Jordan's Track Talk

Category: 2026

  • Bilinski steps up to Formula 2

    DAMS Lucas Oil have confirmed the signing of Roman Bilinski for the 2026 Formula 2 season – completing their lineup for next year following the announcement of Dino Beganovic.

    Bilinski steps up to F2 after a strong season in Formula 3 during which he achieved one victory in the Monza Sprint Race, as well as an additional two podiums, finishing 11th in the Standings.

    Prior to that, the Polish driver won the 2024 Formula Regional Oceania Championship with 12 podiums, which included six victories.

    Bilinski will now be graduating to F2 next year with DAMS in 2026, and at the announcement expressed his delight at the chance to step up with the French team.

    Joining such a historic team as DAMS Lucas Oil is a real honour. Formula 2 is an incredible challenge, and I’m ready to give everything to represent the team at the highest level. I’ve learned a lot over the past few years and can’t wait to turn that experience into results on track. I’d like to thank DAMS Lucas Oil for giving me this opportunity and for their trust.
    Bilinski on the news.

    Roman brings a very balanced profile, quick, smart, and consistent. His success in Oceania confirmed both his potential and his professional approach. He joins DAMS Lucas Oil with great energy and a strong desire to progress. We’re looking forward to supporting him as he takes this important step in his career.
    DAMS Lucas Oil Team Owner, Charles Pic.

  • PREMA confirm the signing of Boya

    PREMA Racing have announced the signing of Mari Boya for the 2026 FIA Formula 2 season.

    Boya makes the step up after a strong 2025 campaign in Formula 3, in which he fought the title having achieved five podiums in total, including a victory at the Silverstone Feature Race.

    The Spaniard wound up third in the Standings before competing in the 2025 Macau Grand Prix, where he finished second.

    The Aston Martin Driver Academy member will now step up to Formula 2 with PREMA, and speaking at the announcement, Boya expressed excited he was to get started with the team.

    Super excited about joining PREMA for my rookie FIA Formula 2 season. Really eager to start working with the team. I feel I have a great opportunity, and I’m looking forward to seeing how things go. I’m particularly happy to have longer races than in F3, which I really like, and also pit-stops and tyre deg to deal with. Let’s hope for a good season.
    Boya on the news.

    We are happy to welcome Mari to the team. If we look at his career, we see a strong progression, and in addition to his speed skills, we know he is a smart and hard-working driver. We are looking forward to seeing how these skills will mix with the team, and we are confident he will continue his form to bring home positive results.
    Rene Rosin, PREMA Racing Team Principal.

  • Billard to drive for Gatorade

    Gatorade has announced its sponsorship of F1 Academy rookie driver Lisa Billard, marking its mission to make performance support accessible.

    Lisa Billard, viewed as one of the sport’s new rising talents, has shown impressive potential at just 16 years of age. She became the Women’s Champion at the 2025 French F4 Championship at Le Mans, and the first female to win a race in the French Junior Karting Championship, earning her a Wild Card entry for Round 6 of the F1 Academy season in Singapoe.

    The partnership underlines Gatorade’s ‘Fuel Tomorrow’ commitment to supporting young people’s participation in sport, amplifying the voices of young female athletes and fueling their performance through science-driven hydration, nutrition and resoucres.

    Crucially it leverages the expertise of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) to generate invaluable insights into the specific hydration needs of young women, to feel confident, empowered and fully optimised for success.

    Gatorade is also an official partner of F1 Academy for the 2026 season and beyond, supporting its overarching mission to increase female participation of women in motorsport, both on and off the track.

    Single-seater racing pushes your body to the limit. You can lose up to 4kg of fluid, burn huge amounts of calories, and race in hot temperatures. So, working with a brand like Gatorade and GSSI to understand my hydration and recovery couldn’t be more important. I’m so excited to take on my first season of F1 ACADEMY in 2026, with the support of Gatorade behind me.
    Lisa Billard, F1 Academy Gatorade driver.

    We are setting a precedent for young female athlete support and showcasing how when athletes get the right resources at the right time, everything changes. This partnership exemplifies the Gatorade ‘Is It In You?’ philosophy: to spark performance by leverage our knowledge and understanding of the science of hydration. By ensuring Lisa has access to science-backed resources and tailored performance support at this pivotal stage of her career, we’re empowering her to reach her potential and inspire the next generation.
    Erick Scheel, President of PepsiCo Latin America Beverages.

  • Palmowski and Ferreira retained for 2026

    Alisha Palmowski and Rafaela Ferreira will be returning for their sophomore F1 Academy seasons next year, with the Red Bull Racing Pepe Jeans Academy Programme and the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Academy Programme announcing that they have renewed the pair’s contracts.

    Palmowski has enjoyed a strong rookie season, winning the opening race of the season in Shanghai. From there, the 19 year old British racer has scored three further podiums and is on course to finish fifth in the Drivers’ standings.

    Ferreira’s first season racing outside Brazil has seen the 20 year old deliver five points-scoring finishes, including a best result so far of P5 in Shanghai Race 1.

    We’re very excited that Alisha will be continuing her journey in F1 Academy with Red Bull Racing. She has had a very promising rookie season and is going from
    strength to strength. She embodies the Red Bull spirit and is a fantastic flagbearer for Red Bull Racing in F1 Academy.
    Laurent Mekies, CEO and Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing.

    I’m really excited to continue my F1 Academy journey with Red Bull Racing. I’ve loved being part of the Team this last year and can’t wait to continue working hard next season.
    Alisha Palmowski, Red Bull Racing Pepe Jeans Academy Programme driver on the news.

    Everyone at VCARB is thrilled to have Rafa represent our team for another season. She has become a big part of our family over the last year, and both Alan and I are excited to see how she continues to develop going into her second season.
    Peter Bayer, CEO of Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.

    Returning for another season in F1 Academy will give me the chance to further develop my skills as a driver and I’m honoured to represent the VCARB family in the series.
    Rafaela Ferreira, Visa Cash App Racing Bulld Ac

  • Sam Bird signs as Nissan’s Reserve & Development Driver

    Nissan has announced that Sam Bird will be the squad’s Reserve and Development Driver for the 2025/26 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

    Bird has been ever-present on the Formula E grid since its maiden race in 2014 and has taken wins across all three generations of car in the championship.

    A title contender in several Formula E seasons, Bird claimed victory in the series’ second-ever race in Putrajaya, Malaysia and has competed in 144 races, scored 27 podiums and claimed 12 wins – the fourth highest in Formula E history.

    His most recent victory came at Sao Paulo in Season 10 (2023/24), when he crossed the finish line first in the Nissan e-4ORCE 04 for NEOM McLaren Formula E team, who were then a Nissan customer team.

    The team say Bird’s extensive knowledge of the Nissan Formula E powertrain will be a major asset to the squad throughout Season 12, as he works alongside Oliver Rowland, Norman Nato and Abbi Pulling to push the team forward.

    I’m extremely happy to be joining Nissan Formula E Team. I’ve worked closely with Nissan over the past two seasons, so I feel prepared as I know the Nissan Formula E powertrain well. I’ve got a great relationship with both Oli and Norman and they are two drivers I respect very highly. I’ll help them in any way possible trackside and by aiding to further develop the current GEN3 Evo and future GEN4 car. The knowledge I have built up over the last two years will mean I can jump straight into the simulator and give feedback instantly, supporting the squad to build on its recent success in Season 11.
    Bird on the news.

    We’re very happy to welcome Sam as our Reserve and Development Driver for Season 12. He is one of the most experienced and successful drivers in the championship and has competed with our powertrain for the past two seasons, so there was really no question that he would be a great fit for the team. He will play an important role as we look to keep consistently fighting at the top in the upcoming campaign while we get ready for GEN4.
    Tommaso Volpe, Managing Director and Team Principal, Nissan Formula E Team.

  • Lego & F1 Academy to partner in 2026

    The LEGO Group and F1 Academy have announced an exciting multi-year partnership to inspire young fans, especially girls, through creative play and representation.

    As part of this collaboration, the LEGO Group will be represented on the F1 Academy grid starting with the 2026 F1 Academy season, with Lego Racing piloted by driver Esmee Kosterman at the wheel.

    In 2026, Kosterman will serve as the premiere driver for Lego Racing during her first full season in F1 Academy.
    The 20 year old Dutch driver has a rich history in the kart racing circuit and became the first woman to win in the Ford Fiesta Sprint Cup series in 2023, before going on to finish second in the Junior Cup and third in the overall standings.

    In 2024, Kosterman moved into single seaters with Indian F4 and made her F1 Academy debut as the Wild Card entry at Round 5 of the season in Zandvoort, her home race.

    We’re so proud to welcome the LEGO Group as an Official Partner of F1 ACADEMY. This collaboration isn’t just about the possibility of building an F1 ACADEMY LEGO car, it’s about building belief in what’s possible. With our first partnership product, fans will be able to create something that stands for opportunity and representation. We hope every young girl who picks up these bricks sees more than just a model, she sees herself, her potential, and her place in the world of motorsport whether as a fan, engineer, driver or leader. Together, we’re challenging outdated perceptions of who belongs in motorsport and empowering the next generation of young women to build their own paths.
    Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 Academy.

    F1 ACADEMY is levelling the playing field in motorsport, giving young female athletes a clear pathway to achieve their dreams in the top tiers of the sport. We can’t wait to see LEGO Racing join the F1 ACADEMY grid and are so excited to have Esmee as our driver. For the first time, fans can hold their favourite F1 ACADEMY LEGO car in their hands, and I’m thrilled that we’re securing female representation in racing toys for young girls. We hope the infusion of LEGO play and creativity to this exciting sport inspires the next generation of young women in motorsport, as well as the female builders of tomorrow, that anything is possible.
    Julia Goldin, Chief Product & Marketing Officer of the Lego Group.

    To be the first driver for LEGO Racing is such an exciting opportunity, and I can’t wait to continue my racing journey with F1 ACADEMY. I’ve long been a fan of the LEGO brand, its creativity and what it stands for and to bring it to the track from the 2026 season onwards is incredible. I hope this inspires future generations of female drivers, that with hard work and determination, anything is possible!
    Esmee Kosterman, Driver for Lego Racing.

  • Inthraphuvasak moves up to F2

    ART Grand Prix has announced the signing of Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak for the 2026 FIA Formula 2 season.

    The Thai driver is set to make the step up from FIA F3 next season with the French team after finishing seventh in the Drivers’ Standings.
    He claimed three race victories across the season, along with a further two top five finishes.

    He also took part in the FIA Formula 2 Season Finale in Abu Dhabi with Trident, so has had his first weekend in the Formula 2 car.

    I’m very proud to finally announce that I will be joining ART Grand Prix for my rookie season in Formula 2. The team has proven over the years with its great successes, so I’m confident it’s the right environment for me to take this next step. I’m excited to start this new chapter and to work with everyone in the team ahead of the season.
    Inthraphuvasak on the news.

    Tasanapol delivered a solid season in FIA F3, with three wins and some strong performances. He now has the opportunity to take on the next step in Formula 2, and we look forward to seeing how he adapts to this new challenge.
    Sebastien Philippe, ART Grand Prix Team Principal.

  • Porsche Motorsport announce additional entry

    Porsche Motorsport has announced that from Season 13 (2026/27) onwards, the German manufacturer plans to field two teams under its own marque, to compete in the Formula E World Championship marking its ambitions in top-level motorsport.

    With the two additional cars raced by Porsche, plus a customer team, a total of three teams would be supported by the Porsche 99X Electric package, demonstrating the German manufacturer’s commitment to the championship and furthering the development of electric technology.

    Porsche’s additional entry would consolidate the grid for the beginning of the Gen4 era, where they would be joined by four other confirmed manufacturers – Jaguar, Nissan, Stellantis and Lola Cars – a strong indicator of the health of the Formula E Championship.

    Porsche’s success in the all-electric series can also be seen in the transfer of race to road technology, with improvements in direct oil cooling and energy recuperation developed in Formula E deployed in their Porsche Cayenne road car.

    Porsche has competed in Formula E since Season 6 (2019/20). It’s factory team has since secured 13 wins and 32 podiums as well as a Drivers’ and a Teams’ World Championship.

    Motorsport shapes our brand. Our heritage in traditional motorsport is unique and is reflected in every Porsche. In the future, we want to be able to say the same about electric motorsport. Compared to other racing series, Formula E offers a very attractive balance between effort and return. It also gives us the opportunity to further develop technical solutions that are relevant to our production sports cars. Among other things, we want to use this adaptation to find and promote new talent at all levels, not just drivers. In marketing the additional cars, we want to create as much independence as possible and not simply expand our existing presence. Next year marks 75 years of Porsche Motorsport – a success story that shall be shaped by a wide variety of stories from electric motorsport in the future.
    Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President of Porsche Motorsport.

    The commitment by Porsche to acquire an additional license from Season 13 (2026/27) of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship demonstrates significant strength in our series and its dedication to innovation and electrification at the pinnacle of motorsport. Porsche has been an important part of the Formula E family since 2019, during which time they have been successful in securing Teams’, Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ World Championships. They are a proven success in transfer of race to road technology, with their road cars boasting innovations that have been developed directly from the race track in Formula E. With the significant performance advancements planned for the GEN4 cars, the grid for the 2026/27 season is already looking strong.
    Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E.

  • McLaren recruit Lloyd and Stevens for F1 Academy

    McLaren have announced that two drivers will be representing the team on the 2026 F1 Academy gird, with Ella Lloyd retained for her sophomore campaign alongside Ella Stevens, who joins their Driver Development Programme.

    Lloyd has enjoyed a successful rookie season with five podiums, including one win to her name. The Welsh racer finished the season in 4th, scoring 109 points in total.

    Stevens recently became the Vice-Champion in the 2025 British KZ2 Karting Championship and is the only woman to win in the UK’s premier karting class. In September, she topped the timesheets in the inaugural F1 Academy Rookie Test.

    McLaren’s added commitment to the series will be delivered in collaboration with long-standing partner NEOM, the development taking shape in northwest Saudi Arabia.

    The second McLaren Racing entry piloted by 19 year old Stevens will be known as F1 Academy McLaren Oxagon, and both cars will be operated by Rodin Motorsport.

    While I recognise that more remains to be done to increase female representation in motorsport, I’m immensely proud of the progress we’ve made in this space. I hope this signals to all the amazingly talented female karters, drivers, engineers, mechanics, marketeers and accountants out there that our sport is open to all and deeply committed to keeping up the incredible momentum we have seen over the past few years. There are so many opportunities both at and away from track and I want to thank NEOM for partnering with us in this space to help us open more pathways for women. To now have three talented young female drivers in our Driver Development Programme is really exciting, and I cannot wait to see them hit the track.
    Zak Brown on the news.

  • F1 Teams Support F1 Academy in Multi-Year Partnership

    In a landmark agreement, F1 Academy and Formula 1 have announced that all 10 current Formula 1 teams have reaffirmed their commitment to sponsor an F1 Academy livery and driver in the all-female series as part of a multi-year partnership.

    Cadillac Formula 1 Team, who are joining the grid next year, have also confirmed that they will join the F1 Academy grid as a sponsor from 2027.

    The agreement not only reiterates the sport’s deep commitment to increasing female participation in motorsport, on and off the track, but also reflects the rapidly expanding and highly competitive pool of drivers competing for a seat in the all-female F4 level series.

    In addition, with a focus on deeper talent development, from 2027, drivers who have competed in the two previous seasons may be granted an exemption to race in the series for a third season, in accordance with the updated 2027 regulations.

    This new provision reflects a tailored approach to nurturing talent and will be granted exclusively to drivers whose performance indicates strong potential for continued growth throughout a third campaign.

    The commitment of long-term support from all ten current Formula 1 teams, and the addition of Cadillac to our grid from 2027, sends a powerful message about the future of F1 ACADEMY. We’re not just providing a platform for the current generation of female drivers; together, we’re building a pathway to support generations of talent to come. We continue to be impressed by the depth of female talent coming out of the world of karting and are encouraged by the growth and strength of the emerging talent pool. A sharpened focus on individualised talent development, including the opportunity for drivers with high potential to compete in up to three seasons, will give stand out drivers the support and platform needed to fully realise their potential, while ensuring that the F1 ACADEMY grid consistently features the very best female talent.
    Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 Academy.

  • Red Bull & Racing Bulls reveal launch date

    Red Bull and Racing Bulls have announced a joint season launch alongside Ford ahead of the 2026 campaign.

    At the United States home of Ford in Detroit, Michigan on January 15th, the two teams will unveil their respective liveries for the next generation of cars, a season in which Red Bull Ford Powertrains will debut as both squads’ power unit manufacturer.

    Red Bull have chosen Detroit to pay homage to Ford’s heritage ahead of the partnership’s maiden season together.

    The launch of the Red Bull Ford Powertrains era represents not only a bold step into the future, but a powerful expression of what’s possible when world-class engineering, innovation, and passion come together. To see the energy, precision, and scale behind this project is inspiring. It’s the culmination of several years of collaboration between two great names in motorsport. We’re incredibly excited to begin this new chapter, driven by the same determination and excellence that defines both Ford and Red Bull.
    Laurent Mekies, CEO & Team Principal of Red Bull Racing.

    Since we announced our return to F1 with Red Bull, the Ford team have been working night and day to get ready for 2026. But this is about so much more than just the racing. It is about how we use our learnings from F1 to make our cars and trucks better for our customers. What we will learn together with Red Bull will define the technologies of the future and that is what excites me most about this relationship.
    Jim Farley, President & CEO of Ford Motor Company added.

    We’re incredibly excited to welcome Ford back into the world of Formula 1. With over 125 years of heritage, innovation, and absolute dedication to performance, Ford embodies the same competitive spirit that drives our team. This partnership brings together global brands united by a love of racing and a commitment to pushing boundaries. As a member of the Red Bull family and together with our title partners, Visa and Cash App, we see huge opportunities to join forces and connect with a new generation of fans and showcase the future of performance and mobility on a global stage. Launching this new era in Detroit, the birthplace of Ford, makes it all the more special.
    Peter Bayer, CEO of Racing Bulls.

  • McLaren sign Matteo de Palo to Driver Development Programme

    McLaren Racing have announced that Matteo De Palo has joined the McLaren Driver Development Programme, adding to its stable of young talent.

    The 18 year old, started karting in 2016, progressing through junior karting series with success across 60 Mini, OK-Junior and OK, with top finishes in WSK Super Master Series and the FIA Karting Academy Trophy.

    The Italian, from Rome, made his single-seater debut in 2023 with Campos Racing in the Spanish F4 Championship. A successful season saw him secure a race win and three additional podiums, finishing fifth in the Championship overall.

    He also took part in rounds of the Italian F4 and British F4 Championships. In 2024, he stepped up into the Formula Regional European Championship, with one race win and one second place finish.

    This year, Matteo competed in FRECA with Trident Motorsport, winning four races and visiting the podium on another seven occasions, securing second place in the Championship.

    The team also confirms that Ugo Ugochukwu, Martinius Stenshorne and Brando Badoer will not continue with the McLaren Driver Development Programme past the end of the year.

    The McLaren Driver Development Programme is pleased to welcome Matteo. He is an exciting young talent who has made great progress over the past seasons, showing adaptability, consistency and growth. We look forward to supporting his development across driving, as well as the wider aspects of being a professional driver, within our programme pathway. We also thank Ugo, Martinius and Brando for their contribution to McLaren and wish them the best for the future.
    Alessandro Alunni Bravi, Chief Business Affairs Officer.

    Joining the McLaren Driver Development Programme is a great honour. The team have a fantastic track record for developing talent, so I am excited to grow across all elements of being a racing driver. Thank you to Zak, Alessandro and the entire McLaren team. I am excited to get out on track in papaya.
    Matteo on the news.

  • Colapinto confirmed for 2026

    Franco Colapinto will complete Alpine’s driver line-up alongside Pierre Gasly in 2026, the team have announced.

    The 22 year old joined Alpine in January as a reserve driver on a multi-year deal before earning promotion to a race seat after six races as a replacement for Jack Doohan.

    The Argentine endured a difficult start to his time at the team with Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore conceding in August that he was not happy with Colapinto’s performance.

    However, Colapinto went on to up his game and in the last six Grands Prix has been competitive relative to team mate Gasly, who in September committed his future to the team until at leas the end of 2028.

    The improved form – in what is the slowest car on the grid – made him favourite to keep his seat for 2026, with the team believed to have narrowed the choice down to him or fellow reserve Paul Aron.

    I’ve been following Franco’s progress throughout his time in Formula 1 and I have always believed that he has the right attributes and potential to be a top driver who can grow with the team. Our decision to continue together for 2026 is a clear indication of our commitment and strong support for Franco as he develops as a race driver. It has been a tough year for the whole team, and it hasn’t been the easiest scenario to perform in, however both Franco and Pierre have done their best to help put the team in the best possible position for next season. With the line-up of Pierre and Franco, we have a good blend of experience, speed and talent that will help drive the team forward and hopefully give our fans something to cheer and shout about next season.
    Briatore on the news.

    I am very grateful to Flavio and the entire team for their belief in me to help drive the team forwards in the future. Ever since I made my Formula 1 debut, I knew, given the circumstances at play, it would be a huge challenge to keep my place in this sport. It has been a long and tough road, and I am very proud for the opportunity to drive with this team again in 2026, alongside Pierre, who has been a great team mate and will undoubtedly be someone I can continue to learn from. Finally, it is very special and timely to make this announcement here in Brazil this weekend. Being so close to my home country of Argentina and an event that feels like a home race for me where I have so much support. To have so many fans on this journey with me and the team is why we go racing and next year, when there should be a reset in Formula 1, we can hopefully give every single person who cheers for us something to truly smile and celebrate. Vamos Alpine!
    Colapinto on the news.

  • Williams unveil new logo and identity from 2026

    Williams Racing will become Williams F1 Team from next season as a part of a refresh of the iconic British squad’s identity.

    The Grove-based team is among the most successful Formula 1 teams of all time, with nine Teams’ Championships, seven drivers’ titles and 114 Grand Prix wins.

    Williams are well into a rebuild phase under the ownership of Dorilton Capital and leadership of James Vowles and are set to finish an impressive fifth in the teams’ standings this year having scored 121 points to date, which is more than their tally accrued in the last seven seasons combined.

    In line with the introduction of sweeping new chassis and power unit rules next season, Williams have opted to revise their team name, which they say “connects the team’s glorious legacy to its bold and ambitious future” and team logo.

    The team say their existing “W” logo will be replaced by a 21st century reimagining of team founder Frank Williams’ famous ‘Forward W’ first introduced in our founding year of 1977.

    I am proud that from next year we will be known as Atlassian Williams F1 Team and carry a logo on our car inspired by our founder Sir Frank Williams and deeply connected with our decades of success. As a team we are inspired by our past but excited about our future and committed to writing a new Championship-winning chapter in Williams’ history. This evolved team identity reflects who we are, where we are going, and reintroduces our title-winning legacy to a growing F1 audience that was not following the sport when we were last dominant.
    Vowles on the news.

  • Camara steps up to F2 with Invicta

    Invicta Racing have confirmed the signing of the 2025 Formula 3 Champion Rafael Camara for the 2026 season, completing their line-up for next year.

    After a stellar campaign in F3, during which he achieved four victories, five pole positions and podiums in total on his way to winning the title with a round to spare, Camara will now step up to Formula 2 with Invicta.

    Camara graduates to the second tier with an impressive record in single seater racing having won the 2024 Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine and finished third in the Middle East equivalent that same year and in 2023 also.

    The Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy member will now step up to Formula 2 with Invicta, racing alongside Joshua Duerksen.

    I’m very proud to be joining Invicta Racing for my first season in Formula 2. Over the past few years, this team has become the top target for any driver who wants to race in F2 and has shown time and again that it knows how to develop young drivers. To follow Gabriel Bortoleto and Leonardo Fornaroli in making this step as Formula 3 Champion is a huge honour. After an incredible season in F3 this year, I feel ready for the next challenge, and I can’t wait to get started with the team.
    Camara on the news.

    We’re thrilled to welcome Rafael to Invicta Racing for 2026. At every stage of his career to date, he’s shown pace, consistency, and maturity, delivering outstanding results that really speak for themselves. To have the reigning Formula 3 champion join the team for a third consecutive season underlines our commitment to providing the very best young talent with a platform to perform at the highest level, and we’re very excited to see what Rafael can achieve next season.
    James Robinson, Invicta Racing Team Principal.

  • Aston Martin confirm Crawford as third driver

    Aston Martin have confirmed that Formula 2 Championship hopeful Jak Crawford will become their third driver for the 2026 Formula 1 season.

    Crawford has been a member of the team’s Young Driver Development Programme since 2024, accumulating over 2000km in Formula 1 machinery since then.

    The 20 year old took part in the end-of-season test in Abu Dhabi last year and made his Grand Prix weekend debut in Mexico City just a few weeks ago.

    Crawford is in the midst of a tightly fought Formula 2 title battle, sitting second in the Drivers’ Championship on 169 points – just 19 points behind leader, Leonardo Fornaroli heading into the final two rounds of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

    The young American is now set to take up a full-time Formula 1 role with Aston Martin, and expressed how delighted he was to be given the opportunity.

    I’m incredibly proud to be confirmed as the Third Driver for 2026. It’s a huge moment in my journey with Aston Martin Aramco and a big motivation to keep learning and contributing. Over the past two seasons, I’ve learned so much from being in the Formula 1 environment, both at the factory and trackside. I’ll be doing everything I can to support the team and continue developing as a driver.
    Crawford on the news.

    It is great to see Jak progress to become our Third Driver for 2026. Over the past two years, he has shown his value as a key member of our driver squad and built up a valuable bank of experience and test mileage. Jak has impressed in the simulator, having completed regular sessions at the AMR Technology Campus to support our race operations and car development. Jak’s performances in Formula 2 have also been outstanding, and we are excited to continue supporting his growth as he takes on a bigger role.
    Andy Cowell, Aston Martin Team Principal.

  • DAMS confirm driver for 2026

    Nandhavud Bhirombhakdi will be racing for DAMS Lucas Oil in the 2026 Formula 3 season, the team confirmed.

    The Thai driver graduating from karting in 2022 and achieved his first podium in single seaters in the next season on his debut in the Formula 4 CEZ Championship.

    Since then, Bhirombhakdi has competed in two seasons of the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine, achieving several points finishes in 2025.

    The 19 year old has spent the last few weeks taking part in the post-season tests in Jerez, Barcelona and Imola with DAMS and at the announcement talked about how happy he was to be joining the French team.

    I’m really excited to be joining DAMS Lucas Oil for the FIA F3 next year. I want to thank the team for giving me this opportunity and can’t wait to get started.
    Bhirombhakdi on the news.

    We are very pleased to welcome Jem to the DAMS Lucas Oil family. He’s shown great potential and a strong work ethic for his age. We look forward to supporting his progression as he takes on the challenges of FIA Formula 3 next season.
    Charles Pic, DAMS Lucas Oil Team Principal.

  • Jaguar TCS Racing confirm reserve roles

    Jaguar TCS Racing has today announced Stoffel Vandoorne will join the team as Reserve Driver for Season 12, alongside long-serving simulator and reserve driver Tom Dillmann.

    Vandoorne, the 2022 ABB FIA Formula E Drivers’ World Champion, joins the team after a year at Maserati MSG Racing.

    With more than 100 Formula E race starts to his name, the Belgian brings a wealth of experience and momentum from an impressive 2024/25 season – capped by his performance in Tokyo that lead Maserati to its sole victory in the GEN3 Evo era.

    His Formula E journey spans seven seasons and includes a standout rookie year with HWA Racelab, a three year tenure at Mercedes-EQ Formula E team, where he secured the Drivers’ world title and two seasons with DS PENSKE before his move to Maserati.

    He joins Tom Dillmann, Jaguar TCS Racing’s long-serving simulator and reserve driver, who enters his sixth year with the team. Together, Vandoorne and Dillmann will play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s technical development – contributing both on track and behind the scenes as they help develop a competitive GEN4 contender for the 2026/27 season.

    I’m thrilled to be joining Jaguar TCS Racing as reserve driver for the upcoming season. It’s a team I’ve long admired for its performance and professionalism, and I’m excited to contribute to their continued success. I’m looking forward to supporting the team both on and off the track and helping push the Jaguar I-TYPE 7 to its full potential.
    Vandoorne on the news.

    It’s a real pleasure to be continuing with Jaguar TCS Racing for my sixth season. Over the years, I’ve seen the team grow into a true championship contender, and I’m proud to have played a part in that journey. There’s a great energy heading into this season, and I’m looking forward to what we can achieve together.
    Dillman on the news.

    We’re proud to welcome Stoffel Vandoorne to Jaguar TCS Racing as our reserve driver for the upcoming season. Stoffel’s credentials speak for themselves – a former Drivers’ World Champion with over 100 race starts and a wealth of experience across seven seasons. We’re also glad to retain Tom Dillmann, who has been a hugely valuable member of Jaguar TCS Racing for the past six years. His dedication and technical expertise have played a key role in our development, and we’re grateful for his continued support as we prepare for Formula E’s most exciting era of racing yet.
    Ian James, Jaguar TCS Racing Team Principal.

  • Varrone joins Van Amersfoort Racing

    Van Amersfoort Racing have confirmed that Nicolas Varrone will be driving for the team in the 2026 Formula 2 season.

    The Argentine driver has been racing in sports cars since going over to Europe in 2018, and has won several trophies, including winning the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship and 24 Hours of Le Mans in the LMGTE Am class.
    Prior to that, he also finished third in the 2021 Le Mans Cup in the LMP3 class.

    Varrone now makes the switch to single seater racing, but does have previous experience in an F2 car having driven on the final day of post-season testing in Abu Dhabi last year.

    At the announcement, the 24 year old spoke of how excited he was at the chance to race with VAR in 2026.

    I’m super excited to be joining Van Amersfoort Racing for the 2026 F2 season. A very professional team with a lot of history and success. Can’t wait to get behind the wheel and start working with them. Thankful to everyone who believed in me all these years.
    Varrone on the news.

    We’re very pleased to welcome Nico to Van Amersfoort Racing for our 2026 FIA Formula 2 campaign. His experience and achievements in endurance racing, including his success at Le Mans, speak for themselves. Stepping into Formula 2 will be a new challenge, but with his talent and technical understanding, we’re confident he will adapt quickly to the environment. We’re looking forward to working with him and believe his arrival will bring great value to the team as we take on the season together.
    Brad Joyce, Van Amersfoort Racing Team Principal.

  • Duerksen signs for Invicta

    Invicta Racing have announced that Joshua Duerksen will be racing for the team in the 2026 Formula 2 season.

    Duerksen is set to return for a third season in the Championship, having achieved two victories and four podiums in his rookie campaign in 2024, finishing 10th in the standings with 87 points.

    So far this season through the first 12 rounds of his second year in F2, Duerksen has one win and five podiums in total.

    Prior to his stint in Formula 2, finished second in the 2019 Formula 4 UAE Championship and sixth in the 2020 ADAC F4 and 2021 Italian F4 seasons.

    I’m incredibly proud to be representing Invicta Racing and Paraguay for the 2026 Formula 2 season. The team has shown over several years that it’s one of the very best in the championship, and I’m excited to seize this huge opportunity. I’ve learned a lot during my time in F2 so far, and I feel ready to fight at the very front every weekend and to show what Paraguay is capable of. I’m really looking forward to starting work with everyone in the team, and I’m confident that we can achieve great things together next year.
    Duerksen on the news.

    Joshua has been one of the standout performers in Formula 2 over the past couple of seasons and we’re very excited to welcome him to Invicta Racing for 2026. He’s a proven race winner with not only the speed, but the mindset to fight at the sharp end of the grid. Joshua’s ability to extract performance under pressure and his commitment to constant improvement have immediately impressed us, and I’m confident that we will deliver some strong results together next year.
    James Robinson, Invicta Racing Team Principal.

  • Beganovic moves to DAMS for 2026

    DAMS Lucas Oil have announced their first driver signing of the 2026 season, with Dino Beganovic set to race for the team next year.

    Beganovic is in the midst of his first full campaign in Formula 2 and is currently eighth in the Drivers’ Standings with one victory and pole position, as well as four podiums in total.

    Prior to that, the Swede competed in the final two rounds of the 2024 F2 season with DAMS, achieving a third-place finish in the Yas Marina Sprint Race.

    The Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy member also achieved nine podiums, which included two wins during his two seasons in Formula 3.

    Beganovic also won the 2022 Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine after finishing third in the 2020 Italian F4 season.

    I’m extremely happy to return to DAMS Lucas Oil for another season in Formula 2. I felt an instant connection with the team last year — both on a professional and human level — and we showed great potential together, including a podium in Abu Dhabi. I’m grateful for the trust they’ve placed in me, and for the continued support from the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy. The goal now is to build on the progress we’ve made and fight consistently at the front.
    Beganovic on the news.

    We were impressed by Dino’s maturity and professionalism during his first outings with us. His work ethic, technical understanding and consistency perfectly match the values of our team. We’re thrilled to welcome him back for this next step in his career, and we’re confident we can achieve great things together.
    Charles Pic, DAMS Lucas Oil Team Owner.

  • Leon joins Campos Racing for 2026

    Campos Racing have confirmed the signing of Noel Leon for the 2026 Formula 3 season – completing their lineup for next year following the announcement of Nikola Tsolov.

    Leon steps up to F2 after two seasons in Formula 3, achieving six podiums across both campaigns and finishing 10th in the Drivers’ Championship as a rookie in 2024.

    Prior to that, the Mexican driver won the 2023 Euroformula Championship. He also took the 2019/20 NACAM Formula 4 Championship title and the 2021 US F4 Championship.

    Leon is now set to take the next step in his career by graduating to Formula 2 and at the announcement, he expressed his delight at being able to do so with Campos.

    It is an honor to take this important step in my career and join Campos Racing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship. I am truly grateful for the team’s trust and for the support of my sponsors, whose commitment has made this dream possible. Campos is a team with great history and experience, and I am fully committed to learning from them and giving my very best in this new chapter.
    Leon on the news.

    We are proud to welcome a driver of Noel’s caliber to our FIA Formula 2 team for 2026. His titles in junior single-seater categories speak for themselves, and I am convinced he has plenty to say in FIA Formula 2, even as a rookie. At Campos Racing, we will provide him with all the tools necessary to ensure his adaptation to the category is as quick and effective as possible.
    Adrian Campos Jr, Team Principal.

  • Pepe Marti joins CUPRA Kiro

    CUPRA Kiro is excited to announce that Spanish racing driver, Pepe Marti, will join the team for the upcoming 2025/26 FIA Formula E World Championship season.

    The 20 year old from Barcelona, Spain, joins CUPRA KIRO following a two-season spell in Formula 2, where he has established himself as one of the brightest young talents in single-seater motorsport.

    Marti started his single-seater career in 2021, finishing third in the F4 Championship and as the runner-up in the Formula Regional Asian Championship before stepping onto the Formula 1 support bill in FIA Formula 3 in 2022.

    After claiming three wins and four podiums in his second F3 season, Pepe graduated to FIA Formula 2 for 2024 and has since added four wins and eight podiums to his name.

    Managed by A14 Management, a driver development group co-founded by Fernando Alonso, Marti’s career has been defined by a clear statement of intent and trajectory of ambition, discipline and performance and aligns closely CUPRA KIRO’s ultimate competitive targets in Formula E.

    I’m very excited to join CUPRA KIRO for the 2025/26 Formula E season. Obviously, it will be my first time racing in the category, and I’ll be a rookie, but nonetheless, I’m looking forward to it. The team is coming into Season 12 off the back of a win in Jakarta, and I feel very motivated to get this new chapter started. With Dan [Ticktum] as my team-mate, I’ll have a lot to learn and catch up on at the beginning of the season, but my goal is to get up to speed, improve quickly and score points and hopefully get a couple of good results.
    Marti on the news.

    Welcoming Pepe to CUPRA KIRO marks an exciting new chapter for the team. Despite being just 20 years old, Pepe has shown exceptional levels of maturity, composure, and intelligence, which, when combined with his natural speed, makes him stand out as a top talent in modern motorsport. His decision to step away from Formula 2 and commit fully to our Formula E project is a real statement of intent, and not only validates our vision as a team, but shows belief in the future of the championship. His track record and drive align perfectly with our own goals, and together, we’re building something with long-term potential. I’m excited to see how our journey together unfolds over Season 12.
    Russell O’Hagan, Chief Operating Officer, CUPRA KIRO.

  • Hitech TGR confirm Colton Herta

    Hitech TGR have confirmed that Colton Herta will be racing for the team in the 2026 season.

    Herta joins the grid after seven full seasons in IndyCar where he achieved 19 podium finishes, which included nine victories as well as 16 pole positions and a best result of second overall in the 2024 season.

    Prior to that, the Cadillac F1 Team Test driver, finished third in the 2015 MSA Formula Championship and the 2016 Euroformula Open Championship.

    In addition to that, Herta also ended up second in the 2016 Spanish Formula 3 Championship. The American driver now returns to racing in Europe with Hitech and he is excited to get going in 2026.

    I’m incredibly excited to be joining Hitech for the 2026 FIA Formula 2 season. This is a big shift in my career, and I’m ready for the challenge. I’ve loved my time in IndyCar and I’m proud of everything I achieved, but the opportunity to race in F2 – to compete on the Formula 1 calendar, against some of the best young drivers in the world – was one I couldn’t pass up. I’ve always worked to keep the door to F1 open, and this move is part of that ultimate ambition. I know it won’t be easy – learning the car, the tyres, the tracks – but I’m approaching this with determination, focus, and a lot of motivation. My goal is to compete at the front, continue developing as a driver, and put myself in the best possible position for a future in Formula 1. Hitech has an excellent reputation and a proven track record, and I’m confident it’s the right environment for me to develop and perform. I want to thank them for believing in me and providing the platform to make this step.
    Herta on the news.

    We’re delighted to welcome Colton to the team for the 2026 Formula 2 season. He already brings a level of experience, professionalism, and talent that we’re typically used to nurturing in drivers as they progress through the junior categories. This is an exciting step for Colton, but also a challenging one. He’s stepping into a new racing environment that has very different formats, with high expectations, and a clear goal of progressing to F1. But his determination and commitment are impressive and we’re delighted to help maximise his potential during the 2026 season.
    Clive Hatton, Hitech TGR Team Manager.

  • CUPRA KIRO confirm Dan Ticktum

    CUPRA KIRO has confirmed Dan Ticktum will stay with the team through the 2025/26 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

    Ticktum enters his fifth season in Formula E after joining the grid from FIA Formula 2 in 2021.

    In the 2024/25 season, the 26 year old produced a breakthrough campaign which saw the Brit claim a landmark maiden podium in Tokyo, a maiden Julius Baer Pole Position in London and an unforgettable first victory in Jakarta.

    The upcoming 2025/26 season will mark Ticktum’s second with CUPRA KIRO and fifth overall with the Silverstone-based team, with the collaboration marking one of the longest active driver-team combinations on the grid.

    I am back. And I’m happy to be back. Season 11 was far more positive than any season before it. Last year we faced a big challenge to get everything in the right window as fast as we could, and with limited time, but we achieved that halfway through the season. I’m looking forward to building on that this year, and I think that if we can hit the ground running, we have a car that can be good enough to get more wins. My personal goal is a top five finish in the championship, but overall, I want to really enjoy the environment in the team. I love all of the people in this team, and I’m really looking forward to this season.
    Ticktum on the news.

    Continuing our relationship with Dan for Season 12 was the easiest decision we’ve had to make as a team. Since joining us in 2021, we’ve been very fortunate to watch him grow and transform into one of Formula E’s most gifted drivers. From securing his first victory in Jakarta to taking pole in London, Dan’s performances last season proved what we’ve always believed: that he has the makings of a World Champion. He has the drive, the instinct, and the pure talent to be the best, and we’re very proud, and very excited to continue our journey together in Season 12. I can’t wait to see what we can achieve!
    Russell O’Hagan, Chief Operating Officer, CUPRA KIRO.

  • Sanya returns to Formula E

    The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship will return to the vibrant coastal city of Sanya for Round 12 of Season 12 in June, marking the series’ first visit to the city since Season 5 (2018/19).

    Sanya joins Shanghai on the Season 12 calendar, with China now hosting two events in a single season – a clear reflection of the country’s strategic importance to Formula E and its longstanding place in the series’ history.
    It’s also a testament to China’s strong interest in Formula E, underlining the nation’s role as a key market and enthusiastic supporter of all-electric racing made possible through the support of the Government of Sanya, as well as trusted partners Sanya Lian Xin.

    Located on China’s Hainan Island, Sanya offers a unique blend of tropical scenery and a challenging street circuit layout, expected to deliver a unique racing experience for drivers and teams.
    As a city celebrated for its world-class tourism and positioned within the only free trade port with Chinese characteristics – the Hainan Free Trade Port – Sanya leverages Formula E as a global stage to showcase both its appeal to international visitors and its growing role as a hub for international business.

    China has played a pivotal role in the history of Formula E, having hosted the very first race of the Championship at the Beijing E-Prix in 2014.
    Since then, the series has raced in four different Chinese cities, including both Hong Kong and now Shanghai and Sanya. Across these eleven races, there have been ten different winners, showcasing the unpredictable and competitive nature of the Championship.

  • Russell & Antonelli confirmed as Mercedes line-up

    George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will form Mercedes’ Formula 1 driver line-up for the 2026 season, the team have announced.

    The eight-time World Champions have opted to stick with Russell and Antonelli, who are both products of the team’s junior programme and have guided the Silver Arrows to P2 in the Teams’ Championship with three race weekends to go.

    Russell was promoted to the works team in 2022, after three years at Williams, and has since clinched five Grands Prix wins, the latest of which came at Singapore.

    Next year will be his eighth in F1 and 10th campaign for Mercedes, having joined their junior programme in 2017.

    Rookie Antonelli has had some big peaks this year, including Sprint pole in Miami, a podium in Canada, where he became the youngest podium finisher in F1 history and podium in Sao Paulo, but also endured a difficult run through the European leg of the season.

    Confirming our driver line-up was always just a matter of when, not if. We wanted to take our time, handle the negotiations properly and make sure everyone, on all sides, was happy. I’m pleased we have done that. George and Kimi have proved a strong pairing and we’re excited to continue our journey together. Our focus is now on the final six races of the year, as we fight for second in the Constructors’, and onwards to 2026 and a new era in F1.
    Wolff on the news.

    I am really proud to be continuing our journey together. Next year will mark my 10th since I signed with Mercedes back in 2017. It has been such a long and successful partnership with the team so far and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead, particularly as we embark on one of the largest regulation changes in the sport’s history next year. We are all incredibly focused on making that a success and, for me personally, building on what has been my strongest season in F1 to date.
    Russell on the news.

    I’m super excited to be continuing with the team. I’ve learnt so much in my first season in F1, both in the good moments and the more challenging ones. Those have all made me stronger, not only as a driver but as a team mate too. I want to say thank you to Toto and everyone at Brackley and Brixworth for their continued support and faith in me. Our focus now is to finish this year strongly and secure second in the Constructors’ Championship, before we then turn our full attention to 2026. There’s plenty for us still to achieve in these final six races and we will be giving it our all.
    Antonelli on the news.

  • PREMA Racing confirm Louis Sharp for 2026

    PREMA Racing have confirmed that Louis Sharp will be driving for the team in 2026 – completing their driver lineup following the announcement of Enzo Deligny and James Wharton.

    Sharp is returning for a second campaign in Formula 3 after achieving several points finishes in his rookie season, on his way to finishing 26th in the Drivers’ Championship.

    Prior to that, the 18 year old achieved back-to-back title winning campaigns, securing both the 2023 British F4 and 2024 GB3 Championships.

    The New Zealand driver will now return for another season in F3, and at the announcement, Sharp spoke of his delight at the opportunity to race for PREMA.

    I’m very, very happy and excited for next season . PREMA has a very rich history of winning championships and developing drivers for Formula 1. To be able to say that I’m going to be a PREMA driver next year makes me proud, and already working with the team, I can see how motivated they are and how much they want to win. I’m really looking forward to having a strong season with them. I’m really proud to be here.
    Sharp on the news.

    We think Louis is a really promising racer. He achieved great success at a very young age and showed that there is more to come from him. We are confident he will merge with the team well from the start and that he will be a great fit with how we operate. He has the potential to achieve impressive results in his second year in the series, and we are determined to maximize that potential as soon as possible.
    Rene Rosin, PREMA Racing Team Principal.

  • Wharton moves to PREMA

    PREMA Racing have confirmed their second driver signing for the 2026 season, with James Wharton set to join the team.

    Wharton is returning for a second season in Formula 3, following a rookie campaign where he achieved victory in the Spielberg Sprint Race and finished 18th in the Drivers’ Championship.

    Prior to that, the Australian driver raced for PREMA for three years, finishing as the runner-up in the 2023 Euro 4 Championship and the 2024 Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine.

    In addition to that, Wharton won the 2023 Formula 4 UAE Championship. His Championship campaign included four wins and a total of eleven podiums across the 15 races.

    The 19 year old is now set for another stint with the Italian team, and speaking at the announcement, Wharton expressed his delight to be back with PREMA.

    Super excited to be back at my second home for the 2026 season. Going into testing is about getting comfortable with the car and back with the team, and to make full preparations to enter 2026 on the right foot and be able to start strong at home in Melbourne. I missed PREMA a lot. The family I have there is amazing, and everyone in the team is just exceptional people.
    Wharton on the news.

    We are extremely happy to welcome James back to PREMA. We really enjoyed working with him since his very first steps in motorsport. We are proud of his journey, and we truly believe in his potential. To have him on board for 2026 makes great sense, and we are looking forward to seeing what the season has in store for us.
    Rene Rosin, PREMA Racing Team Principal.

  • Mueller joins Wehrlein at Porsche

    Pascal Wehrlein will be joined by Nico Mueller at Porsche for Season 12 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

    The 33 year old Swiss driver Mueller moves from Porsche customer team Andretti to the Stuttgart-based sports car manufacturer’s factory Formula E team.

    He succeeds Antonio Felix da Costa, the Portuguese driver having contributed significantly to the success of the Porsche Formula E Team over three years.

    Wehrlein, Drivers’ World Champion for the 2023/24 season, has been part of the Porsche Formula E Team since August 2020.
    Mueller joined the factory driver line-up in August 2024 and competed last season as a regular driver in the Porsche 99X for Andretti.

    Both drivers have already been conducting development work in the simulator in recent weeks for Season 13, when the fourth generation of Formula E cars will debut.

    Preparations for the first drives at the end of the year are underway at the Porsche centre in Weissach. Parallel to the GEN4 development, Porsche is embarking on the final season with the current, third-generation car, which begins on December 6th with the opening race in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

    I’m incredibly proud of this step and thank Porsche Motorsport for their trust. My last season wasn’t easy, but it was all the more instructive – that motivates me tremendously to repay the team’s trust on the track. I’m looking forward to getting to know the team even more and I am convinced that Pascal and I will form a strong duo. I want to contribute as quickly as possible to helping the team build on its recent successes.
    Mueller on the news.

    I am delighted that we continue to have one of the strongest driver pairings in the field. Pascal is, of course, a well-known figure. Nico has been able to familiarise himself with the Porsche 99X Electric at Andretti during the previous season and is therefore well prepared when he gets into the factory car. Our goals for the upcoming season remain the same: We want to fight for all three titles at the finale in London next year.
    Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Porsche Motorsport.