Cadillac's first F1 shakedown in Barcelona was marked less by lap times and more by a strong, unified team atmosphere, with the car featuring a livery honoring its founding members. Team principal Graeme Lowdon says the new operation already feels like a disciplined F1 team as it prepares for the next step in Bahrain.
2025 F1 champion Lando Norris jokingly asked to be 'punched' if he's ever seen not smiling, as a reminder of his title win. He calls the achievement his fulfilled life goal and says he'll remain happy even if he never wins another championship.
Aston Martin F1 has partnered with Breitling, aiming to create the most visibly active and authentic watch sponsorship in the sport. The multi-year deal will see deep activation through driver wear, exclusive events, and co-branded products, moving beyond simple logo placement to build significant brand value for both parties.
Lewis Hamilton expressed optimism about Ferrari's "winning mentality" after a positive shakedown test, but F1 analyst Karun Chandhok cautions that true performance levels remain unknown until the season opener in Melbourne.
The new Cadillac Formula 1 Team has launched its first official merchandise line through a collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger. The collection features team-branded apparel, blending racing aesthetics with classic American prep style, as both brands aim to establish a strong fan and commercial base ahead of the team's competitive debut in 2026.
F1 commentator Martin Brundle argues that the sport's new 2026 technical challenges, centered on battery and energy management, are a modern evolution of the classic driver skill of protecting the car. He links today's demands to historical examples but cautions that new overtaking tools could make passing too easy and less meaningful.
Williams has unveiled a unique pullrod-front, pushrod-rear suspension for its 2026 F1 car, a design it kept secret at launch. This split setup distinguishes it from most rivals and forms a key part of its technical strategy under the new regulations as the team targets further progress.
Max Verstappen reveals he was an avid mini-bike racer as a child and remains a huge MotoGP fan, but chose F1 after recognizing his greater talent was on four wheels. He watches every session, expressing awe at the riders' skill and bravery while acknowledging the sport's inherent dangers.
McLaren is sharpening its internal 'Papaya Rules' for 2026, aiming to streamline the balance between fierce driver competition and unified team strategy after a complex 2025 season. Oscar Piastri confirms the core principles of fairness remain, but execution will be refined to avoid self-created complications and better synchronize the efforts of both drivers in the championship fight.
Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff has hailed the 2026 cars as "spectacular," marking a return to proper F1 aesthetics and predicting a major increase in overtaking. He highlights the new strategic battle around energy management as the key differentiator for success this season.
Max Verstappen's pre-season testing schedule in Bahrain conflicts with Valentine's Day, potentially disrupting plans with girlfriend Kelly Piquet, who shared a glamorous look for the occasion. The clash highlights the personal sacrifices demanded by F1's intense winter calendar.
Kimi Antonelli predicts the 2026 F1 cars will turn racing into 'chess at high speed,' where success hinges on split-second strategic energy management. He suggests younger drivers, familiar with annual car changes, might adapt faster to the new regulations that reward creative thinking during battles.
