world title.
"We don’t want to do this anymore," Wolff stated plainly. "We’re a Formula 1 racing team. We don’t want to go sailing. We don’t want to venture into other sports. Our complete focus is on Formula 1.
"This was the first time that we didn’t get it right."
Toto Wolff has announced that Mercedes is discontinuing its diversification efforts and is concentrating solely on Formula 1 as the team prepares for a significant reset under the 2026 regulations. In an interview with Forbes, the Mercedes team principal confirmed that activities outside of F1, such as participation in the America’s Cup and technology consulting, are being scaled back after several seasons without a world title.
"We don’t want to do this anymore," Wolff stated plainly. "We’re a Formula 1 racing team. We don’t want to go sailing. We don’t want to venture into other sports. Our complete focus is on Formula 1.
Dunne discusses McLaren's departure in light of the interest from Red Bull.
Alex Dunne has addressed the rumors surrounding his surprising exit from McLaren’s driver development program last year, emphasizing that the choice was a strategic move toward his ultimate aim of competing in Formula 1. The Irish driver’s mid-season departure in October caught many off guard, especially after his impressive rookie Formula 2 season with Rodin Motorsport and two practice sessions for McLaren, where he notably debuted in FP1 in Austria.
In an interview with Irish outlet Balls.ie, Dunne clarified that the decision was entirely his, despite assumptions of political issues or stalled negotiations. "I have a goal and a plan to become a Formula 1 driver," he stated. "Considering the options I had, the decision we made was necessary for my path to F1. It’s really that straightforward—it was my decision.
Alex Dunne has addressed the rumors surrounding his surprising exit from McLaren’s driver development program last year, emphasizing that the choice was a strategic move toward his ultimate aim of competing in Formula 1. The Irish driver’s mid-season departure in October caught many off guard, especially after his impressive rookie Formula 2 season with Rodin Motorsport and two practice sessions for McLaren, where he notably debuted in FP1 in Austria.
In an interview with Irish outlet Balls.ie, Dunne clarified that the decision was entirely his, despite assumptions of political issues or stalled negotiations. "I have a goal and a plan to become a Formula 1 driver," he stated. "Considering the options I had, the decision we made was necessary for my path to F1. It’s really that straightforward—it was my decision.
Rovanpera's initial shortfall is 'not unexpected.'
"It's nearly impossible to predict the kind of outcome you should expect."
Kalle Rovanpera's first full weekend racing in formula cars concluded abruptly in New Zealand, but key figures close to the Finnish talent are downplaying any early issues. Rovanpera's time in the Oceanian Formula Regional at Hampton Downs ended with a retirement on the first lap on Sunday due to contact in a multi-car collision, which sent his Hitech-run vehicle into the barriers. Although the crash appeared severe, none of the drivers were injured, and the race was temporarily halted with a red flag.
This incident capped a weekend rich with learning for the two-time world rally champion, who is aiming for a future in Formula 1.
"It's nearly impossible to predict the kind of outcome you should expect."
Kalle Rovanpera's first full weekend racing in formula cars concluded abruptly in New Zealand, but key figures close to the Finnish talent are downplaying any early issues. Rovanpera's time in the Oceanian Formula Regional at Hampton Downs ended with a retirement on the first lap on Sunday due to contact in a multi-car collision, which sent his Hitech-run vehicle into the barriers. Although the crash appeared severe, none of the drivers were injured, and the race was temporarily halted with a red flag.
This incident capped a weekend rich with learning for the two-time world rally champion, who is aiming for a future in Formula 1.
DS created a concept car in honor of Taylor Barnard.
Last week the Brussels Motor Show opened, and at the stand of the French company DS Automobiles, the premium division of the Stellantis group, the stylish concept car Taylor Made No.4 is attracting press and public attention.
Such a car is unlikely to be produced in series—concept cars are not made for that—but the special feature of the new design is that it is dedicated to Taylor Barnard, a talented Briton who this season is driving for the DS Penske team in Formula E.
Moreover, the concept car’s very name is a play on words: “tailor-made” is a tailor’s term meaning “made to measure,” so DS’s marketers have quite cleverly played on the name of the 21-year-old driver, who last weekend finished fourth at the Mexican round of the electric series’ 12th season.
Last week the Brussels Motor Show opened, and at the stand of the French company DS Automobiles, the premium division of the Stellantis group, the stylish concept car Taylor Made No.4 is attracting press and public attention.
Such a car is unlikely to be produced in series—concept cars are not made for that—but the special feature of the new design is that it is dedicated to Taylor Barnard, a talented Briton who this season is driving for the DS Penske team in Formula E.
Moreover, the concept car’s very name is a play on words: “tailor-made” is a tailor’s term meaning “made to measure,” so DS’s marketers have quite cleverly played on the name of the 21-year-old driver, who last weekend finished fourth at the Mexican round of the electric series’ 12th season.
Rashbrook: It's unlikely that Red Bull and Ford will achieve success immediately, but...
Mark Rushbrook, director of Ford Performance Motorsport, is currently at the Dakar rally-raid and is following the performances of the American corporation’s factory team drivers. But in an interview with the Spanish newspaper Marca another topic was raised — the collaboration with the Red Bull Racing team in Formula 1.
Mark Rushbrook: "We are very pleased with how our Ford Racing team is performing and with how the Raptor off‑roaders are doing. Knock on wood, but so far everything is fine in terms of both reliability and speed. You could say that luck is on our side too.
We are not leading, but that's okay. There's still a long way to go before the end of the rally-raid, and we are in decent positions.
Mark Rushbrook, director of Ford Performance Motorsport, is currently at the Dakar rally-raid and is following the performances of the American corporation’s factory team drivers. But in an interview with the Spanish newspaper Marca another topic was raised — the collaboration with the Red Bull Racing team in Formula 1.
Mark Rushbrook: "We are very pleased with how our Ford Racing team is performing and with how the Raptor off‑roaders are doing. Knock on wood, but so far everything is fine in terms of both reliability and speed. You could say that luck is on our side too.
We are not leading, but that's okay. There's still a long way to go before the end of the rally-raid, and we are in decent positions.
Viktor Marten will continue his career in the WEC.
Victor Marten will continue his career in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). The French driver has signed a contract with Alpine’s factory team for 2026.
Victor Marten was part of Alpine’s junior program for several years and became the Formula 3 champion in 2022. After winning the title, Marten moved up to Formula 2, where he competed with Alpine’s support for two seasons.
In 2025, Victor joined Williams’ junior program and made his Formula 1 debut during an official race weekend in the first practice session of the Spanish Grand Prix. However, after just one season with Williams he returned to Alpine.
The team has not yet announced which of the two A424 LMDh prototypes Marten will drive, but there are two vacancies in the squad following the departures of Mick Schumacher and Paul-Loup Chatin.
Victor Marten will continue his career in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). The French driver has signed a contract with Alpine’s factory team for 2026.
Victor Marten was part of Alpine’s junior program for several years and became the Formula 3 champion in 2022. After winning the title, Marten moved up to Formula 2, where he competed with Alpine’s support for two seasons.
In 2025, Victor joined Williams’ junior program and made his Formula 1 debut during an official race weekend in the first practice session of the Spanish Grand Prix. However, after just one season with Williams he returned to Alpine.
The team has not yet announced which of the two A424 LMDh prototypes Marten will drive, but there are two vacancies in the squad following the departures of Mick Schumacher and Paul-Loup Chatin.
Last week Mick Schumacher began the active stage of preparation for his debut in the American IndyCar series. The son of the seven-time world champion arrived at the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) base, had a seat fitting, practiced pit stops, and spoke with the engineers and mechanics who will work on his No. 47 car.
“Thanks for the warm welcome!” Mick wrote on his social media pages. “It was a great week I spent with the RLL team — now let’s see what we can achieve together!”
The team also shared a couple of photos taken at its Indiana base, as well as a short video capturing the pit-stop practice. Its comment was equally brief: “IndyCar debut soon!”
Less than a month from now, on February 9, Mick is set to drive the team’s car for the first time — a Dallara DW12 with a Honda hybrid power unit — at the official pre-season tests in Sebring.
“Thanks for the warm welcome!” Mick wrote on his social media pages. “It was a great week I spent with the RLL team — now let’s see what we can achieve together!”
The team also shared a couple of photos taken at its Indiana base, as well as a short video capturing the pit-stop practice. Its comment was equally brief: “IndyCar debut soon!”
Less than a month from now, on February 9, Mick is set to drive the team’s car for the first time — a Dallara DW12 with a Honda hybrid power unit — at the official pre-season tests in Sebring.
For several years Mercedes team engineers provided technical support to the Ineos Britannia yacht team competing in the America's Cup — one of the most prestigious regattas in the world. However, team principal Toto Wolff has now confirmed that the collaboration has ended, as Mercedes wants to focus entirely on its Formula 1 efforts.
"We no longer want to be involved in this project," Toto Wolff told Forbes. "We have a Formula 1 team, and we don't want to be involved in sailing or any other sport. All our efforts must be fully focused solely on Formula 1. A new season lies ahead, and we have new goals. We're looking forward and are ready for the upcoming challenges and new opportunities. In 2026 we will not just have a new Formula 1 season; we will transition to a new generation of cars."
"We no longer want to be involved in this project," Toto Wolff told Forbes. "We have a Formula 1 team, and we don't want to be involved in sailing or any other sport. All our efforts must be fully focused solely on Formula 1. A new season lies ahead, and we have new goals. We're looking forward and are ready for the upcoming challenges and new opportunities. In 2026 we will not just have a new Formula 1 season; we will transition to a new generation of cars."
Button admitted that he was wrong about Lando Norris.
Jenson Button admitted he was wrong when he had been skeptical about Lando Norris’s chances of winning the championship, because he thought the 26-year-old McLaren driver would not withstand the psychological pressure that inevitably accompanies a title fight.
And yet Lando coped, although he ultimately won the championship by a very slim margin over Max Verstappen, who put in an excellent final part of the season and clawed back more than a hundred points over nine races.
Norris became the 11th British driver to claim the coveted title, and the first from the United Kingdom to win his maiden title since Button, the 2009 world champion.
“I have to admit this: you know Lando is a very sincere and open person, and I was wrong to think that would let him down,” Jenson shared in an interview with Britain’s Radio Somerset.
Jenson Button admitted he was wrong when he had been skeptical about Lando Norris’s chances of winning the championship, because he thought the 26-year-old McLaren driver would not withstand the psychological pressure that inevitably accompanies a title fight.
And yet Lando coped, although he ultimately won the championship by a very slim margin over Max Verstappen, who put in an excellent final part of the season and clawed back more than a hundred points over nine races.
Norris became the 11th British driver to claim the coveted title, and the first from the United Kingdom to win his maiden title since Button, the 2009 world champion.
“I have to admit this: you know Lando is a very sincere and open person, and I was wrong to think that would let him down,” Jenson shared in an interview with Britain’s Radio Somerset.
Wolff may prevent Horner's return to Formula 1.
Rumours of Christian Horner’s imminent return to Formula 1 surfaced almost immediately after news of his dismissal from Red Bull Racing. At present the scenario considered realistic is that Horner will buy a stake in Alpine and head the Enstone-based team. However, as became known last week, Horner will not be able to buy Alpine shares before September 2026, when the three-year moratorium on the sale of the stake held by the investment company Otro Capital expires. Another unexpected obstacle to Horner’s return to Formula 1 via Alpine could be Mercedes boss Toto Wolff. From 2026 Mercedes will be Alpine’s power unit supplier. According to the Austrian outlet OE24, Mercedes in general and Toto Wolff in particular will have a say in whether Christian Horner can lead the Alpine team.
Rumours of Christian Horner’s imminent return to Formula 1 surfaced almost immediately after news of his dismissal from Red Bull Racing. At present the scenario considered realistic is that Horner will buy a stake in Alpine and head the Enstone-based team. However, as became known last week, Horner will not be able to buy Alpine shares before September 2026, when the three-year moratorium on the sale of the stake held by the investment company Otro Capital expires. Another unexpected obstacle to Horner’s return to Formula 1 via Alpine could be Mercedes boss Toto Wolff. From 2026 Mercedes will be Alpine’s power unit supplier. According to the Austrian outlet OE24, Mercedes in general and Toto Wolff in particular will have a say in whether Christian Horner can lead the Alpine team.
Williams continued their collaboration with Marten.
Today Alpine announced a contract with Victor Marten to race for the factory team in the FIA WEC, but his racing duties in 2026 will not be limited to that.
The French driver will combine competing in the World Endurance Championship with a role as test driver and development driver for the Williams team. In 2025 Marten already worked with the Grove outfit as a member of the Racing Academy, and he sat in the FW47 during the first practice session of the Spanish Grand Prix.
Victor Marten: “Williams is a legendary team with a rich history, and I am happy to be part of the project to return the team to the front. I already have experience working with Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz during race weekends, and I look forward to continuing this work with the team in 2026.
Thanks to James Vowles, Sven Smits and everyone at Williams for the opportunity.
Today Alpine announced a contract with Victor Marten to race for the factory team in the FIA WEC, but his racing duties in 2026 will not be limited to that.
The French driver will combine competing in the World Endurance Championship with a role as test driver and development driver for the Williams team. In 2025 Marten already worked with the Grove outfit as a member of the Racing Academy, and he sat in the FW47 during the first practice session of the Spanish Grand Prix.
Victor Marten: “Williams is a legendary team with a rich history, and I am happy to be part of the project to return the team to the front. I already have experience working with Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz during race weekends, and I look forward to continuing this work with the team in 2026.
Thanks to James Vowles, Sven Smits and everyone at Williams for the opportunity.
Ferrari's preparations for the season are behind schedule.
The 2025 season proved disastrous for Ferrari – Charles Leclerc did not win a single race, Lewis Hamilton for the first time in his career failed to reach the podium, and the team fell from second to fourth in the Constructors' Championship. Scuderia management promised to close the gap in 2026, but worrying news is coming from Italy for fans of the Maranello team.
According to the local press, Ferrari is behind its own schedule in preparing for the new season. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have already had seat fittings, the official chassis specifications have been approved, but the first start of the new engine has not yet taken place.
A recent Auto Racer article says: "Our sources point to a delay behind schedule. We will know more in the near future, but some sources indicate that chaos already reigns within the team.
The 2025 season proved disastrous for Ferrari – Charles Leclerc did not win a single race, Lewis Hamilton for the first time in his career failed to reach the podium, and the team fell from second to fourth in the Constructors' Championship. Scuderia management promised to close the gap in 2026, but worrying news is coming from Italy for fans of the Maranello team.
According to the local press, Ferrari is behind its own schedule in preparing for the new season. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have already had seat fittings, the official chassis specifications have been approved, but the first start of the new engine has not yet taken place.
A recent Auto Racer article says: "Our sources point to a delay behind schedule. We will know more in the near future, but some sources indicate that chaos already reigns within the team.
Honda acknowledged difficulties in developing the engine.
The Aston Martin–Honda partnership for 2026 is being touted as potentially championship-winning, and there is no doubt that team owner Lawrence Stroll, who has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the project, is expecting strong results on track. However, Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing Corporation, tried to temper expectations ahead of the start of the season, admitting that engineers have encountered certain difficulties in developing the new engine.
"Given that we don't know what progress the power unit developers competing with us have made, at the moment it's difficult to determine how close we'll be able to get to the targets we've set," Watanabe told Japanese publication Sportiva. "In the development process we are constantly assessing performance gains from integrating various components. Some prove successful, others do not.
The Aston Martin–Honda partnership for 2026 is being touted as potentially championship-winning, and there is no doubt that team owner Lawrence Stroll, who has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the project, is expecting strong results on track. However, Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing Corporation, tried to temper expectations ahead of the start of the season, admitting that engineers have encountered certain difficulties in developing the new engine.
"Given that we don't know what progress the power unit developers competing with us have made, at the moment it's difficult to determine how close we'll be able to get to the targets we've set," Watanabe told Japanese publication Sportiva. "In the development process we are constantly assessing performance gains from integrating various components. Some prove successful, others do not.
In the new season two German factory teams — Mercedes and Audi — will take the start in Formula 1, but the last time a championship round was held in Germany was in 2020 at the Nürburgring. Formula 1 president and chief executive officer Stefano Domenicali said that the German Grand Prix could return, but only if certain financial conditions are met by the promoters.
Stefano Domenicali: "We are open and ready for any discussions, and I even see some signs that make me optimistic. I hope this matter will develop in the coming months.
We are interested in returning to Germany, but with the right organizers and an interesting offer.
Formula 1 is in a position where we receive requests to hold races from all over the world. So if the return of Formula 1 is not a priority for the German market, we will accept that and continue to look ahead."
Stefano Domenicali: "We are open and ready for any discussions, and I even see some signs that make me optimistic. I hope this matter will develop in the coming months.
We are interested in returning to Germany, but with the right organizers and an interesting offer.
Formula 1 is in a position where we receive requests to hold races from all over the world. So if the return of Formula 1 is not a priority for the German market, we will accept that and continue to look ahead."