Valtteri Bottas says his 2024 role as a Mercedes reserve driver gave him a complete, behind-the-scenes view of how a top F1 team operates. He believes this unique knowledge will be instrumental in helping the new Cadillac team build its operations from scratch as he returns to a full-time race seat alongside Sergio Pérez.
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.
The ultra-realistic F1 show cars used by teams like Red Bull for their season launches are built by British company Memento Exclusives. From memorabilia roots, it has grown into a major manufacturer, producing 180 cars a year using genuine F1 processes and ex-team personnel, becoming an essential partner for the sport's global marketing spectacle.
Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu has given a frank review of Esteban Ocon's 2025 season, calling it unsatisfactory after the experienced driver was outperformed by rookie teammate Oliver Bearman. Komatsu cited shared responsibility for the inconsistency and stressed the need for faster problem-solving to harness Ocon's clear speed in the coming season.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says he does not seek 'world dominance' for his team in F1's 2026 era, prioritizing a close and exciting championship for the sport's health over one-sided success, despite early testing suggesting Mercedes is a favorite.
Max Verstappen sees clear parallels with Michael Schumacher in their relentless drive to win, but the Red Bull champion has no interest in matching Schumacher's seven titles. With four championships already, Verstappen prioritizes his young family and personal life over a prolonged pursuit of statistical legacy, marking a distinct generational shift in priorities at the pinnacle of F1.
Williams F1 boss James Vowles has described the rear suspension on Adrian Newey's first Aston Martin, the AMR26, as "very extreme," praising the designer's creativity while hinting at its complexity. The design has become a major talking point in pre-season, as Newey's highly anticipated car takes to the track under the new 2026 regulations.
Juan Pablo Montoya believes Mercedes was hiding significant pace in testing, while Max Verstappen's instructor hopes to see the champion return to the Nurburgring, a step toward his 24-hour race goal.
Christian Horner believes Daniel Ricciardo had championship-winning talent during his Red Bull years but lacked a car capable of beating Mercedes. In current news, Red Bull's new in-house Ford-powered engine has drawn praise from rival McLaren's Zak Brown for its strong initial showing in 2026 testing.
Red Bull's new in-house 2026 engine showed promising reliability in its Barcelona shakedown, completing over 600 laps. However, its ultimate success in returning Max Verstappen to title contention depends on matching the power of established manufacturers like Mercedes.
New F1 world champion Lando Norris hopes his first title earns him added respect from rivals, while acknowledging he's still far from the achievements of legends like Hamilton. He also previews an adjustment period for fans as the 2026 regulations introduce a more strategic qualifying approach.
Christian Horner shared a fun anecdote about Daniel Ricciardo's singing and expressed confidence that Oscar Piastri will bounce back from his 2025 title defeat, praising the character and potential of both Australian drivers.
