Wolff downplays title excitement, Russell impressed with Aston's performance.
"We still lack a complete overview."
Initial suggestions that Mercedes might be the leading team under the new Formula 1 regulations for 2026 are being downplayed in Brackley, both by team principal Toto Wolff and projected title contender George Russell. With many expecting Mercedes to excel in the new era due to its power unit, Russell has been considered by some as an early favorite for the championship. However, the Brit maintains that his mindset remains unchanged.
"Whether I'm regarded as a favorite or not doesn't impact my approach," Russell stated on Monday. "Fans likely anticipated a rivalry between Mercedes and McLaren, as many thought our power unit would be the top one. However, all signs suggest that other engine manufacturers have also performed well.
"We still lack a complete overview."
Initial suggestions that Mercedes might be the leading team under the new Formula 1 regulations for 2026 are being downplayed in Brackley, both by team principal Toto Wolff and projected title contender George Russell. With many expecting Mercedes to excel in the new era due to its power unit, Russell has been considered by some as an early favorite for the championship. However, the Brit maintains that his mindset remains unchanged.
"Whether I'm regarded as a favorite or not doesn't impact my approach," Russell stated on Monday. "Fans likely anticipated a rivalry between Mercedes and McLaren, as many thought our power unit would be the top one. However, all signs suggest that other engine manufacturers have also performed well.
Williams loses Santander support and secures backing from Barclays ahead of the postponed announcement.
"We wish them success in the future."
Williams is set to unveil its 2026 car without one of its most recognizable partners, as it has been revealed just before the team’s online launch that Santander has ended its sponsorship of the Grove-based team. According to the Spanish newspaper Marca, the banking giant from Spain has revised its Formula 1 sponsorship strategy and will no longer be affiliated with Williams starting in 2026. Consequently, Santander and Openbank branding will be removed from the FW48 and the team’s racewear, concluding a sponsorship deal that included paddock access and client hospitality experiences.
"We wish them success in the future."
Williams is set to unveil its 2026 car without one of its most recognizable partners, as it has been revealed just before the team’s online launch that Santander has ended its sponsorship of the Grove-based team. According to the Spanish newspaper Marca, the banking giant from Spain has revised its Formula 1 sponsorship strategy and will no longer be affiliated with Williams starting in 2026. Consequently, Santander and Openbank branding will be removed from the FW48 and the team’s racewear, concluding a sponsorship deal that included paddock access and client hospitality experiences.
Williams skipped test to remain 'competitive' - Vowles
"You must allow the pain of failure to inspire change."
Williams team principal James Vowles has justified the choice to skip the entire Barcelona shakedown week, emphasizing that postponing the FW48 was difficult but essential as the team focuses on competitiveness. During a conversation with AFP on the day Williams revealed its 2026 livery through rendered images instead of a physical launch, Vowles admitted that the decision not to participate in Spain was one of the toughest he has faced since taking the helm at Grove. "One of the hardest choices of my career was to not go to Barcelona," Vowles stated. "Yet, it was the right call. We could have fielded a car there, but it wouldn't have been competitive."
Williams had initially intended to have a physical launch but had to opt for a virtual reveal due to ongoing delays.
"You must allow the pain of failure to inspire change."
Williams team principal James Vowles has justified the choice to skip the entire Barcelona shakedown week, emphasizing that postponing the FW48 was difficult but essential as the team focuses on competitiveness. During a conversation with AFP on the day Williams revealed its 2026 livery through rendered images instead of a physical launch, Vowles admitted that the decision not to participate in Spain was one of the toughest he has faced since taking the helm at Grove. "One of the hardest choices of my career was to not go to Barcelona," Vowles stated. "Yet, it was the right call. We could have fielded a car there, but it wouldn't have been competitive."
Williams had initially intended to have a physical launch but had to opt for a virtual reveal due to ongoing delays.
Newey minimizes the significance of 'extreme' Aston, while Vowles expresses admiration.
"I never view any of my designs as aggressive."
Adrian Newey has downplayed the speculation surrounding a revolutionary first design for Aston Martin, despite considerable admiration from the paddock after the delayed AMR26 made its debut toward the end of the Barcelona shakedown week. The car, which has not yet been run in its green livery and has just taken to the track following an expedited development schedule, quickly attracted attention due to its unique geometry, which includes notably unconventional suspension designs. Even competitors expressed their admiration, with James Vowles, who leads the delayed Williams project, specifically highlighting Newey’s contributions.
"As for Adrian, you can see the upper wishbone is a bit different," Vowles remarked.
"I never view any of my designs as aggressive."
Adrian Newey has downplayed the speculation surrounding a revolutionary first design for Aston Martin, despite considerable admiration from the paddock after the delayed AMR26 made its debut toward the end of the Barcelona shakedown week. The car, which has not yet been run in its green livery and has just taken to the track following an expedited development schedule, quickly attracted attention due to its unique geometry, which includes notably unconventional suspension designs. Even competitors expressed their admiration, with James Vowles, who leads the delayed Williams project, specifically highlighting Newey’s contributions.
"As for Adrian, you can see the upper wishbone is a bit different," Vowles remarked.
South Africa acknowledges that its return to Formula 1 is still several years off.
"We have underestimated what is necessary."
South Africa's ongoing efforts to bring Formula 1 back to the African continent have faced a reality check, with sports minister Gayton McKenzie admitting that a grand prix will not occur in the near future. After initially expressing optimism, McKenzie now acknowledges that the scale and intricacies of hosting a Formula 1 event have been underestimated, even as work to upgrade the historic Kyalami circuit continues.
"Definitely not next year," McKenzie told eNCA. "We have underestimated what is needed to host an F1 event. But F1 has supported us. Now we have the experts, and we’re preparing a proposal they cannot refuse."
Kyalami has initiated an expensive process to attain FIA Grade 1 accreditation, with upgrades expected to cost between $5-10 million.
"We have underestimated what is necessary."
South Africa's ongoing efforts to bring Formula 1 back to the African continent have faced a reality check, with sports minister Gayton McKenzie admitting that a grand prix will not occur in the near future. After initially expressing optimism, McKenzie now acknowledges that the scale and intricacies of hosting a Formula 1 event have been underestimated, even as work to upgrade the historic Kyalami circuit continues.
"Definitely not next year," McKenzie told eNCA. "We have underestimated what is needed to host an F1 event. But F1 has supported us. Now we have the experts, and we’re preparing a proposal they cannot refuse."
Kyalami has initiated an expensive process to attain FIA Grade 1 accreditation, with upgrades expected to cost between $5-10 million.
Ocon cautions against 'lift-and-coast' strategy in qualifying for '26.
"We make the most of the tools we're provided."
Esteban Ocon has recognized a common concern among fans regarding Formula 1’s significantly changed 2026 vehicles - that 'lift-and-coast' driving will not only be prevalent but also quite intense, even during qualifying sessions. The Haas driver has previously expressed skepticism about the new active aerodynamics, labeling it as simply "DRS at the front," and now acknowledges that the energy-management requirements of the new regulations are more demanding than anticipated.
"We have to employ lift-and-coast strategies during qualifying runs," Ocon disclosed. "It felt odd initially, but we had already practiced it in the simulator. After one lap, I got the hang of it. Now, it feels strange not to use it.
"We make the most of the tools we're provided."
Esteban Ocon has recognized a common concern among fans regarding Formula 1’s significantly changed 2026 vehicles - that 'lift-and-coast' driving will not only be prevalent but also quite intense, even during qualifying sessions. The Haas driver has previously expressed skepticism about the new active aerodynamics, labeling it as simply "DRS at the front," and now acknowledges that the energy-management requirements of the new regulations are more demanding than anticipated.
"We have to employ lift-and-coast strategies during qualifying runs," Ocon disclosed. "It felt odd initially, but we had already practiced it in the simulator. After one lap, I got the hang of it. Now, it feels strange not to use it.
4PGP is a sincere yet flawed tribute to ’90s F1 video games.
3goo
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The Nintendo Switch 2 hasn’t exactly been short on fresh racing games since its launch, which featured Mario Kart World, followed shortly by Kirby Air Riders and a reissue of F-Zero GX for Switch Online members. Recently, the platform also saw the arrival of the lesser-known Grid Legends. However, we won’t object to a new retro-inspired racing game, and that’s precisely what 4PGP offers, imperfections included.
Short for Four Player Grand Prix, this indie racer, developed by Vision Reelle and 3goo, is clearly inspired by Sega’s landmark Virtua Racing from 1992.
3goo
The latest automotive news and reviews, no nonsense involved.
Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers the most significant stories straight to you, every weekday.
The Nintendo Switch 2 hasn’t exactly been short on fresh racing games since its launch, which featured Mario Kart World, followed shortly by Kirby Air Riders and a reissue of F-Zero GX for Switch Online members. Recently, the platform also saw the arrival of the lesser-known Grid Legends. However, we won’t object to a new retro-inspired racing game, and that’s precisely what 4PGP offers, imperfections included.
Short for Four Player Grand Prix, this indie racer, developed by Vision Reelle and 3goo, is clearly inspired by Sega’s landmark Virtua Racing from 1992.
India examines the possibility of a Formula 1 comeback at the Buddh circuit.
"There were past tax problems."
Formula 1 may be on the verge of making a surprise return to India after being absent for more than ten years, as the government has confirmed that initial discussions are underway to bring a grand prix back to the nation.
As reported by the Times of India, the Buddh circuit is being evaluated as a potential venue, having last hosted Formula 1 races from 2011 to 2013. India's sports minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, is said to have recently met with officials from the group currently managing the circuit, following the Jaypee Group's bankruptcy in 2024.
The government has encouraged the transfer of the venue to a professional sports management company for two to three years to rebuild the necessary commercial and operational framework to host a Formula 1 event.
"There were past tax problems."
Formula 1 may be on the verge of making a surprise return to India after being absent for more than ten years, as the government has confirmed that initial discussions are underway to bring a grand prix back to the nation.
As reported by the Times of India, the Buddh circuit is being evaluated as a potential venue, having last hosted Formula 1 races from 2011 to 2013. India's sports minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, is said to have recently met with officials from the group currently managing the circuit, following the Jaypee Group's bankruptcy in 2024.
The government has encouraged the transfer of the venue to a professional sports management company for two to three years to rebuild the necessary commercial and operational framework to host a Formula 1 event.
Ferrari has begun developing an engine similar to Mercedes for 2027.
Ferrari's strategy reportedly focuses on a revamped connecting rod.
Competing Formula 1 teams are thought to be nearing a consensus on the contentious Mercedes power unit design, amid widespread speculation linking a new compression technique to the German team's impressive performance under the 2026 regulations. Recently, engineers across the pit lane have been discussing a theory involving a small auxiliary volume—allegedly around one cubic centimetre—that connects to the combustion chamber through a narrow passage near the pre-chamber spark plug located at the top of the cylinder.
Interestingly, similar discussions have emerged regarding the Red Bull-Ford program. When asked by Australia’s Channel 9 whether such designs constitute cheating, former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner dismissed the idea.
Ferrari's strategy reportedly focuses on a revamped connecting rod.
Competing Formula 1 teams are thought to be nearing a consensus on the contentious Mercedes power unit design, amid widespread speculation linking a new compression technique to the German team's impressive performance under the 2026 regulations. Recently, engineers across the pit lane have been discussing a theory involving a small auxiliary volume—allegedly around one cubic centimetre—that connects to the combustion chamber through a narrow passage near the pre-chamber spark plug located at the top of the cylinder.
Interestingly, similar discussions have emerged regarding the Red Bull-Ford program. When asked by Australia’s Channel 9 whether such designs constitute cheating, former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner dismissed the idea.
Hamilton reshapes his inner circle as he embarks on a new chapter with Ferrari.
"Lewis remains open to taking risks."
Lewis Hamilton's off-track environment has undergone a significant transformation ahead of the new season, with updates involving his race engineering, management, and communication teams following a challenging year at Ferrari. There are still questions regarding who will take over Riccardo Adami’s role as Hamilton’s race engineer after tensions arose during the 2025 season. In Leo Turrini’s Quotidiano column, former Ferrari driver Ivan Capelli noted that the lack of clarity surrounding the appointment is unusual. "I find it odd that his new race engineer hasn't been officially appointed yet," Capelli stated. "It might just be a matter of hours, but some things should be clarified beforehand."
Additionally, familiar faces around Hamilton have also exited the paddock.
"Lewis remains open to taking risks."
Lewis Hamilton's off-track environment has undergone a significant transformation ahead of the new season, with updates involving his race engineering, management, and communication teams following a challenging year at Ferrari. There are still questions regarding who will take over Riccardo Adami’s role as Hamilton’s race engineer after tensions arose during the 2025 season. In Leo Turrini’s Quotidiano column, former Ferrari driver Ivan Capelli noted that the lack of clarity surrounding the appointment is unusual. "I find it odd that his new race engineer hasn't been officially appointed yet," Capelli stated. "It might just be a matter of hours, but some things should be clarified beforehand."
Additionally, familiar faces around Hamilton have also exited the paddock.
Domenicali suggests the potential for a follow-up to the popular F1 film.
"Relevancy is essential to our success."
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has indicated that a sequel to the critically acclaimed F1 film is being contemplated, especially after the movie's impressive box office performance, which is part of the sport's growing collaboration with Apple.
During Apple's press event in Santa Monica, Domenicali was directly asked if there was any plan for a follow-up to the film starring Brad Pitt. His response was intentionally vague. "Stay tuned," he stated in reply to a question posed by Apple’s senior vice president of services, Eddie Cue. "We’ll have more information to share in the future."
Domenicali emphasized that any sequel must meet high expectations. "We need to process the success of this movie," he remarked. "If we're going to consider a new one, it has to be exceptional.
"Relevancy is essential to our success."
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has indicated that a sequel to the critically acclaimed F1 film is being contemplated, especially after the movie's impressive box office performance, which is part of the sport's growing collaboration with Apple.
During Apple's press event in Santa Monica, Domenicali was directly asked if there was any plan for a follow-up to the film starring Brad Pitt. His response was intentionally vague. "Stay tuned," he stated in reply to a question posed by Apple’s senior vice president of services, Eddie Cue. "We’ll have more information to share in the future."
Domenicali emphasized that any sequel must meet high expectations. "We need to process the success of this movie," he remarked. "If we're going to consider a new one, it has to be exceptional.