Jordan's Track Talk

Author: jordanlhaynes

  • Hughes joins Mahindra Racing as Reserve

    Mahindra Racing has announced that Jake Hughes will join the team as a Reserve and Simulator Driver for the 2025/26 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

    The Brit is no stranger to Formula E, having completed full-time in the championship for three seasons, two with NEOM McLaren and the other with Maserati.

    Hughes quickly asserted himself in the series, with an impressive one-lap pace that started with third fastest in qualifying for the opening round in Mexico City, second in the first of the Diriyah double-header events before taking his first pole in the second.

    The Birmingham born racer would go on to achieve two ABB Formula E podiums during his tenure in the series, as well as becoming a record-breaker in his rookie season, jumping into the GEN3BETA to set a new Guinness World Record for indoor speed, hitting 218.71kmh inside the London ExCeL that hosted the London E-Prix that weekend.

    Hughes has already begun development work the Mahindra Racing simulator in Banbury, with the team hoping that Hughes’ support – alongside their official Reserve Driver, Kush Maini – will prove vital to the success of the team and their ultimate goal of fighting for the championship.

    I’m excited to begin this next chapter in my Formula E career with Mahindra Racing. What Mahindra have built over the past few seasons is very impressive, and it’s clear that the team is on a really positive trajectory.  I’m looking forward to playing my part and helping to move this team – which is one of the championship’s iconic names – back towards the front of the grid.
    Hughes on the news.

    It’s fantastic to welcome Jake to Mahindra Racing as our new Reserve and Simulator Driver. Jake gives us additional strength in depth in our driver line-up, and equally a very experienced, talented driver who can make a significant contribution across our GEN3 Evo and GEN4 test programmes. We’re very excited to work with him and, alongside Nyck, Edo and Kush, believe this gives us one of the most complete and experienced driver line-ups in Formula E.
    Frederic Bertrand, Mahindra Racing CEO & Team Principal.

  • Williams announce car livery reveal date

    Williams are the latest Formula 1 team to confirm a livery reveal date for their 2026 challenger.

    Coming swiftly after Mercedes’ own announcement, Williams have announced that the “striking” new livery for the FW48 will be unveiled on Tuesday, February 3rd.

    That falls between F1’s private pre-season test in Barcelona from January 26th-30th and two subsequent sessions in Bahrain from February 11th – 13th and February 18th – 20th.

    Williams will be looking to build on a much-improved P5 classification in the Teams’ Championship – their best since 2017 – as the sport enters an all new era of regulations this year.

    Carlos Sainz, who arrived in 2025 and scored two Grand Prix podiums, remains alongside long-time Williams Alex Albon, with James Vowles continuing to lead the team’s resurgence as Team Principal.

  • Zhou joins Cadillac as Reserve Driver

    Cadillac have announced that Zhou Guanyu has joined the team as their reserve driver ahead of their debut season in Formula 1.

    Zhou – who raced for the Alfa Romeo/Kick Sauber outfit between 2022 and 2024 – is the latest name to be confirmed as part of the American squad’s line-up, with Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez acting as the team’s race drivers while former IndyCar racer Colton Herta will fulfil the role of test driver.

    During his time on the grid, Zhou competed in 68 Grand Prix and scored points on seven occasions, including on his debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2022. The 26 year old also claimed Kick Sauber’s only points finish of 2024 in Qatar.

    After leaving the team at the end of that season, Zhou – China’s first and so far only F1 driver – joined Ferrari in a reserve role, carrying out trackside and simulator work as well as participating in their Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programmes.

    I am delighted to join the Cadillac Formula 1 Team as a Reserve Driver ahead of its Formula 1 debut. This is one of the biggest and most exciting new projects that the sport has ever seen. I have worked with both Graeme [Lowdon] and Valtteri for many years in various capacities, so joining the team feels like rejoining family. Having had recent experience on track and in developing the cars off track, I know I can add huge value to the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, and I am looking forward to supporting them the best way that I can.
    Zhou on the news.

    Our process for selecting a Reserve Driver has been as thorough as the search for our Race Drivers. We wanted a candidate who had recent F1 driving experience, is prepared to work hard as part of a team and understands the challenges of developing a car throughout the season. Zhou fits the bill perfectly. He will be a great asset to us as we go racing in 2026 and we look forward to him being an integral part of our team.
    Graeme Lowdon, Team Principal.

    I’m excited to welcome Zhou to Cadillac Formula 1 Team. He will be an excellent addition to complement Valtteri and Checo; talented, personable and respectful of the hard work and commitment it will take for us to achieve our ambitions. I’m excited by our complete driver line-up – alongside Colton, we have a hungry, fast and collaborative group to make our 2026 debut.
    Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac Formula 1 Team Holdings.

  • Haas announce F1 Academy driver

    Kaylee Countryman has become the 10th driver confirmed for the 2026 F1 Academy campaign, with Haas announcing that the American driver will be representing them on next year’s grid.

    Hailing from Chandler, Arizona, Countryman began racing on her birthday three years ago. Starting out in a four-stroke Briggs & Stratton-powered kart in the LO206 J2 class, she collected multiple podiums, including a P2 finish at a national karting event in California and competed at the Grand Nationals in Indiana.

    In 2023, Countryman progressed into two-stroke karts and international racing, joining the J3 competition and becoming a factory driver for Compkart.

    Last year, she stepped into the North American based USF Juniors series with Exclusive Autosport. One of three females in the 22 driver field, Countryman scored four top 10 finishes. Additionally, she made a two round appearance in the USF2000 Championship and participated in F1 Academy in-season testing in Navarra.

    Driving with ART Grand Prix this season, she will benefit from additional track time with a campaign in the USF2000 Championship, once again racing for Exclusive Autosport.

    I’m so thrilled that I’ve been given this opportunity to represent Haas F1 Team and ART Grand Prix in the F1 ACADEMY for 2026. I look forward to taking another step in my career and learning to work in such a professional environment. I’m particularly excited about the various circuits we’ll be visiting around the world and being part of all that F1 ACADEMY represents. I enjoyed a productive test with ART Grand Prix and I’m keen to build on that foundation as we go racing in 2026.
    Countryman on the news.

    We’re delighted to welcome Kaylee Countryman into the team to represent us in F1 ACADEMY from next season. Her personality and passion for this sport are contagious, and we want to ensure she has everything she needs to flourish in F1 ACADEMY, whether that be access to our resources and personnel, or simply advice and guidance. I believe together, we’ll achieve some exciting things on-track. I’m delighted Kaylee’s joined us, and we look forward to seeing her development as a driver in F1 ACADEMY.
    Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal of MoneyGram Haas F1 Team.

  • DAMS Lucas Oil confirm Lacorte for 2026

    Nicola Lacorte will be returning to FIA Formula 3 with DAMS Lucas Oil in 2026 the team has confirmed.

    Lacorte took part in his rookie campaign in 2025, building up experience with the team he will carry on with next year.

    In 2024, he took part in the Formula Regional Oceania Championship and finished 10th, with one win and two podiums.

    Before that in 2023, the Italian driver took part in both Euro 4 Championship and Italian F4 Championship with PREMA and finishing 9th in both. He has also been apart of the Alpine Academy since 2023.

    It’s an honour to continue with DAMS Lucas Oil. The 2025 season has taught me a great deal, about discipline, consistency and managing unpredictable race situations. My goal for 2026 is clear: build on this experience, improve at every race and target strong results.
    Lacorte on the news.

    Nicola’s continuation reflects our ambition to invest long-term in young driver development. His analytical abilities and constant dedication throughout the 2025 season, even in difficult circumstances, demonstrated that he possesses the qualities required to progress within a highly professional environment.
    Charles Pic, Team Principal.

  • Ferrari confirm launch date

    Ferrari will launch their 2026 Formula 1 campaign on January 23rd, just three days before the private pre-season testing begins at Barcelona.

    The Scuderia remained tight-lipped about their plans for the launch, but Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur confirmed the date during his annual Christmas end of season press conference at Fiorano, Italy.

    The Ferrari launch will be on the same day as Alpine kick off their season with an event in Barcelona and Haas reveal their with a digital launch.

    Ferrari will be looking to hit back in 2026 after a difficult 2025 campaign that yielded no wins and P4 in the Teams’ Championship, behind champions McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull.

    That came a year after they had pushed McLaren all the way to the decider in the fight for the Teams’ Championship.

    The Italian team will field an unchanged line-up of Charles Leclerc and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton who will contrast their eighth and second seasons respectively for the Italian team.

    Nobody is conservative or aggressive or taking risks, it’s quite often when you discover what the others did, that you say, ‘oh I was mega aggressive’ or ‘I was mega conservative’. But honestly today…I can’t speak about the others, I don’t know about the others, but it’s true that we will have the picture, not in Barcelona I don’t think, so let’s say Bahrain, and you will see that different teams took different directions, sometimes perhaps a bit 180 degrees, but we don’t have the feeling to be aggressive or not. What is aggressive is to postpone the release of drawings at max, to arrive in the last minute in Barcelona or in Bahrain with a car that will be assembled in the garage. This is aggressive. If you want to finish one month before, it’s not aggressive at all, it’s conservative. On this we will be aggressive for sure, because we were always. We will finish the assembly of the car the day before the launch, the launch will be the 23rd January, which means we will finish the car on the 22nd, and this is to be aggressive. But everybody will do the same, now we have a convergence in the approach of the season, and everybody will do the same.
    Vasseur on whether Ferrari is going “full risk”.

  • Mercedes confirm launch date

    Mercedes have set a date for the reveal of their 2026 Formula 1 car, the Mercedes-AMG F1 W17 E Performance.

    Renders of the design – made to F1’s all new regulations – will be released across Mercedes’ digital channels on Thursday January 22nd, shortly before the private pre-season test in Barcelona.

    A dedicated 2026 digital season launch show will follow on Monday February 2nd, ahead of back-to-back test sessions in Bahrain.

    The season launch – which will be streamed via Mercedes’ social media pages – is set to feature Silver Arrows CEO and Team Principal Toto Wolff, continuing drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, as well as insight on the sweeping technical changes from senior team members.

    Mercedes are pushing to get back to title-challenging ways after failing to win a championship under F1’s recent ground-effect era – the outfit placing third in 2022, second in 2023, fourth in 2024 and second in 2025.

  • F1 to return to Portugal

    Formula 1 has announced that it will return to Portugal in 2027 and 2028 as part of a two year agreement with the Portuguese government, Turismo de Portugal and promoter Parkalgar, Parques Tecnologicos e Desportivos, S.A.

    The Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, more commonly known as Portimao, last hosted F1 events in 2020 and 2021, and was a key venue in the sport’s return to racing during the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Set in the idyllic Algarve in Portugal’s southernmost region, known for its spectacular beaches and historic charm, the 4.6km circuit offers drivers a technical challenge, with dramatic elevation changes culminating in a plunge down to the final right hander leading back to the pit straight.

    Portugal has a prestigious history in Formula 1, hosting its first Grand Prix in Porto in 1958, as well as holding race weekends in Monsanto and Estoril across the sport’s 75 years.
    Some of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 have reached the top step on the podium in Portugal including Stirling Moss, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell.

    More recently, Portimao was the circuit where Lewis Hamilton surpassed Michael Schumacher’s record of all-time wins after he secured his 92nd victory in 2021. Hamilton remains the only driver on the current grid to win at the circuit, having also taken the chequered flag in 2020.

    I’m delighted to see Portimão return to the Formula 1 calendar and for the sport to continue to ignite the passion of our incredible Portuguese fanbase. The circuit delivers on-track excitement from the first corner to the chequered flag, and its energy lifts fans out of their seats. The interest and demand to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix is the highest that it has ever been, so I would like to thank Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, the Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion of Portugal, Manuel Castro Almeida, the Secretary of State for Tourism, Commerce and Services, Pedro Machado, President of Turismo de Portugal, Carlos Abade, President of the Algarve Tourist Board, Andre Gomes and CEO and Chairman of the Algarve International Circuit, Jaime Costa, for their support in bringing F1 back to Portugal.I look forward to working together again to ensure that Portimão returns to the calendar in emphatic style.
    Stefano Domnenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1.

    Portugal is back on the Formula 1 map. The F1 Grande Prémio de Portugal will have a direct impact on economic activity, generating opportunities throughout the economic chain – from tourism to trade, and services to SMEs – projecting the country as a competitive and reliable destination. Hosting the Grand Prix in the Algarve reinforces our regional development strategy, enhancing the value of the territories and creating opportunities for local economies. This will be an event that, in addition to being a source of prestige for our country, will enhance Portugal’s image throughout the world.
    Manuel Castro Almeida, Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion of Portugal.

    We are thrilled to welcome Formula 1 back to Portugal and to the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve. The Portuguese Grand Prix will showcase the excellence of our circuit and the passion of our fans, delivering a powerful boost for our tourism, region, and community. This achievement was only made possible with the continuous support – since the beginning – of the Portuguese Government. Portimão’s unique “rollercoaster” layout will challenge the best drivers in the world and create a spectacle that fans will love. We look forward to creating unforgettable moments and setting new standards of excellence on and off the track.
    Jaime Costa, Chairman and CEO of Autodromo Internacional do Algarve.

  • Audi announce team name & launch date

    Audi have revealed their official team name, logo and date for a spectacular immersive launch intended to show the world their 2026 livery as they prepare to take over Kick Sauber’s spot on the grid.

    The German automative powerhouse, who declared their intention to join F1 back in 2022, have worked alongside Sauber to gradually improve their facilities and ensure they are in the mix from the get-go at the upcoming 2026 season opener in Australia.

    Having enhance their bases across Germany, Switzerland and the UK, they have now announced that their full team name will be the Audi Revolut F1 Team – the title partnership with the financial technology company was previously confirmed in July of this year.

    Audi are aiming for consistency with their key figures, with Jonathan Wheatley set to continue in his role as Team Principal while Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto from their line-up.
    Mattia Binotto, who previously worked for Ferrari, holds the role of Head of the Audi F1 project.

    Today, our project takes on its official identity. The Audi Revolut F1 Team name is a symbol of the combined strength of our teams in Germany, UK and Switzerland, together with our partners. It provides a banner under which we all unite as we build towards 2026. This is a crucial milestone that energises the entire project and makes our long-term ambition tangible for everyone involved.
    Wheatley on the news.

  • Larsen joins Ferrari for 2026

    Alba Larsen will be returning for a second F1 Academy campaign this year, with Ferrari selecting the Danish racer to represent them this season.

    The 16 year old put together a promising rookie season, scoring seven top-five finishes on her way to seventh in the Standings, including a joint best performance of P4 in Shanghai Race 2 and Las Vegas Race 2.

    Larsen will be keeping her racing skills sharp with additional seat time. Alongside participating in the F4 UAE Championship over winter break, the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy member will once again be competing in the British F4 Championship in which she achieved a best finish of P11 this year.

    Prior to F1 Academy, Larsen won the Senior category of the 2023 FIA Girls on Track – Rising Stars programme. She went on to make her single-seater debut in the 2024 Indian F4 Championship, scoring points in her maiden weekend.

    Racing for Ferrari in F1 ACADEMY is a dream come true. They’ve been my favourite team since I was a child and getting to wear red feels surreal and is an incredible honour. I’ve felt their support since FIA Girls on Track and now being part of the most iconic team in motorsport is a true honour. I’m ready to give everything I have for the Scuderia. Bet on red!
    Larsen on the news.

  • F1 Academy reveals 2026 Calendar

    F1 Academy has unveiled the calendar for the 2026 season, which, once again features seven rounds in support of the FIA Formula One World Championship, including the series’ first ever appearance at Silverstone.

    The fourth season of the all-female series will again comprise 14 races across the seven rounds, maintaining the popular reverse grid format for one race at each event.
    The calendar will also be supported by a comprehensive 12 day testing program as part of the series’ commitment to offering extensive seat time.

    The 2026 season will see F1 Academy return to Shanghai, Jeddah and Montreal, before heading to Silverstone for Round 4 to be part of the British Grand Prix for the first time, 12 years after Managing Director Susie Wolff’s first free practice appearance there in 2014.

    The series will then be welcomed back to the sand dunes of Zandvoort, before concluding with two rounds in the United States. Circuit of the Americas rejoins the calendar for the first time since F1 Academy’s maiden appearance in its inaugural season, before the series concludes once again at the spectacular Las Vegas Strip Circuit.

    In just three seasons, F1 ACADEMY has developed some fantastic drivers and grown a huge and passionate fanbase all over the world. It inspires women and girls to consider a role in motorsport, be that on or off the track, by removing barriers and showing what can be done. I would like to thank Susie Wolff and her team for their drive and vision in creating such an outstanding series, and congratulate 2025 Champion, Doriane Pin, for her incredible achievement. I’m also grateful to our race promoters for their enthusiasm and commitment to making F1 ACADEMY a key fixture at their Grand Prix weekends. We’ve also seen fantastic growth in grassroots participation, which is vital for the future of the sport. Next season is set to be another brilliant year, and I can’t wait to see how the 2026 grid performs
    Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1.

    Our 2026 F1 ACADEMY calendar reflects the momentum we’re building and the visibility we’re earning across the sport. Silverstone and Austin are two fantastic additions to our 2026 roster, and returning to five established races gives us our strongest calendar yet, closing once again in Las Vegas where we aim to finish the season with the same style and flair we delivered this year.
    Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 Academy.

  • ART Grand Prix sign Maini for 2026

    ART Grand Prix have confirmed the signing of Kush Maini for the 2026 Formula 2 season.

    Maini is set to return for a fourth campaign in F2, having won two races and achieved seven podiums during his time in the Championship.

    Prior to his time in F2, Maini finished 14th in the 2022 FIA Formula 3 season, with one podium and was also the runner-up in the 2020 BRDC British F3 Championship.

    The Indian driver is now set to continue in F2 for another season, and he is eager to get started with ART.

    I’m very happy to be joining such an historic team like ART Grand Prix. My first contacts with the engineers and mechanics have been very positive. I appreciate the determination and the human atmosphere within the team, and I can’t wait to start working with them and see what we can achieve together.
    Maini on the news.

    Kush has shown real speed and maturity in Formula 2, and his win in Monaco is a clear example of his potential. We are happy to welcome him to ART Grand Prix and look forward to working together in 2026.
    Sebastien Philippe, ART Grand Prix Team Principal.

  • Marko to leave Red Bull

    Red Bull’s Motorsport Advisor, Helmut Marko has left his role with the Formula 1 team, the energy drinks firm has confirmed.

    Marko has played a key role in the Red Bull Junior Programme and advised the operation regarding which drivers to bring through to Formula 1 with Racing Bulls and subsequently Red Bull.

    During his two-decade affiliation with the company, he has overseen the progression of 20 drivers to Formula 1, including Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel who went on to win eight world titles between them when driving for Red Bull.

    Arvid Lindblad is the most recent graduate, with the British racer stepping up to F1 with Racing Bulls this season.

    It is very sad news that Helmut is leaving us. He has been such an integral part of our team and of Red Bull’s entire motor racing programme for more than two decades. This is therefore the end of a remarkably successful chapter. His departure will leave a void, and we will truly miss him. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for his unwavering support, not only over the past months, but also during my early days at Scuderia Toro Rosso. On a personal note, Helmut, along with [CEO] Oliver Mintzlaff, was the driving force behind bringing me back into the Red Bull family, first in Faenza and then this summer in my current role in Milton Keynes. Helmut is a real racer at heart, always pushing us to the limit, always prepared to take risks in pursuit of our goals.
    Laurent Mekies, Team Principal.

    I have been involved in motorsport for six decades now, and the past 20-plus years at Red Bull have been an extraordinary and extremely successful journey. It has been a wonderful time that I have been able to help shape and share with so many talented people. Everything we have built and achieved together fills me with pride. Narrowly missing out on the World Championship this season has moved me deeply and made it clear to me that now is the right moment for me personally to end this very long, intense, and successful chapter. I wish the entire team continued success and am convinced that they will be fighting for both world championship titles again next year.
    Marko on the news.

  • Bennett moves to Trident

    Trident have confirmed the signing of John Bennett for the 2026 Formula 2 season, completing their driver lineup, following the signing of Laurens van Hoepen.

    Bennett joined the F2 grid at the end of the 2024 campaign and since has achieved two point finishes, and in his first full campaign this year, he finished 22nd in the Drivers’ Standings.

    Prior to that, the British driver finished as the runner up in the 2021 Ginetta GT5 Challenge and also in the 2024 GB3 Champion.

    Bennett is now returning for a second full season in F2, and is happy to be doing so with Trident.

    I’m extremely happy to race with TRIDENT Motorsport in the 2026 FIA Formula 2 Championship. I am very grateful for this great opportunity and to continue fighting in the second tier. I can’t wait to get on track and achieve excellent results together.
    Bennett on the news.

    We are very pleased to announce that John Bennett will race for Trident Motorsport in the 2026 FIA Formula 2 Championship. He is a driver we had the chance to observe during the recently concluded season, where he showed solid development. I am confident that the British driver has all the qualities needed to work well with our technical staff and deliver a competitive campaign.
    Giacomo Ricci, TRIDENT Team Manager.

  • Mini joins MP Motorsport for 2026

    MP Motorsport have confirmed the signing of Gabriele Mini for the 2026 FIA Formula 2 season.

    Mini is set to return for a second full campaign in the Championship after a 2025 season that saw him achieve three podiums, and finish 13th in the Standings with 72 points.

    Prior to that, the Italian achieved his maiden F2 podium in his debut weekend in the Baku Sprint Race back in 2024, finishing third. That same year, Mini finished second in the Formula 3 Drivers’ Championship.

    Mini has also previously won the 2020 Italian F4 Championship and placed second in the 2022 Formula Regional European Championship.

    The 20 year old is now set to return for another season in F2, and spoke of his delight at the opportunity to do that with MP.

    I’m very excited to be able to join MP Motorsport for my second full season in FIA Formula 2. Their drivers have been strong rivals all throughout my career in single-seaters, and definitely in F2 as well, so it’s good to be switching to their side for next year! I know it’s a Dutch team, but teaming up with MP is some sort of homecoming as well, as their engineering team is led by three highly regarded Italians who have won several titles in Formula 2 and know all about winning. I can’t wait to get to work with them and the rest of the team, and head out to Melbourne fully prepared for our first race together.
    Mini on the news.

    It’s wonderful news that Gabriele will be part of our FIA Formula 2 line-up in 2026. He was a champion in his first season in F4 and a title contender in FRECA and F3, so his natural talent is up there with the best. With Gabriele on board, now with a full year’s experience of F2 behind his belt, we aim to consistently challenge for wins in 2026.
    Sander Dorsman, MP Motorsport Team Principal.

  • R2 – Mexico City E-Prix

    Barnard started off well and forced Buemi into defensive manoeuvres in order to keep a hold of P1. The Swiss looked to have done just that but outbraked himself into Turn 1 gifting the DS PENSKE driver the lead – with the Envision finding himself all the way down in 18th.

    Wehrlein, down in P8, was the first to jump for his initial of two mandatory 50kW all wheel driver ATTACK MODE boosts.

    Meanwhile, on lap 5, Mortara put the pressure on Barnard for the lead into Turn 1, with Mueller able to follow.

    Wehrlein led Mortara, Mueller, Dennis, Barnard, Guenther, Evans, Ticktum, Rowland and da Costa on Lap 6.

    Da Costa and Maloney, 10th and 17th respectively, were next to take ATTACK on Lap 8 – the rest of the pack still held on.
    Meanwhile, Mueller slipped by Mortara for second into Turn 1 on Lap 9 and dispatched his teammate for P1 at the hairpin.

    Lap 11 and the pace began to pick up. Jake Dennis, Sao Paulo’s winner sat seventh with 0.5% energy in hand on the rest of the top 10.

    Mortara hit the front again, with Mueller, Ticktum, Wehrlein, Barnard, da Costa, Dennis, Guenther, Evans and Rowland the top 10 – and ominously, four Porsche powered cars in the top five positions.

    The scrap on the edge of the points-paying positions lit up at the half way stage as impatience looked to be building. Three-wide won’t work all that often through the hairpin.

    A full course yellow was required with Nyck de Vries Mahindra needing recovery – leaving Rowland’s Attack Mode ticking to zero under caution, as Jaguar’s Da Costa avoided Barnard and swerved in front of the Brit and onto the grass at the hairpin.

    The race was back green on Lap 22 with Mueller, Mortara, Wehrlein, Dennis, Evans, Ticktum, Da Costa and Rowland the top 10.

    Several drivers came to blows at the hairpin as the field squeezed. Vergne, da Costa and Guenther looked to be the ones most entangled on Lap 26.

    Dennis was next to make moves, on Lap 32. He was told he had a lap’s energy to the good on the lead few by his engineer and was able to make it as far as third.

    From there, it looked like Cassidy’s to lose – the Kiwi having gained 12 spots from his grid slot. Mortara was his closest competition with two minutes more ATTACK MODE to use to hunt the Citroen driver down.

    With the top 10 all in ATTACK, reigning champion Rowland made it by Mueller and Dennis in one swoop for third at Turn 1 on Lap 35, only for Dennis to return the favour half a lap later.

    The whole top five were within half a second of each other through the stadium on Lap 36 – Rowland squeezed back by Dennis the final podium spot.

    Cassidy held on in style to lead Mortara and Rowland home for the French giant Citroen’s first Formula E victory in their second outing.

    The top 10 are- P1: Cassidy, P2: Mortara, P3: Rowland, P4: Barnard, P5: Dennis, P6: Wehrlein, P7: Marti, P8: Vergne, P9: Mueller, P10: Nato.

  • Trident confirm Van Hoepen

    Laurens van Hoepen will race with Trident in 2026 the team has confirmed, stepping up to FIA Formula 2 full-time next season.

    The Dutch driver has raced with the Italian team in both the Baku, Lusail and Yas Marina rounds, gaining valuable experience ahead of the 2026 season.

    During the F3 campaign this season, van Hoepen achieved two podium finishes en route to P12 in the Drivers’ Standings.

    I’m excited to compete in next season’s FIA Formula 2 Championship with TRIDENT Motorsport. The experience gained in the three appearances I made in this championship has been very useful in preparing for this step. Together with the technical staff, we made progress that will be fundamental for next year. We have an intense and challenging season ahead of us.
    van Hoepen on the news.

    We are very pleased to announce that Laurens Van Hoepen will contest the 2026 FIA Formula 2 Championship with Trident Motorsport. He is a driver we’ve had the chance to get to know and appreciate in the final part of this season. After his positive debut in Baku, Van Hoepen immediately felt comfortable with the team. I am sure the Dutch driver has all the qualities required to do a great job with our technical staff and to compete in a highly competitive season.
    Giacomo Ricci, Trident Team Manager.

  • Hitech TGR sign Miyata for 2026

    Ritomo Miyata will be racing for Hitech TGR in the 2026 Formula 2 season, the team has confirmed.

    Miyata will be returning for a third campaign in the Championship having achieved one podium in the Spa-Francorchamps Feature Race this season, finishing 16th with 26 points.

    The Japanese driver also has previous title-winning success, having won the 2020 Super Formula Lights and 2023 Super Formula and Super GT achieved two podiums in the 2024 Formula 3 season Championships.

    Miyata will now be returning for another campaign in Formula 2 with Hitech.

    I’m really excited to be joining Hitech for the 2026 FIA Formula 2 season. My first campaigns in F2 have been invaluable for my development, allowing me to gain experience with the cars, tyres, and circuits, and to refine my racecraft against some of the strongest young drivers in the world. Hitech has proven itself as one of the most competitive and professional teams in Formula 2, and I’m confident it’s the perfect environment to continue developing, challenge at the front, and deliver consistent results every weekend. I’m also grateful to Morizo-san, Toyota Gazoo Racing and everyone who has supported me on this journey. My goal is to keep improving, achieve podiums and strong race results, and continue pushing toward the highest level of this sport.
    Miyata on the news.

    We’re delighted to welcome Ritomo to the team for 2026. He’s already proven his quality in Formula 2 and brings a championship-winning background from Japan that adds further depth to our exciting new driver line-up. With Colton Herta joining from IndyCar and Ritomo continuing to build on two strong F2 campaigns, this pairing combines experience, adaptability, and great potential. Hitech has enjoyed two very competitive seasons in Formula 2, and we’re determined to carry that momentum into 2026. With Ritomo and Colton, we believe we have one of the most exciting and accomplished driver line-ups on the grid.
    Hitech Team Manager, Clive Hatton.

  • Dunne returns with Rodin for 2026

    Rodin Motorsport have confirmed that Alexander Dunne will be returning to race with the team in 2026 – completing their lineup for next year following the announcement of Martinius Stenshorne.

    Dunne will be coming back for a second campaign after a strong rookie season in which he achieved two victories, six additional podiums and finished fifth in the Drivers’ Championship.

    The Irishman’s record also includes winning the 2022 British F4 Championship, finished second in Italian F4 that same year and in the 2023 GB3 Championship, as well as achieving two podiums in the 2024 Formula 3 season.

    Dunne will now return for another season and spoke of his excitement at returning to the track with Rodin in 2026.

    I’m really happy to be staying with Rodin for the 2026 season. I’ve built a great relationship with the whole team and the way we work together is really positive. I’m confident that we will be fighting for the title next year.
    Dunne on the news.

    We’re really pleased to have Alex back with the team for a second year. He’s made strong progress throughout this season and we’ve seen real maturity in how he approaches his work both on and off the track. With the experience he’s gained and the continuity we now have, I’m confident he can take another big step forward. It’s great to continue this journey together.
    Benn Hutingford, Rodin Motorsport Sporting Director.

  • MP Motorsport confirms Oliver Goethe for 2026

    Oliver Goethe will return for another season of FIA Formula 2 with MP Motorsport the team has confirmed.

    The German driver joined the team partway through the 2024 season, before competing in his first full season this year.
    He finished this season 15th with 37 points to his name.

    Before Formula 2, Goethe took part in the FIA Formula 3 Championship as well, finishing 8th in 2023 and 7th in 2024, that year he also took part in the Macau Grand Prix where he finished second.

    In November 2023, it was announced that Goethe had joined the Red Bull Junior team and have been since.

    I’m truly delighted to stay with MP Motorsport for my second year in FIA Formula 2. Over the years, the team has become a second home away from home for me, and through all the adversity our bond has only grown stronger this year. Now having experienced a full season of F2, my plan is to capitalise on all the knowledge that I’ve gained over the year and build on that with the experienced engineering crew at MP. First I’m aiming to give this season the best possible finish, and then it’s full speed ahead to 2026!
    Goethe on the news.

    We’re all very happy that Ollie has decided to join us for another season in F2. It’s been a true delight working with him, and the fact that we know each through and through will only be an additional benefit going into 2026. Ollie scored some good points this year, but on several occasions fate agonisingly decided otherwise. Next season’s FIA Formula 2 Championship will be as fiercely competitive as ever, but we will start 2026 prepared to the teeth, with the aim of forcing luck to fall our way.
    MP Motorsport Team Principal, Sander Dorsman.

  • Toyota Gazoo Racing to become title sponsor of Haas

    Toyota will strengthen their relationship with the Haas F1 Team in 2026 when they become title sponsor of the American team, replacing digital payment firm Moneygram.

    The Japanese manufacturer returned to the sport for the first time since 2009 last year with Haas as part of a technical partnership through their motorsport and research and development division Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR).

    A key element of the multi-year partnership, which was signed in 2024, was the creation of Haas’ first Testing of Previous Car (TPC) programme that launched in 2025.

    Over the course of 14 days, Japanese racers Ryo Hirakawa, Ritomo Miyata, Sho Tsuboi and Kamui Kobayashi all had outings through their TGR associations.
    The deal has also allowed for the installing of their first-ever personal simulator at the team’s UK base in Banbury, which is set come online next season.

    Our working relationship to-date has been everything we hoped it would be. It’s been evidenced through our successful TPC running this season but there’s been so much more going on behind the scenes too – including the development and installation of the simulator at our Banbury facility for 2026. The cultivation of personnel, all working collaboratively between Haas F1 Team and TGR, has benefited us greatly and that’s something that will only increase as our partnership matures. We’re excited to further grow with the likes of our driver program too, and it’s been encouraging to see the depth of talent TGR is backing in that process.
    Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal.

    Throughout our challenges in the 2025 season, I witnessed young TGR drivers and engineers begin to believe in their own potential and set their sights on even greater dreams. Seeing this transformation moved me deeply. And today, I can say this with confidence, Toyota has finally begun to move – really move. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Gene Haas and Ayao Komatsu for standing alongside our young members, believing in their potential, and facing the future with the same passion and perspective. By taking our partnership with Haas another step forward next year, TGR’s ‘People, Product, Pipeline’ mantra – will accelerate in a way we have never seen before. The time has come for the next generation to take their first steps toward the world stage. Together with Gene Haas, Ayao, and everyone at TGR Haas F1 Team, we will build both a culture and a team for the future. Toyota is now truly on the move.
    Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation Akio Toyoda.

  • Montoya stays with PREMA for 2026

    PREMA Racing have confirmed that Sebastian Montoya will be returning with the team for a second Formula 2 season in 2026 – completing their driver line up following the announcement of Mari Boya.

    Montoya returns with the Italian team having had a strong rookie campaign and having had a strong rookie campaign, and heading into the final round, he has three podiums and finished the season 12th in the Standings.

    Prior to that, the 20 year old had two full seasons in Formula 3, achieving several points finishes, including two podiums.

    The Colombian driver is now set to continue with the team for a second season in F2, an opportunity his excited to have.

    I’m really happy to be with the team again in 2026. I think the work we have done this year has been incredible, we had some ups and downs, but the biggest thing has been the learning process and how we’ve merged together. The work combines really well, and in the end, we all have one goal. I think the mindset for next year is just to keep our head down, keep pushing, and see what it brings.
    Montoya on the news.

    We are thrilled to have Sebastian with us again in 2026. We are confident in his potential, and with the pace he has shown so far this year, we look forward to seeing him compete with more experience under his belt. This year, he proved his ability to learn and progress even in such a testing environment as in FIA Formula 2, and was a great team player all around.
    Rene Rosin, PREMA Racing Team Principal.

  • Cadillac to reveal livery during Super Bowl

    Cadillac are set to present the livery for their debut Formula 1 car during a television advert at February’s Super Bowl.

    The American team, who are backed by General Motors and led by former Marussia Sporting Director Graeme Lowdon are preparing to becoming the sport’s 11th team next season.

    Multiple Grand Prix winners, Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez were recently confirmed as their two drivers, with IndyCar star Colton Herta taking on a testing role.

    As per a special graphic and accompanying news story, Cadillac will show off their 2026 colours on February 8th during coverage of the Super Bowl – the annual league championship game of the National Football League (NFL).

    Cadillac’s livery reveal will follow on from a private test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya between January 26th-30th, where teams will run their 2026 challengers – built to all new regulations – for the first time.

    Test two will be held at the Bahrain International Circuit between February 11th-13th, with another test coming at the same venue from February 18th-20th.

  • Hadjar earns Red Bull seat as Lindblad joins Racing Bulls

    Isack Hadjar will be stepping up to Red Bull in 2026 to partner Max Verstappen, with Arvid Lindblad making his Formula 1 debut with Racing Bulls alongside Liam Lawson.

    Red Bull and Racing Bulls were the only teams to have free seats for 2026, though Hadjar has long been expected to replace Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull alongside four-time World Champion Verstappen after a stellar rookie season.

    Hadjar has scored points in 10 Grands Prix this season, including a superb maiden podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix.

    Red Bull junior, Lindblad emerged as a candidate for promotion to Formula 1 with Racing Bulls after delivering some strong races in feeder series F2 and impressing when driving a Red Bull in Free Practice 1 outings at Silverstone and in Mexico.

    That left Tsunoda and Lawson to fight for the remaining seat at Racing Bulls, with the latter coming out on top to secure a second full campaign with the team – Lawson having replaced Daniel Ricciardo at the team midway through 2024.
    While Tsunoda loses his seat on the grid, he will remain part of the family as a reserve driver for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls in 2026.

    Yuki has raced in Red Bull colours for seven years now and I have had the pleasure of working with him at both Red Bull teams. Through his five seasons so far in Formula One, Yuki has matured into a complete racer, good over a single lap on Saturday and capable of exceptional starts and excellent race craft on Sunday. Everyone in the sport would agree it is impossible not to like Yuki, his personality is infectious, and he has become a very special part of the Red Bull family. On behalf of everyone at Red Bull, I thank him for what he has contributed so far and we know he will provide invaluable support to the 2026 projects moving forwards. As for Isack, in his first F1 season, he has displayed great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has demonstrated the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe Isack can thrive alongside Max and produce the magic on track! 2026 will be a huge challenge for the Team and for Red Bull Ford Powertrains, these are exciting times, and I am looking forward to seeing what we can do together.
    Laurent Mekies, CEO and Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing.

    I’m so grateful to Oracle Red Bull Racing for giving me the opportunity and trust to race at the highest level of Formula One. After all the hard work I have put in since joining the Junior Team, it’s such a great reward. I’ve had many ups and downs throughout my career, and they kept believing and pushing me. This year with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls has been absolutely amazing, I’ve learnt a lot and secured a maiden podium. I feel I’m much better as a racing driver and a person, due to the Team‘s support and preparation. I feel ready to go to Oracle Red Bull Racing and I am happy and proud they feel the same. It’s an awesome move, to work with the best and learn from Max is something I can’t wait for.
    Isack Hadjar on the promotion.

    Firstly, a huge congratulations to Isack. He has delivered a truly outstanding season, demonstrating exceptional race-craft and consistency well beyond his experience. He has fully earned his step up to Red Bull Racing and we wish him nothing but the best as he takes on this exciting new challenge in his career – we are proud to have been part of the journey. Liam has shown impressive performance and professionalism throughout this year, he has excelled when conditions have been at their hardest and we look forward to building on this in 2026, while Arvid’s rapid progression marks him as one of the standout young talents in the sport. Together, they form a strong and dynamic pairing, one that embodies the ambition and youthful spirit of VCARB as we enter a transformative new era for Formula 1.
    Alan Permane, Racing Bulls Team Principal.

    I’d like to thank everyone at VCARB for the opportunity. Since I started this journey at five years old, it was always my goal to be in Formula 1 so it’s a proud moment to take this step. I’m extremely grateful to the Red Bull Junior Programme and my personal team for their guidance, mentorship and belief; none of this would have been possible without their support. 2026 will be a big challenge and I know there’s a lot to learn, but I’m ready to work closely with the team and rise to it. I can’t wait to get started, it’s going to be an exciting year!
    Lindblad on joining Formula 1.

  • Alpine confirm 2026 launch date

    Alpine have become the latest team to announce details of their launch ahead of the 2026 season.

    The Enstone-based squad took to social media to reveal that the event will take place in Barcelona on January 23rd, just days before the first pre-season test gets underway at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from January 26th – 30th.

    While the date and location were confirmed, Alpine did not reveal any further information about the nature of their launch but added the caption: “We’ve got something to show you…”

    The team will be hoping for a better season ahead in 2026, having found themselves at the bottom of the Teams’ Championship during the 2025 campaign.

    They will field an unchanged driver line-up next year with Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto both remaining with the team.

  • Jacquet to drive for Williams 2026 F1 Academy

    Jade Jacquet will make her F1 Academy debut this year, as Williams have announced that the French racer will be representing the team on the 2026 grid in the ART Grand Prix operated car.

    The 16 year old will also be joining the Williams Racing Driver Academy, giving her access to the full spectrum of Academy support, as well as working closely with the team at Grove.

    Beginning her career in international karting in 2023, she progressed through the French Junior Karting Championship before stepping up to single-seaters this year.

    Her 2025 French F4 campaign saw her score 12 top 20 finishes, including a best result of P11 Circuit des 24 Heures. She also achieved the Female Trophy at the dijon-Prenois circuit.

    Earlier this year, Jacquet was selected for the inaugural F1 Academy Rookie Test. Completing 83 laps around the Circuito de Navarra, she finished with the seventh-fastest time in the afternoon running.

    I’m super excited to be joining the Williams Racing Driver Academy and F1 ACADEMY for the 2026 season. The team has been very welcoming and I’m looking forward to working with them to learn as much as I can throughout my debut season. Thank you to Atlassian Williams Racing for believing in me and I can’t wait to get on track.
    Jacquet on the news.

    We are proud to welcome Jade to our team as our Atlassian Williams Racing driver in F1 ACADEMY. Jade has made rapid progress in her motorsport career and has strong potential for the future, already demonstrating her ability to learn and adapt in her transition to single-seaters. As a member of the Williams Racing Driver Academy, we’ll be working closely with her to nurture her development both on and off the track. As a team, we continue to support Formula 1 and F1 ACADEMY’s shared mission to advance female representation in motorsport and look forward to seeing Jade start her 2026 campaign.
    Sven Smeets, Sporting Director at Atlassian Williams Racing.

  • Fornaroli signs to McLaren Driver Devleopment Programme

    Newly crowned Formula 2 Champion, Leonardo Fornaroli has become one of three new signings to the McLaren Driver Development Programme, with the Italian joining alongside fellow F2 racer Richard Verschoor and 2025 FIA European Karting Champion Christian Costoya.

    Fornaroli sealed the F2 title during the Feature Race in Qatar, the Invicta Racing driver taking P2 in the event to confirm his championship triumph following a season in which he has claimed four victories and five podiums.

    It also marks back-to-back titles for the 20 year old, who emulated the likes of Oscar Piastri and Gabriel Borotleto by winning the the F2 Championship off the back of doing the same in Formula 3 one year earlier.

    Now becoming part of the McLaren family, Fornaroli will take on a test and development role within the F1 team’s structure.

    Also joining the programme is Verschoor, who finished third this season in the Formula 2 Championship. The 24 year old from the Netherlands has won four races during the current campaign.

    Another signing by McLaren is 15 year old Costoya. The Spanish teenager has claimed multiple karting championships and is set to make his single seater debut in the 2026 F4 Middle East Championship at the Yas Marina Circuit on January 16th – 18th.

    McLaren Racing are delighted to welcome two of Formula 2’s current leading drivers in this year’s Champion Leonardo Fornaroli and former Championship contender and fellow front-runner Richard Verschoor, as well as proven karting champion, Christian Costoya, to the McLaren Racing Driver Development Programme. All three talented drivers have shown great race craft with multiple wins this season, alongside a number of impressive performances in their respective championships. By welcoming Christian to the programme alongside long-standing member, Dries Van Langendonck, we now also have two of the most promising drivers coming out of karting. It is a key priority that we continue to develop our talent pipeline to provide options for all of our expanding racing teams. We look forward to working closely with all our drivers in 2026 as they continue their individual development at various stages of their career with the support of the programme through a wide range of testing and progression opportunities across all of our racing series.
    Alessandro Alunni Bravi, Chief Business Affairs Officer, McLaren Racing.

  • Aston Martin announce launch date for 2026

    Aston Martin have become the latest time to reveal their launch date ahead of the 2026 season.

    Just before the season finale in Abu Dhabi, the Silverstone-based team confirmed that they will unveil next year’s car – the AMR26 – on February 9th.

    While further details about the nature of the launch have not yet been revealed, Aston Martin teased the news on social media by sharing an image of the car’s name seemingly being drawn with a pencil.

    The reveal comes after it was announced that Adrian Newey will become Team Principal of the squad in 2026, having previously joined as Managing Technical Partner back in March following his exit from Red Bull.

    For a fourth consecutive season, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll will again form the team’s driver line-up as the sport enters into a new era amid the introduction of the latest phase of technical regulations.

    It comes after the Red Bull stable became the first to confirm their 2026 launch date last month, with Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls set to hold a joint event alongside Ford on January 15th.

  • Paatz joins F1 Academy grid with Aston Martin

    Mathilda Paatz will embark on her first F1 Academy campaign next year, with Aston Martin signing the 17 year old for the 2026 season.

    Hailing from Cologne, the German racer began her racing career in karting in 2019, going on to score a third-place finish in the 2020 ADAC Kart Masters – Mini category and a standout victory in 2022 ADAC Kart Masters – Ladies Cup.

    After transitioning to single-seaters for the 2024 French F4 campaign, she claimed two wins in the 2025 E4 Championship – Trophy Woman and a podium finish in the F4 Central European Zone Championship, on her way to finishing eighth in the Standings.

    Additionally, Paatz made her F1 Academy debut as the Wild Card entry for Round 4 in Montreal, driving the #8 Gatorade-liveried car operated by Hitech TGR.

    Selected by Aston Martin after excelling in a rigorous four-driver evaluation programme, Paatz also joins the team’s Driver Academy and will be competing with PREMA Racing next year.

    I’m really proud to be representing Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team in F1 ACADEMY next year. This is something I’ve worked incredibly hard for and my focus now is on preparing for the season ahead. There will be lots to learn, including several new circuits, but I feel confident knowing I have so much support from Aston Martin Aramco and PREMA Racing. I had a great first day at the AMRTC in Silverstone meeting so many incredible people from the Aston Martin Aramco team. I immediately felt at home and everybody was very welcoming. I couldn’t be happier and I can’t wait to get racing!
    Paatz on the news.

    In partnership with PREMA Racing, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of four drivers before selecting who would represent Aston Martin Aramco in the 2026 F1 ACADEMY series. To ensure a rigorous and fair assessment, we held a shootout at the demanding Mugello circuit, giving each driver a day in an F4 car to showcase their capabilities. Mathilda not only emerged as the fastest driver, but also demonstrated consistency, maturity and a competitive spirit. Her performance was strong enough not just to secure the F1 ACADEMY seat, but also to earn herself a place in the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team Driver Academy. We are delighted to welcome her as both our F1 ACADEMY driver and a member of our development programme, and we look forward to supporting her throughout this exciting next step in her career.
    Nuno Pinto, Racing Director of Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team Driver Academy.

  • Newey to become Aston Martin Team Principal

    Design legend, Adrian Newey will become Team Principal of the Aston Martin at the start of next year, as part of an extension of his role as Managing Technical Partner.

    Newey began working with Aston Martin on March 1st earlier this year, having spent the best part of two decades with Red Bull.

    As part of his revised role, Newey will guide the technical team, including trackside operations of the car.

    Andy Cowell, who has spent the last year as Team Principal and CEO implementing structural changes to aid the squad’s transition to a full works team next year, will become Chief Strategy Officer.

    His focus will be on optimising the technical partnership between the team, works engine supplier Honda, fuel supplier Aramco and lubricant parter Valvoline.
    Aston Martin says the leadership structure change is designed to focus on Newey and Cowell’s “individual strengths and expertise, ensuring organisational efficiency”.

    Newey has been working on next year’s design, which will be built to sweeping new chassis and power unit regulations, since he joined in March – with the team hoping to herald a new era and step up the order.

    Over the last nine months, I have seen great individual talent within our team. I’m looking forward to taking on this additional role as we put ourselves in the best possible position to compete in 2026, where we will face an entirely new position with Aston Martin now a works team combined with the considerable challenge faced by the new regulations. Andy’s new role, focusing on the integration of the new PU with our three key partners, will be pivotal in this journey.
    Newey on the news.

    Having implemented much needed structural changes as we transition to a full works team and set the foundations for Adrian and the wider organisation, it is an appropriate time for me to take a different role as Chief Strategy Officer. In this role, I will help to optimise the technical partnership between the Team, Honda, Aramco and Valvoline and to ensure the seamless integration of the Team’s new PU, fuel and chassis.
    Cowell on the change of role.