Toto Wolff has dismissed rival teams' complaints about a Mercedes engine loophole as "secret" distractions, insisting the FIA has fully approved their design. The dispute over compression ratio testing threatens to spill over into protests as manufacturers meet with the FIA this week to resolve the issue.
George Russell says Mercedes' 2026 car is not a "turd" and shows positive early signs, but he refuses to label it a title contender yet. He praised the surprising reliability of Red Bull's new power unit and highlighted strong Ferrari engine running, warning of a tough fight ahead. The true competitive picture will emerge after Bahrain testing.
Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff has bluntly told rival teams to stop complaining about a potential engine regulation loophole and focus on their own performance. The dispute involves how Mercedes and Red Bull interpret rules around compression ratios, with Wolff asserting their method is legal and approved by the FIA.
Esteban Ocon has given a cautious first review of F1's 2026 cars after testing in Barcelona, warning that overtaking may be harder than expected and critiquing the new active aerodynamics as simplistic. His early feedback raises questions about the new regulations' effectiveness in promoting closer racing.
George Russell acknowledges Mercedes' promising start in Barcelona testing with its new W17 but warns that Red Bull's new power unit looks "very impressive" and Ferrari appears reliable, signaling a potentially fierce competitive battle ahead for the Silver Arrows.
Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff has fired back at rival teams complaining about a power unit design, telling them to stop looking for excuses and focus on their own work. He insists the Mercedes and Red Bull Ford engine feature is fully legal and approved by the FIA.
Esteban Ocon dismissed rumors he needed crutches after a knee surgery, revealing they belonged to his father. While observing Haas's 2026 car test in Barcelona, he praised the team's progress and was stunned by the new car's 'insane' acceleration.
Martin Brundle suggests George Russell's difficult early F1 career, including years with an uncompetitive Williams and Mercedes' recent struggles, may set the stage for a 2025 title bid. He believes Russell's experience could prove crucial against teammate Kimi Antonelli as Mercedes shows signs of a competitive revival under new rules.
Lewis Hamilton is rumored to have been on a date with Kim Kardashian in the UK, sparking media interest as he simultaneously prepares for his pivotal first season with Ferrari after setting the pace in pre-season testing.
Audi's first F1 test with its 2026 car revealed significant reliability hurdles, though a strong final day provided optimism. The team completed 240 laps but faces a massive to-do list, lagging far behind rivals' mileage as a manufacturer without customer teams.
Red Bull's Ben Hodgkinson criticizes F1's new engine upgrade system, advocating for a freer development fight. He argues long manufacturing and testing cycles make in-season catch-ups extremely difficult, even with rules meant to level the playing field.
McLaren's Oscar Piastri says he has learned crucial lessons from his late-2025 championship collapse, where a large points lead evaporated. He vows to use that self-awareness to strengthen his title bid for the 2026 season, which will feature a major technical regulation overhaul.
