Isack Hadjar performed so well in his debut Formula 1 season that Red Bull Racing invited him to the team to become Max Verstappen’s teammate. The 21-year-old driver said that the first person he told about the contract was his mother Randa, who, as Isack revealed, is also his manager.
“I rang my mum as soon as I found out about the contract,” Hadjar said on the Talking Bull podcast. “She said she already knew because they called her before they called me. She’s my manager and knows more than I do.
Honestly, the contract with Red Bull Racing is so cool. I’m only 21, and I only started my career in formula racing in 2019, and now I’ve become the teammate of the best driver in Formula 1. For me it’s a huge privilege.
There are moments when I understand what’s going on and I feel ready for the challenge, but sometimes I still think, ‘What am I even doing here?’ What’s happening now is very far from the days when I was karting.”
“I rang my mum as soon as I found out about the contract,” Hadjar said on the Talking Bull podcast. “She said she already knew because they called her before they called me. She’s my manager and knows more than I do.
Honestly, the contract with Red Bull Racing is so cool. I’m only 21, and I only started my career in formula racing in 2019, and now I’ve become the teammate of the best driver in Formula 1. For me it’s a huge privilege.
There are moments when I understand what’s going on and I feel ready for the challenge, but sometimes I still think, ‘What am I even doing here?’ What’s happening now is very far from the days when I was karting.”
Two days remain until the joint presentation of Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls in Detroit, at which both teams will unveil the cars' livery for the 2026 season.
The Red Bull Racing press office hinted at a possible color scheme for the cars of Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar. The team's social media posted a photo of David Coulthard testing behind the wheel of the very first Red Bull RB1 from 2005 with the caption "Remembering our first livery."
However, it should be noted that the livery shown in the picture was used only during the January tests in Valencia. At the February tests in Jerez the Red Bull Racing car had already been painted in more traditional dark-blue colors.
The Red Bull Racing press office hinted at a possible color scheme for the cars of Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar. The team's social media posted a photo of David Coulthard testing behind the wheel of the very first Red Bull RB1 from 2005 with the caption "Remembering our first livery."
However, it should be noted that the livery shown in the picture was used only during the January tests in Valencia. At the February tests in Jerez the Red Bull Racing car had already been painted in more traditional dark-blue colors.
From January 26 to 30, closed tests will be held in Barcelona where Formula 1 teams will, for the first time, work fully with their 2026 cars. According to the Italian press, several teams may miss the start of the tests. On the one hand, this should not be a serious problem, since of the five days of testing each team will be able to run on track for no more than three days. On the other hand, one or two teams will arrive at the tests later not because they are deliberately planning a flexible testing schedule, but because they physically cannot prepare their cars in time for the first day. Rumour has it that one of the leading teams is among them. Given that the press recently wrote about Ferrari falling behind in preparation for the season, it could well be that it is the Scuderia. Maranello is not commenting.
At the end of 2024 Nyck de Vries unexpectedly returned behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car, conducting tests at the Paul Ricard circuit during which he drove the MCL36, McLaren's 2022 car. The British team were pleased with Nyck's work and signed a contract with him – last season de Vries was McLaren's test driver and worked on the simulator at the Woking base.
The Dutchman combined his Formula E commitments with this work, helping Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri choose car setups on race weekends.
According to GPBlog, the parties will continue their cooperation in 2026. Nyck will remain one of the drivers McLaren will rotate in to work on the simulator at Grand Prix events.
In 2026 Nyck de Vries will continue to race in Formula E for Mahindra Racing and in the FIA WEC behind the wheel of a Toyota.
The Dutchman combined his Formula E commitments with this work, helping Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri choose car setups on race weekends.
According to GPBlog, the parties will continue their cooperation in 2026. Nyck will remain one of the drivers McLaren will rotate in to work on the simulator at Grand Prix events.
In 2026 Nyck de Vries will continue to race in Formula E for Mahindra Racing and in the FIA WEC behind the wheel of a Toyota.
Mercedes has confirmed the race engineers for George Russell and Kimi Antonelli for the 2026 season.
As expected, there were no surprises. Marcus Dudley will continue to work with Russell, and Peter Bonnington will remain Antonelli's race engineer.
At the same time, Bonnington will continue to serve as the Mercedes team's chief race engineer.
As expected, there were no surprises. Marcus Dudley will continue to work with Russell, and Peter Bonnington will remain Antonelli's race engineer.
At the same time, Bonnington will continue to serve as the Mercedes team's chief race engineer.
Cadillac’s press office published on social media a render of the 2026 car in a special livery that the team will use during the January tests in Barcelona. Cadillac separately stressed that this is a temporary livery and that the final one for the debut season will be revealed on February 8. “The test livery is a temporary design variant that we are using in the car development process,” the Cadillac press office said. “It was created for learning, not for the debut. At this stage we are talking about an interim version of both the livery and the chassis, which will be intensively refined during the time remaining before the start of the season. The livery includes the names of the founders of the Cadillac Formula 1 team from the United States and the United Kingdom. The final livery will be revealed on February 8.”
We reported on the unpleasant story that befell the family of Jules Bianchi, a talented driver who died from the severe injuries he suffered at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.
In early January nine karts belonging to the Bianchi family, including the last kart Jules had driven, were stolen. However, today Philippe Bianchi, the driver’s father, said that his son’s kart has been found.
“I am very happy to confirm that Jules Bianchi’s kart has been found!” Philippe Bianchi wrote on social media. “It is a huge relief for our whole family.
A huge thank you to everyone who shared the information on social media, to the press who spread the news, and to the Brignoles gendarmerie for their efforts. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who made the return possible.
We still have to find several karts and a minibike, but thanks to all of you I very much hope we will succeed. Forever Jules!”
In early January nine karts belonging to the Bianchi family, including the last kart Jules had driven, were stolen. However, today Philippe Bianchi, the driver’s father, said that his son’s kart has been found.
“I am very happy to confirm that Jules Bianchi’s kart has been found!” Philippe Bianchi wrote on social media. “It is a huge relief for our whole family.
A huge thank you to everyone who shared the information on social media, to the press who spread the news, and to the Brignoles gendarmerie for their efforts. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who made the return possible.
We still have to find several karts and a minibike, but thanks to all of you I very much hope we will succeed. Forever Jules!”
Yuki Tsunoda has lost his seat at Red Bull Racing and will not be on the grid in 2026. However, the Japanese driver continues to enjoy Honda's support, and Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing Corporation, said that the company is negotiating with the Milton Keynes team about a contract for Yuki for this season.
"As for Tsunoda's contract for this year, negotiations are ongoing, but no concrete agreements have yet been reached," Koji Watanabe said. "Negotiations will continue in the future.
There are no problems on Honda's side. The question is more how Ford or Red Bull see the situation. Depending on the terms Red Bull offers, the scope of opportunities under which Honda can make use of Tsunoda will change. I believe such a scenario is possible.
We are negotiating not with Tsunoda, but with Red Bull."
"As for Tsunoda's contract for this year, negotiations are ongoing, but no concrete agreements have yet been reached," Koji Watanabe said. "Negotiations will continue in the future.
There are no problems on Honda's side. The question is more how Ford or Red Bull see the situation. Depending on the terms Red Bull offers, the scope of opportunities under which Honda can make use of Tsunoda will change. I believe such a scenario is possible.
We are negotiating not with Tsunoda, but with Red Bull."
A 'two-horse race' is forecasted as the testing commences.
"Mercedes appears to be very competitive."
The first group test of the 2026 Formula 1 era began on Monday in Barcelona, shrouded in near-total secrecy, with teams operating behind closed doors and no official lap times released. Journalists were kept distant from the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, with Formula 1 sharing only a few brief video snippets. Despite the lack of official data, unofficial lap times emerged online later in the day.
Initial impressions from the paddock indicate that Mercedes has made a strong start, a sentiment supported by former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher. "Mercedes appears very competitive," Schumacher stated. "I think we will witness a two-way contest between the factory team and Max Verstappen.
"Mercedes appears to be very competitive."
The first group test of the 2026 Formula 1 era began on Monday in Barcelona, shrouded in near-total secrecy, with teams operating behind closed doors and no official lap times released. Journalists were kept distant from the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, with Formula 1 sharing only a few brief video snippets. Despite the lack of official data, unofficial lap times emerged online later in the day.
Initial impressions from the paddock indicate that Mercedes has made a strong start, a sentiment supported by former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher. "Mercedes appears very competitive," Schumacher stated. "I think we will witness a two-way contest between the factory team and Max Verstappen.
Nurburgring alters NLS schedule to accommodate Verstappen.
"The aim is also to enhance global visibility."
The organizers of the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie have modified their 2026 calendar, creating an opportunity for Max Verstappen to compete on the Nordschleife while maintaining his Formula 1 commitments. The VLN announced that the second round of the NLS season has been moved up by one week, from March 28 to March 21, placing it between the Formula 1 races in China and Japan. "By rescheduling the race earlier, we take advantage of an existing gap in the Formula 1 calendar, enabling drivers from the premier class and other international racing series to participate," the organizers stated. "This also aims to further enhance the global visibility the NLS achieved last year through Max Verstappen’s involvement, benefiting all teams and competitors.
"The aim is also to enhance global visibility."
The organizers of the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie have modified their 2026 calendar, creating an opportunity for Max Verstappen to compete on the Nordschleife while maintaining his Formula 1 commitments. The VLN announced that the second round of the NLS season has been moved up by one week, from March 28 to March 21, placing it between the Formula 1 races in China and Japan. "By rescheduling the race earlier, we take advantage of an existing gap in the Formula 1 calendar, enabling drivers from the premier class and other international racing series to participate," the organizers stated. "This also aims to further enhance the global visibility the NLS achieved last year through Max Verstappen’s involvement, benefiting all teams and competitors.
Hadjar's run ends as rain interrupts Barcelona shakedown.
"We will now make every effort to fix the car."
Formula 1's closely monitored "shakedown week" in Barcelona experienced its first significant incident on Tuesday when Isack Hadjar crashed the new Red Bull car in the fast final corner under challenging conditions.
With heavy rain predicted, most teams decided not to take to the track, leaving only Red Bull and Ferrari to run. The rain began as early as 10:30am, greatly restricting any meaningful track time.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies downplayed the crash, emphasizing the tough conditions. "The conditions were very tricky in the afternoon, and it was obviously very unfortunate for the day to end like that, but such things can always happen," Mekies stated.
"We will now make every effort to fix the car."
Formula 1's closely monitored "shakedown week" in Barcelona experienced its first significant incident on Tuesday when Isack Hadjar crashed the new Red Bull car in the fast final corner under challenging conditions.
With heavy rain predicted, most teams decided not to take to the track, leaving only Red Bull and Ferrari to run. The rain began as early as 10:30am, greatly restricting any meaningful track time.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies downplayed the crash, emphasizing the tough conditions. "The conditions were very tricky in the afternoon, and it was obviously very unfortunate for the day to end like that, but such things can always happen," Mekies stated.
Capelli queries the postponement regarding Hamilton's race engineer.
"I believe Lewis is still open to taking risks."
Former Formula 1 driver Ivan Capelli has expressed his concern about the absence of a formal announcement regarding Lewis Hamilton’s race engineer at Ferrari, labeling the situation as peculiar. In an interview with Sky Italia, Capelli noted that Ferrari seems to be in a strong competitive position for the 2026 season but highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the pitwall arrangement for the seven-time world champion as significant.
"I see Ferrari as competitive. I expect them to challenge the top teams," Capelli stated. "I think Lewis is still inclined to take risks. He had a challenging year and is aware of it. He’s eager for a resurgence. I can’t see him concluding his career on a low note.
"I believe Lewis is still open to taking risks."
Former Formula 1 driver Ivan Capelli has expressed his concern about the absence of a formal announcement regarding Lewis Hamilton’s race engineer at Ferrari, labeling the situation as peculiar. In an interview with Sky Italia, Capelli noted that Ferrari seems to be in a strong competitive position for the 2026 season but highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the pitwall arrangement for the seven-time world champion as significant.
"I see Ferrari as competitive. I expect them to challenge the top teams," Capelli stated. "I think Lewis is still inclined to take risks. He had a challenging year and is aware of it. He’s eager for a resurgence. I can’t see him concluding his career on a low note.
Alpine reaches the 2026 weight limit while competitors face challenges.
"The limit was not established by adding components."
Alpine is reported to have achieved Formula 1's new 2026 minimum weight limit right from the start, marking a significant technical accomplishment following a troubled 2025 season. As per Auto Motor und Sport, Alpine's new A526 is already at the FIA-mandated minimum of 770 kilograms—a target that many in the paddock privately thought would be unattainable for most teams in the first year of the new regulations. The reduced limit, about 30kg lighter than last season, has been a key topic of discussion regarding the 2026 adjustments. Several teams are believed to be considerably overweight, with Williams skipping the entire Barcelona shakedown due to ongoing rumors of unsuccessful FIA crash tests and a weight surplus of up to 30kg.
"The limit was not established by adding components."
Alpine is reported to have achieved Formula 1's new 2026 minimum weight limit right from the start, marking a significant technical accomplishment following a troubled 2025 season. As per Auto Motor und Sport, Alpine's new A526 is already at the FIA-mandated minimum of 770 kilograms—a target that many in the paddock privately thought would be unattainable for most teams in the first year of the new regulations. The reduced limit, about 30kg lighter than last season, has been a key topic of discussion regarding the 2026 adjustments. Several teams are believed to be considerably overweight, with Williams skipping the entire Barcelona shakedown due to ongoing rumors of unsuccessful FIA crash tests and a weight surplus of up to 30kg.
Isola is expected to depart from Pirelli prior to the 2026 season.
Recent changes in Pirelli's internal management
Mario Isola is rumored to be departing from Pirelli prior to the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season, coinciding with the ‘shakedown week’ in Barcelona. Isola, who has led Pirelli’s Formula 1 operations at races for nine years and later took on the role of racing director, is expected to transition to the sports division of the Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI) once his current contract concludes.
Throughout his time at Pirelli, Isola became a highly recognized and respected figure in the F1 paddock, known for his transparent communication with teams and drivers, even amidst consistent criticism regarding tire performance. His responsibilities often included balancing Pirelli’s technical limitations with the demands from Formula 1 and the FIA for more thrilling racing.
Recent changes in Pirelli's internal management
Mario Isola is rumored to be departing from Pirelli prior to the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season, coinciding with the ‘shakedown week’ in Barcelona. Isola, who has led Pirelli’s Formula 1 operations at races for nine years and later took on the role of racing director, is expected to transition to the sports division of the Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI) once his current contract concludes.
Throughout his time at Pirelli, Isola became a highly recognized and respected figure in the F1 paddock, known for his transparent communication with teams and drivers, even amidst consistent criticism regarding tire performance. His responsibilities often included balancing Pirelli’s technical limitations with the demands from Formula 1 and the FIA for more thrilling racing.
Vowles responds as competitors continue to race in Barcelona.
"What you hear is merely hearsay."
Williams team principal James Vowles has sought to dispel mounting speculation regarding the team's absence from Formula 1's Barcelona shakedown week, asserting that the FW48 has successfully passed all required crash tests and dismissing allegations that it is significantly overweight.
The team has faced intense scrutiny after missing the entire closed-door test, with reports indicating several failed FIA crash tests and suggestions that the car could be as much as 30 kilograms over the new minimum weight for 2026. Vowles characterized these claims as baseless.
"There is currently no information about the weight because the car has not yet been weighed in its final configuration," Vowles stated. "What you hear is just hearsay.
"What you hear is merely hearsay."
Williams team principal James Vowles has sought to dispel mounting speculation regarding the team's absence from Formula 1's Barcelona shakedown week, asserting that the FW48 has successfully passed all required crash tests and dismissing allegations that it is significantly overweight.
The team has faced intense scrutiny after missing the entire closed-door test, with reports indicating several failed FIA crash tests and suggestions that the car could be as much as 30 kilograms over the new minimum weight for 2026. Vowles characterized these claims as baseless.
"There is currently no information about the weight because the car has not yet been weighed in its final configuration," Vowles stated. "What you hear is just hearsay.
Ralf advises Ferrari to 'keep quiet' regarding the dispute over the Mercedes engine.
"In the past, fuel also originated from sources where it shouldn't have."
Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has advised Ferrari to remain silent amidst speculation that the Italian team is planning to file an official protest regarding an alleged loophole concerning Mercedes engines. Speaking on Sky Deutschland’s Backstage Boxengasse, Schumacher responded to reports suggesting that Ferrari, possibly with Honda and Audi, might dispute Mercedes at the season-opening Australian GP over an alleged advantage related to engine compression.
"I think Ferrari, among all the teams, should refrain from speaking out," Schumacher remarked. "I vividly remember that in the past, fuel also came from sources it shouldn't have.
"In the past, fuel also originated from sources where it shouldn't have."
Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has advised Ferrari to remain silent amidst speculation that the Italian team is planning to file an official protest regarding an alleged loophole concerning Mercedes engines. Speaking on Sky Deutschland’s Backstage Boxengasse, Schumacher responded to reports suggesting that Ferrari, possibly with Honda and Audi, might dispute Mercedes at the season-opening Australian GP over an alleged advantage related to engine compression.
"I think Ferrari, among all the teams, should refrain from speaking out," Schumacher remarked. "I vividly remember that in the past, fuel also came from sources it shouldn't have.
Alpine has eliminated the 'driver change button' - Briatore
"I’ve misplaced it, it has vanished."
Flavio Briatore has addressed the speculation surrounding Franco Colapinto’s future with Alpine, humorously claiming that he has "misplaced" the button for driver changes. Colapinto faced challenges during the 2025 season after being promoted mid-season, replacing Jack Doohan, who has since departed Alpine and is moving to Super Formula in Japan. As reserve Paul Aron awaits his opportunity, rumors of another driver change began to emerge. In an interview with RTVE, Briatore mentioned that those concerns have decreased.
"I think I’ve forgotten where the driver change button is," he joked. "I’ve misplaced it, it has vanished." Briatore noted that Colapinto's primary challenge lies in qualifying, rather than race pace. "Franco's issue is qualifying. He is competitive during the race," he explained.
"I’ve misplaced it, it has vanished."
Flavio Briatore has addressed the speculation surrounding Franco Colapinto’s future with Alpine, humorously claiming that he has "misplaced" the button for driver changes. Colapinto faced challenges during the 2025 season after being promoted mid-season, replacing Jack Doohan, who has since departed Alpine and is moving to Super Formula in Japan. As reserve Paul Aron awaits his opportunity, rumors of another driver change began to emerge. In an interview with RTVE, Briatore mentioned that those concerns have decreased.
"I think I’ve forgotten where the driver change button is," he joked. "I’ve misplaced it, it has vanished." Briatore noted that Colapinto's primary challenge lies in qualifying, rather than race pace. "Franco's issue is qualifying. He is competitive during the race," he explained.
Antonelli discloses that he received psychological support following a challenging rookie season.
"The Kimi of 2026 is better prepared"
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has disclosed that he collaborated with a psychologist over the winter following a challenging rookie season in Formula 1, which included a mid-season slump and some emotional public moments. Now 19 and entering his second season with Mercedes, he mentioned that the break was valuable for reflection and regrouping after the pressures of 2025.
"I had several sessions with my psychologist," Antonelli stated. "We reviewed what went right and what went wrong in 2025, which helped us set objectives for this year. The Kimi of 2026 is more prepared.
"The Kimi of 2026 is better prepared"
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has disclosed that he collaborated with a psychologist over the winter following a challenging rookie season in Formula 1, which included a mid-season slump and some emotional public moments. Now 19 and entering his second season with Mercedes, he mentioned that the break was valuable for reflection and regrouping after the pressures of 2025.
"I had several sessions with my psychologist," Antonelli stated. "We reviewed what went right and what went wrong in 2025, which helped us set objectives for this year. The Kimi of 2026 is more prepared.
The new IIHS whiplash crash test could protect your neck.
IIHS via YouTube
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Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers essential stories straight to your inbox every weekday.
Neck strains and sprains are the most common injuries reported in auto insurance claims across the United States. Consequently, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)—the nonprofit safety organization backed by the insurance sector—is implementing a more comprehensive test to tackle the primary causes of these injuries.
The IIHS began assessing seats and head restraints for whiplash prevention alongside crash tests around 20 years ago. In fact, it stopped the original version of the test in 2022 because automakers had enhanced seat designs to the extent that nearly every new car achieved a top rating.
IIHS via YouTube
The most significant news and reviews on cars, no nonsense
Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers essential stories straight to your inbox every weekday.
Neck strains and sprains are the most common injuries reported in auto insurance claims across the United States. Consequently, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)—the nonprofit safety organization backed by the insurance sector—is implementing a more comprehensive test to tackle the primary causes of these injuries.
The IIHS began assessing seats and head restraints for whiplash prevention alongside crash tests around 20 years ago. In fact, it stopped the original version of the test in 2022 because automakers had enhanced seat designs to the extent that nearly every new car achieved a top rating.
The Bentley Bentayga X Concept is the luxurious off-road vehicle we desire.
Bentley
The latest in car news and reviews, without the fluff.
Subscribe to our complimentary daily newsletter to receive the most important stories directly in your inbox every weekday.
With abundant speed and luxury, the Bentayga stands out as the premier Bentley SUV. However, there’s still room for further innovation, as showcased by a new off-road concept.
Unveiled at the FAT Ice Race in Zell am See, Austria, the Bentayga X was designed to "generate feedback for an upgraded off-road capable Bentayga,” according to a Bentley press statement. This serves as a third option for diversifying the Bentayga range, alongside the performance-focused Bentayga Speed and the chauffeur-oriented Bentayga Extended Wheelbase, as explained by the automotive manufacturer.
Bentley
The latest in car news and reviews, without the fluff.
Subscribe to our complimentary daily newsletter to receive the most important stories directly in your inbox every weekday.
With abundant speed and luxury, the Bentayga stands out as the premier Bentley SUV. However, there’s still room for further innovation, as showcased by a new off-road concept.
Unveiled at the FAT Ice Race in Zell am See, Austria, the Bentayga X was designed to "generate feedback for an upgraded off-road capable Bentayga,” according to a Bentley press statement. This serves as a third option for diversifying the Bentayga range, alongside the performance-focused Bentayga Speed and the chauffeur-oriented Bentayga Extended Wheelbase, as explained by the automotive manufacturer.