Racing Bulls team boss Alan Permane has expressed strong early approval of rookie Arvid Lindblad, comparing his calm, professional attitude and learning mindset directly to that of Isack Hadjar, who earned a promotion to Red Bull Racing after his own rookie year with the team.
Juan Pablo Montoya alleges Mercedes is concealing up to four seconds per lap of true pace for 2026, pointing to their high-mileage, low-profile testing program as evidence. This sensational claim directly contradicts Team Principal Toto Wolff's public efforts to temper expectations, setting the stage for a dramatic season opener in Melbourne.
Daniel Ricciardo humorously greeted Max Verstappen's switch to the number 3 for the upcoming F1 season, a digit Ricciardo formerly used. The moment, shared in a team video, came as Verstappen relinquishes the champion's number 1 to Lando Norris, highlighting a friendly exchange between the ex-teammates during the off-season.
Ferrari's engine boss Enrico Gualtieri says the FIA's new 2026 development system, designed to help lagging engine makers catch up during the season, is robust enough to prevent teams from 'sandbagging' their performance to gain an unfair advantage.
Esteban Ocon declares he remains in Formula 1 solely with the goal of becoming World Champion, using Lando Norris's recent success as proof that a competitive car can transform a driver's fortunes overnight. The Haas driver admits fighting for points is not his dream but a necessary step while believing the right opportunity will come.
Cadillac is methodically preparing for its 2026 F1 debut, having built a large team, signed experienced drivers Bottas and Perez, and met key development deadlines. The American squad aims to be a credible competitor from the start, though it acknowledges the immense challenge of the unknown new regulations.
F1 veteran Johnny Herbert believes Mercedes looks strong based on its massive testing mileage ahead of the 2026 rules reset, but says Red Bull's new engine and Ferrari's ability to convert testing pace remain major unknowns that could reshape the early pecking order.
Cadillac will debut the look of its 2026 Formula 1 car not at a racetrack, but in a 30-second commercial during the Super Bowl, aiming to capture the attention of tens of millions of viewers worldwide in a major marketing play for the new American team.
Guenther Steiner, the former Haas F1 boss, has moved into MotoGP as co-owner of the Tech3 KTM satellite team. He aims to help the squad improve its consistency, bringing his high-profile experience from Formula 1 to the two-wheeled paddock as he starts a new challenge.
Haas boss Ayao Komatsu admits Esteban Ocon's 2025 points finish behind rookie teammate Oliver Bearman was below expectations, but believes improved winter communication has strengthened their partnership ahead of a crucial 2026 season for the French driver and the team.
Apple plans an all-out offensive to promote F1 in the US, leveraging its devices, apps, music, and stores alongside a high-quality, interactive broadcast on Apple TV+. The strategy aims to convert fans from the "F1" movie and deeply integrate the sport into the Apple ecosystem.
F1 veteran Riccardo Patrese predicts Aston Martin will challenge for wins "very soon," crediting the team's acquisition of design genius Adrian Newey and the enduring talent of Fernando Alonso as the perfect recipe for success.
