Sky F1's Karun Chandhok has expressed concern that Lewis Hamilton is beginning pre-season testing without a dedicated race engineer at Ferrari, calling it a missed opportunity for vital winter bonding. The team reassigned his 2025 engineer and has yet to name a permanent replacement, with Charles Leclerc's engineer currently covering both cars.
The Brad Pitt-led Formula 1 film 'F1' has been nominated for three BAFTA awards in editing, sound, and visual effects categories. This follows its four Oscar nominations, recognizing the film's technical achievements in blending its fictional story with real-world F1 events. The movie, a global box office hit, was filmed during actual Grand Prix weekends and featured cameos from current drivers.
Arvid Lindblad's running in the Racing Bulls VCARB01 was interrupted by a red flag at the Barcelona pre-season test after his car stopped on track. The rookie driver later returned to action as the team investigates the cause of the stoppage during a crucial phase of preparation.
Formula 1 has signed a multi‑year partnership with Standard Chartered, naming the bank its official wealth‑management and corporate‑investment partner for the 2026 season. The deal brings fan activations, supports the all‑female F1 Academy and adds a new revenue stream to F1’s growing commercial portfolio.
George Russell led the Day 3 morning session of the 2026 Barcelona pre‑season test with a 1:17.580 lap and 92 circuits, while Lando Norris placed third and Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg retired after four laps due to a mechanical issue.
Karun Chandhok has expressed concern over Lewis Hamilton's unsettled race engineer situation at Ferrari, arguing the lack of a permanent appointment ahead of the new season is a worrying sign.
Aston Martin confirms Stoffel Vandoorne continues as simulator and reserve driver for 2026, while Jak Crawford serves as third driver. The team is currently testing the AMR26 in Barcelona ahead of next month's launch.
McLaren debuted its 2026 MCL40 at the Barcelona test, opting for a delayed start to maximize development. Lando Norris drove the black-liveried car as the team targets a three-day run, while rivals like Williams withdrew and Red Bull faced crash damage.
Ferrari's SF-26 shakedown in Barcelona focused on power unit modes and active aerodynamics. Despite variable weather, Leclerc and Hamilton completed the program with promising reliability for the new 2026 regulations.
Dry conditions returned for Day 3 in Barcelona, where Leclerc praised Ferrari's SF-26, McLaren debuted the MCL40, and Red Bull's Hadjar suffered a late crash.
Day 3 of the 2026 F1 Barcelona test begins with mixed weather expected. Red Bull leads track time while McLaren and Aston Martin await their debut runs.
Nico Hulkenberg brought out the red flag on day three in Barcelona after his Audi RS26 stopped on track. This follows Gabriel Bortoleto's early exit on day one, highlighting early reliability concerns for the new Audi team.
