Jordan's Track Talk

Category: 2026

  • Felbermayr returns with Audi

    Emma Felbermayr will contest her sophomore F1 Academy campaign, with the Austria racer representing Audi on the 2026 grid.

    Felbermayr is returning after finishing 10th in the Standings in a promising rookie season.
    Achieving six points scoring finishes, she delivered her maiden win in Montreal Race 2.

    She also competed in Spanish F4 and has made a three round appearance in the UAE4 Series in preparation for her second F1 Academy season.

    Inducted as the newest member of the Audi Driver Development Programme, she will benefit from the programme’s resources and expertise covering on track performance and driving and engineering development, through to human performance and media and marketing.

    The 19 year old will compete Rodin Motorsport’s lineup alongside McLaren’s Ella Lloyd and Ella Steven in the McLaren Oxagon car.

    Continuing in F1 ACADEMY and to now do so as an official Audi Revolut F1 Team driver is a huge honour. To be associated with a brand that has such an incredible motorsport history, and one that supported icons like Michèle Mouton and Rahel Frey, is truly inspiring. I am grateful for the trust being placed in me and can’t wait to sport the Audi colours on the grid, as I continue my journey in the series with Rodin Motorsport. My goal is to represent the brand with pride, build on what I learned last season, and fight for strong results.
    Felbermayr on the news.

    We are delighted to officially welcome Emma Felbermayr to the Audi Revolut F1 Team family. Her performance and dedication in her debut F1 ACADEMY season were impressive, and we see great potential for her future. Supporting female talent is a key priority for our F1 operations, and it is a source of pride for us to continue the legacy of strong female drivers who have succeeded with the Four Rings. We look forward to seeing Emma carry our colours on the grid in 2026.
    Allan McNish, Director of the Audi Driver Development Programme.

  • R4 – Jeddah E-Prix

    After Nyck de Vries sticken Mahindra was removed from the initial grid line-up the pack fired away to Turn 1 with Edo Mortara bogging down in a huge burnout – losing P1 immediately as the front-runners swamped the Swiss’ car.

    Guenther happily accepted the invite to take the lead into Turn 1 while Nato, Barnard and Wehrlein followed – Mortara finding himself fifth just ahead of the second Porsche of Nico Mueller.

    A full course yellow followed on Lap 2 after Pepe Marti swept across the nose of the unfortunate Zane Maloney – whole Lola Yamaha ABT came off worst, with race-ending damage requiring a safety car.

    Lap 4 and we were green and racing again with Guenther leading the field away.
    Wehrlein managed to make some forward progress with a move on Barnard for third heading down to the final chicane at the end of that lap on the restart.

    Nato swept into the lead on Lap 6 and from there, the race settled into a fast-paced rhythm with energy becoming less critical thanks to the Safety Car.

    Wehrlein pinched second from Guenther into the Bus Stop chicane on Lap 14 as the field compressed to within 7.5 seconds, and the PIT BOOST window approached.

    The Porsche driver then hit the front at Turn 13 with the pace picking up. Guenther was the first to jump for his mandatory 50kW, all wheel drive Attack Mode boost on Lap 15.

    The end of Lap 16 saw another half dozen to take to the pits for their stop. As it stood on Lap 17, Barnard looked to be the provisional leader – though two thirds of the pack were yet to take to the pit lane.

    Out front, Wehrlein and Guenther were scrapping for P1, with Guenther making it by as Wehrlein slipped into the pits for his PIT Boost stop at the end of Lap 18.

    The provisional lead, of those who’d stopped, switched hands to Jake Dennis – with Barnard jumping for Attack Mode. However, when it all shook out, it was Guenther who was able to retain the lead – Porsche’s Wehrlein second and yet to take Attack.

    The German made than advantage count as he activated his 50kW, all-wheel drive boost to pass Guenther on Lap 20.

    That early jump for Attack cost Guenther – with the German sliding further down the order as Dennis and da Costa made it by for second and third, then Ticktum making it through for fourth on Lap 22.

    Ticktum defended hard to fend off Barnard but with the DS on Attack Mode, the Brit was powerless – Barnard making it by for fourth across the start/finish on Lap 23.

    Wehrlein drew out a five-second lead on Dennis with da Costa, Barnard, Ticktum and Guenther the top six as it stood on that lap.

    Barnard made it by Nato for third at the hairpin despite running in that standard 300kW mode – the latter having made his way up the order in Attack on Lap 25.

    Lap 26 saw Mortara making use of his late Attack Mode activation – slicing by Nato for fifth and Barnard for fourth. Come Turn 13 and the Mahindra driver had recovered to second spot – hunting Wehrlein, who was some seven seconds clear out front.

    A late Attack looked to be the way forward. Evans was next to slice through the field – making it as far as third come Lap 28.

    Cassidy was next to move but could only make it as far as sixth spot at the end of his 50kW boost on Lap 31.

    Wehrlein had it all in hand in P1, with Mortara held at arm’s length as the German took the chequered flag.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Wehrlein, P2: Mortara, P3: Evans, P4: Mueller, P5: Da Costa, P6: Cassidy, P7: Buemi, P8: Vergne, P9: Dennis and P10: Barnard.

  • Dobson to represent AMEX

    Ava Dobson will take on her rookie F1 Academy season this year, with the 17 year old competing for the series’ Official Partner American Express.

    Awarded the Parella Motorsport Holdings Powering Diversity Scholarship in 2023, the American racer made her single-seater debut in the Formula 4 United States Championship.

    Dobson gained further experience with appearances in the USF Juniors and USF2000 Championship that same year.

    Transitioning over to racing in Europe, Dobson contested two rounds of the 2024 GB4 Championship before returning for a full campaign the following year.
    Claiming her maiden podium at Donnington Park, she finished the 2025 season as the highest scoring female driver.

    Dobson becomes the fourth Wild Card driver to progress to the 2026 grid after making her F1 Academy debut on home soil during Round 3 in Miami last May.

    I am really excited to be going with F1 ACADEMY this year with American Express. I’m truly super honoured to be chosen to race in the series and having an amazing partnership with American Express. I can’t wait to continue to build off of that throughout the whole year and work really hard with the team, and with American Express to be the best we can be.
    Dobson on the news.

  • Williams show off their new 2026 livery

    Williams have revealed the striking blue livery that will adorn their 2026 Formula 1 challenger.

    Team Principal James Vowles and his race drivers, Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon unveiled the new look to their 1,200 strong workforce at Grove.

    The FW48’s lead colour is vibrant gloss blue and is contrasted with a slowing section of black that sweeps from the chassis side through the rear of the car.

    There’s a red and white keyline, which was a feature of the championship-winning Williams cars like Nigel Mansell’s FW14B and Damon Hill’s FW18, the latter of which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

    The biggest tweak to the design sees the addition of white across the sidepod, front wing and rear wing.

    The car also features a suite of new sponsors, including the addition of Barclays, the bank of which founder Sir Frank Williams was a customer and which provided the team with banking services for many years.

    The iconic British team are looking to make another step forward in their quest to return to the sharp end of the field after securing a superb fifth-placed finish in the Teams’ Championship in 2025.

    2026 is the next step on the path back towards the top for Atlassian Williams F1 Team as we enter a new era for the sport, and we are excited about the season ahead. We have a great driver line up, some fantastic new partners, an ever-growing fanbase and want to build on the success we tasted last year, but we are not naïve about the challenge ahead of us. Nobody quite knows what will happen at the first race but we are looking forward to finding out, and hope our fans will love cheering us on with this great new livery.
    James Vowles on the news.

    It’s always special to see a new livery for the first time and the FW48 looks incredible. The design really stands out – it’s bold, modern and unmistakably Atlassian Williams F1 Team. I can’t wait for the fans to see it on track and cheer us on in 2026.
    Albon added.

    The FW48 is a real statement of our intent for 2026. The design celebrates Atlassian Williams F1 Team’s heritage while embracing a fresh, dynamic look for the new era. I’m excited to race in this livery and to share the thrill with fans around the world – their support makes all the difference as we continue on our journey together.
    Sainz added too.

  • Doohan joins Haas as reserve

    Haas have signed former Alpine driver, Jack Dohhan as one of their reserve drivers for the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 campaign.

    Doohan, son of five-time 500cc motorcycling World Champion Mick, was Alpine reserve in 2023 and 2024 before getting a seven-race stint as a race driver – beginning with the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the opening six races of 2025.

    The Australian subsequently reverted to the reserve role for the remainder of last year’s campaign, having been replaced by Franco Colapinto, before parting ways with the Enstone-based team last month.

    Ahead of the start of official pre-season testing, Haas announced Doohan would join Japanese racer, Ryo Hirakawa as the American team’s reserve drivers.

    I’m thrilled to be joining TGR Haas F1 Team. It’s the ideal place to continue my Formula 1 career. I would like to thank the team for giving me the opportunity to grow and take on the great challenge of 2026 together. I’m eager to begin working with the team and collaborating on a successful season.
    Doohan on the news.

    I’m personally very excited to have Jack join us on the team given the strength of his racing resume and of course his experience in being a reserve driver in Formula 1. The dedication required to remain sharp and prepared to race while getting to know how the team works and so on, it’s challenging for any driver – especially one who’s obviously still very keen to race again at this level. I’ve enjoyed getting to know Jack and we’re looking forward to welcoming him into the team and benefiting from his contributions.
    Ayao Komatsu, Haas Team Principal.

  • Vesti confirmed as Mercedes third driver

    Fred Vesti has been confirmed as Mercedes’ Third Driver for the 2026 season, with the Dane admitting that he is “extremely excited” to make the step up after working with the team for the past few years.

    Having first joined the Mercedes Junior Programme back in 2021, Vesti went on to become a reserve driver for the team from 2025 onwards, a role which has seen him participate in FP1 sessions and undertake a vast amount of simulator work.

    During the Silver Arrows’ 2026 launch event – where he joined George Russell and Kimi Antonelli as the W17 car was formally introduced – it was announced that the 24 year old is set to become the third driver for the season ahead, a progression that he is hoping will bring him even closer to joining the grid.

    The news comes after the exit of former reserve driver Valtteri Bottas, who makes his return to the grid this season with Cadillac.

    I’m extremely excited to be joining the team, George and Kimi trackside more often this year as Third Driver. That’s going to be very cool for me. I’ve worked with this team for five years now, so to step up even closer to my dream of racing in Formula 1, that’s a huge privilege. And obviously I’ve been working so hard on this car, W17, with everyone in Brackley, so to get to see it around the world and with F1 is going to be very special.
    Vesti on the news.

  • Button joins AM as Team Ambassador

    F1 World Champion, Jenson Button is joining Aston Martin as Team Ambassador ahead of the 2026 season, the Silverstone-based squad have announced.

    Button, who previously carried out a similar role at Williams, will support Aston Martin’s media, partner and commercial activities in a multi-year agreement, bringing a “unique blend of credibility, global recognition and storytelling power to the role”.

    Button’s career spanned almost two decades, covering stints at Williams, Benetton, Renault, BAR/Honda, Brawn GP and McLaren – the Briton claiming 15 Grand Prix victories and the 2009 world title.

    After his time in F1, Button went on to contest and win the Super GT Championship in Japan with Honda, who have become Aston Martin’s engine partners for 2026 and beyond.

    Button will also reunite with two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso, the pair having been McLaren team mates during the 2015 and 2016 seasons.

    Joining Aston Martin Aramco during such a transformative time in the team and the sport’s history is really exciting for me. Honda’s new works partnership with the team was a huge draw and I look forward to bringing my years of experience working with them to my new role as ambassador. The 2026 season is going to be fascinating and being part of such an ambitious team is a real opportunity. I can’t wait for Melbourne!
    Button on the news.

    Jenson is one of the most respected figures in modern Formula 1 and we are delighted to welcome him to Aston Martin Aramco as Team Ambassador. He brings World Championship pedigree, deep experience with Honda, and an outstanding ability to connect with fans and partners around the world. As we enter the sport’s defining new era in 2026, Jenson’s insight and presence will be a valuable asset as we continue building this team for long-term success.
    Jefferson Slack, Managing Director of Commercial at Aston Martin’s F1 Team.

  • DAMS completes F3 grid

    DAMS Lucas Oil have signed Gerrard Xie for the 2026 season, completing the team’s line up and the FIA Formula 3 grid for the upcoming year.

    Xie, who competed in his maiden season in the Championship last year, joins Nicola Lacorte and Nandhavud Bhirombhakdi at the French team.

    The Chinese driver claimed the 2022 Chinese F4 title before moving through to GB3 and eventually FIA F3 in 2025.

    Xie said he was happy to be at DAMS for his second season in F3 and excited to begin working with the team.

    Joining DAMS Lucas Oil for 2026 is a great opportunity for me. DAMS Lucas Oil is a highly respected team with a strong history in single-seaters. I’m looking forward to working closely with everyone and giving my very best throughout the season.
    Xie on the news.

    We are very happy to welcome Gerrard Xie to DAMS Lucas Oil for 2026. We are confident that our environment and our approach will enable us to support him effectively in developing the potential he showed last season, in the same category.
    Charles Pic, DAMS Team Owner.

  • Audi sign Slater as first driver to their development programme

    Rising star Freddie Slater has become the first recruit of the Audi F1 Team’s new Driver Development Programme.

    The British racer will compete in F3 this season with Trident Motorsport, under the guidance of Audi’s new journey academy run by former F1 driver Allan McNish, following a stellar rise through the motorsport ranks.

    He followed up major championship wins in karting with the UAE and Italian F4 Championship titles. Last year, he won the Formula Regional European Championship (FRECA) in his rookie campaign.

    Audi say Slater’s signing reinforces their “strategic focus on youth and long-term planning, laying the foundation for a competitive team and aiming to cultivate the champions of tomorrow”.

    It’s an incredible honour to be the first driver selected for the Audi Driver Development Programme. Audi is a brand with a legendary motorsport history, and to have their trust and support at this crucial stage of my career is a dream come true. Joining forces with a respected team like Trident Motorsport for Formula 3 and having the backing of Audi Revolut F1 Team is a massive opportunity. I am fully focused on working hard and making the most of this pivotal step towards my goal of reaching Formula 1.
    Slater on the news.

    In Freddie, we see the immense potential of a future star. His track record is remarkable, but more importantly, he possesses the focus, determination, and willingness to learn that are essential for reaching the pinnacle of our sport. He is the ideal candidate to be the first signing of the Audi Driver Development Programme, and we are committed to providing him with the tools, mentorship, and support he needs to succeed as he steps up to Formula 3 with Trident Motorsport. This is the first step in building our future on and off the track.
    McNish added.

  • Alpine unveil new car for 2026

    Alpine have pulled the covers off their 2026 F1 car, the A526, during a launch event in Barcelona.

    Two days on from the challenger getting its first track running as part of a filming day at Silverstone, Alpine gave fans a look at their new machine and its livery for the upcoming campaign.

    As in recent years, the Enstone based team have continued with their distinctive blue and pink colour scheme as they prepare to go racing in a season that will feature a wave of new technical regulations.

    Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto remain as the team’s driver line-up while the leadership team features Managing Director Steve Nielsen – who joined in September and Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore.

    The team will be hoping to make major strides forward following a tough 2025 season that saw them finish last in the Constructors’ Standings with just 22 points, 48 behind their nearest rival Kick Sauber.

    They elected to switch their focus to developing the 2026 challenger at an early stage to prepare for both the new regulations and the major change in power unit from Renault to Mercedes, leaving Gasly and Colapinto with plenty to adjust to ahead of the first race.

    Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for BWT Alpine Formula One Team. It is with great pleasure to begin our season here in Barcelona with our partner MSC Cruises on board the MSC World Europa as we prepare for what will undoubtedly be a unique season in Formula One history, not least for us with the new technical regulations, which offer a clean sheet of paper and a great opportunity for us to be more competitive than previous campaigns. It has been a relentless few months at the Enstone factory in preparation for the season, designing and creating the A526, together with Mercedes-AMG who will supply the new power unit and gearbox from this season; a partnership we are very much excited about. To be joined by so many of our partners including title partner BWT, our hosts MSC Cruises and premium partner Eni at this event, where we unveil our livery, is just fantastic. I thank them all, both new partners, and existing ones, for their commitment to the team, especially after our challenges on track last year
    Briatore on the launch.

  • Ferrari reveal SF-26

    Ferrari have pulled the wraps off their latest Formula 1 car ahead of the 2026 season.

    Built to all-new regulations, the SF-26 will be driven by continuing team mates Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, while Fred Vasseur remains in the Team Principal role.

    Ferrari are no doubt hoping the car can end a championship drought that stretched almost two decades to 2008, when they won the Teams’ title – with 2007 marking their last Drivers’ crown courtesy of Kimi Raikkonen.

    2026 for sure will be a very exciting season. It’s probably the biggest change in the regulations of F1 over the last 25 years. We are changing the chassis, the engine, the battery, the tyres, the sporting regulations. It means that the approach is a bit different. We have to start from scratch on every single topic. The launch of the season is always exciting, but I think this one is particularly exciting. We put a lot of energy, time and effort on the 2026 project. We started one year ago. But what is exciting in the new regulations is that everybody probably took a different direction, different path. We will have to be very open-minded at the beginning of the season to react to every single circumstance. This is very important to have stability into the organisation, to have a good group of people used to working together with the same focus. It will be key for the season.
    Vasseur on the news.

  • Audi announce Driver Development Programme

    Audi have announced the launch of their driver development programme ahead of the manufacturer’s first season as a works team in Formula 1, with the initiative set to be directed by former F1 driver Allan McNish.

    Identified as a key part of the team’s strategy to build a competitive Formula 1 team by investing in young talent on and off the track, the programme will scout and support promising young drivers from karting and junior formula series, providing a clear path to the top of motorsport.

    Members of the Driver Development Programme will receive world-class training and mentorship as part of bespoke programme, covering various aspects from on track performance and driving and engineering development, through to human performance and media and marketing.

    McNish brings a wealth of experience to his role with the programme. Along with his racing background – which includes an F1 stint with Toyota in 2002 and three 24 Hours of Le Mans victories – the Scot has worked in team management roles and has held a long-standing relationship with the Audi brand.

    To be entrusted with finding the cornerstones of the future Audi Revolut F1 Team is a great honour and a responsibility I am very passionate about. This brand is built on a history of ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’, and that philosophy must apply to our young drivers as much as to our cars. We are not just looking for raw speed; we are looking for the resilience, intelligence, and team-driven mindset that defines a future Audi champion. Our goal is to build a pathway that turns potential into precision and performance on the world stage. I am thrilled to begin this work and identify the first generation of talent to join this ambitious project.
    McNish on the news.

    Investing in the champions of tomorrow is a key pillar of our Formula 1 strategy. The Audi Driver Development Programme is a clear statement of our long-term commitment to youth and our ambition to be competitive. With Allan McNish, we have a director who not only has an incredible track record in motorsport but also embodies the spirit and dedication of our operations. Under his leadership, this programme will be integral to our vision for 2030, our goal of building a winning team and shaping the future of Audi in Formula 1.
    Jonathan Wheatley, Team Principal of Audi.

  • Mercedes reveal W17

    Mercedes have revealed the first images of their 2026 challenger, which features a revised livery in their iconic silver and black colours.

    The Silver Arrows, who fought back to finish second in the Teams’ Championship last year, will run an unchanged line up of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli this season.

    The W17, like all its rivals, will be smaller, narrower and lighter than its predecessor as it has been designed and built to sweeping new aerodynamic regulations.

    The team will be heading to Bahrain for official pre-season testing with two three-day tests planned for teams to refine their cars and start to chase performance before the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

    Formula 1 will undergo significant change in 2026, and we are prepared for that transition. The new regulations demand innovation and absolute focus across every area of performance. Our work on the new car, and the long-term development of the Power Unit and advanced sustainable fuels with Petronas, reflects that approach. Releasing the first images of the W17 is simply the next step in that process.”It represents the collective, sustained effort of our teams in [their Power Unit base in] Brixworth and [chassis base in] Brackley. We will continue to push hard in the months ahead.
    Wolff on the new car.

  • Audi reveal their new car for 2026

    Audi have revealed their first-ever Formula 1 car with a stunning launch event at Kraftwerk Berlin.

    The German manufacturer, who first announced their intention to enter F1 back in August 2022, will make their Grand Prix debut in Australia with a machine that will be powered by their inaugural F1 Power Unit.

    Audi had opted to mark their arrival as a full works Formula 1 team with a spectacular event at a historic power station in the German capital.

    Audi CEO Gernot Dollner was joined by Head of Audi F1 project Mattia Binotto, Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley and team drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto who race together last season.

    Audi has enjoyed immense success in other motorsport, unveiled the R26 that featured a striking titanium, carbon fibre and lava red livery first teased at a launch event in Munich last November.

    Veteran Hulkenberg teams up with Bortoleto for a second campaign together. The pair dovetailed well as a partnership last year with Hulkenberg scoring his maiden podium and Bortoleto taking five points finishes in his rookie year.

    Today marks more than a launch; it marks the public declaration of a new era for Audi. Formula 1 is the most demanding stage in the world of motorsport, and we are here not just to compete, but to define the future of ‘Vorsprung durch Technik.’ This project is a catalyst for our entire company, a symbol of our transformation towards a more performance-driven, efficient, and innovative culture. Our philosophy is one of absolute, long-term commitment. We understand that success in Formula 1 demands relentless perseverance and Audi Revolut F1 Team is not here to make up the numbers; we aim to be fighting for the World Championship by 2030.
    Dollner on the Audi project.

  • Haas show off their new livery

    Haas have unveiled their 2026 Formula 1 challenger, and a striking white and red livery in a series of digital renders on social media.

    The American team have stuck to their traditional approach of launching online before revealing their machine when it first hits the race track – rather than a bespoke event.

    Haas will run an unchanged line-up of Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman for their 11th season in Formula 1, with Ayao Komatsu continuing to lead the operation as team principal.

    Their reveal offered another glimpse into what we can expect from Formula 1’s sweeping new chassis and power unit rules that will feature smaller and lighter race cars with engines that have a 50-50 power split between fuel and electric and run advanced sustainable fuel.

    The revised livery, which is predominantly white, also features increased branding from Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR), who have expanded their collaboration with the team into a title partnership for 2026.

    Like all teams, we’ve faced the challenge of competing in 2025 while looking to design and now build these new-regulation entries for the 2026 season. The pre-season will be crucial to understand what these cars are capable of and how the drivers, engineers and teams in general adapt to them. We at least have continuity in terms of the drivers, with Ollie [Bearman] and Esteban [Ocon], as well as in our design and engineering teams. Last season’s competition in the midfield was of an exceptionally high standard, it was tough, and we need to go out again and continue to develop – both on and off-track.
    Gene Haas on the new car.

    It feels almost a bit surreal to be unveiling a new car this early in the year but it’s not any less exciting venturing into a new F1 campaign – especially one with such a change in regulations. We’re fully focused on being ready for Shakedown Week in Barcelona. It’s been a monumental effort from everyone on the team to work with such a tight turnaround time from the end of last season to putting cars on track in January. It goes without saying that after so much talk, we can’t wait to see how these cars will perform and what we’ll face as we then progress through our test programs ahead of Australia.
    Komatsu added.

  • Williams confirm Browning as Reserve Driver

    Williams have announced that Luke Browning will act as their Formula 1 Reserve Driver for 2026, while also switching from Formula 2 to the Japanese Super Formula Championship.

    British racer Browning, 23, takes on the role following a trophy-filled first full F2 season in 2025, having secured a victory and eight more podium finishes en route to fourth in the standings.

    As well as being on Standby to race, Browning will help to develop Williams’ new car through data analysis and simulator work, while providing support to regular drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz.

    Browning’s duties will be combined with a driver for the Team Kondo Racing team in Super Formula – Japan’s premier single-seater racing series.

    I’m incredibly excited to be stepping up as Reserve Driver with Atlassian Williams F1 Team this year. The Academy has been instrumental in my growth, supporting me through both Formula 3 and Formula 2 while giving me the chance to get up to speed with modern F1 machinery through testing and FP1 sessions. I look forward to working alongside Alex and Carlos to drive the team forward in this new era for Formula 1. I’m also happy to confirm that 2026 will be my rookie season in Super Formula. This will be a completely new challenge, and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in! As my next step up towards a full-time Formula 1 seat, this gives me another chance to show how I’ve developed on track and continue to build my skills in a new environment and culture.
    Browning on the news.

    It’s a proud moment to see Luke stepping into the Reserve Driver role from 2026. He has made immense progress since he joined the Academy in 2023 and has supported the team’s journey back towards the front of the grid through his involvement in simulator and FP1 work, which has been invaluable as we enter this new era of regulations. His Super Formula campaign will allow him to gain more on-track experience and continue his growth as a driver, and we look forward to seeing him back on track as he enters this next stage of his racing career.
    James Vowles, Williams Team Principal on the news.

  • R3 – Miami E-Prix

    With wet weather making an appearance in Miami and no wet track-time so far, the race got underway behind the Safety Car.

    The pack formed up after five laps under caution for a standing start, with the leaders scrabbling through Turn 1.

    Mueller led away with Drugovich immediately jumping for the first of his two 50kW, all wheel driver Attack Mode boosts and back into P1 just a few corners later in tricky, damp conditions.

    Mueller and de Vries followed suit with Attack a lap later and Eriksson and Wehrlein on Lap 8. The former pair hit the front on Lap 9 with their Attack Mode spells overlapping Drugovich’s.

    The lead changed hands again on Lap 11, with Andretti’s Brazilian driver slicing by de Vries’ Mahindra for P2 with Porsche’s Nico Mueller still out-front. A couple of laps later and Drugovich was P1, moving by Mueller in Sector 1.

    Conditions were super tough and slick with grip hard to come by. Da Costa was next of the leaders to jump for Attack – and quickly set about moving his Jaguar into the top three on Lap 17 in all-wheel driver.

    Second became first out of the final turn for the Portuguese with a minute of his first Attack Mode remaining.
    Evans followed his teammate’s lead and took his first dose of Attack Mode to clamber into third from the back end of the top 10.

    At the hairpin, Mueller moved back into the lead of the race and held track position through Turn 1 of the next lap to keep da Costa at bay as the Portuguese battled his teammate for second.
    Evans managed to sweep around the outside of Turn 1 on lap 26 to take P2 and set about Mueller.

    That wouldn’t last, though as Drugovich clipped and spun da Costa as the rain began to fall more heavily – tumbling the Portuguese down to sixth and Drugovich into the pits for repairs and entirely out of contention.

    At the end of Lap 27, Evans then sold Mueller the dummy to steal the race lead through the final couple of corners – some move – with de Vries now sitting third.

    Evans had pulled a 1.5 second lead come lap 30 over Mueller and De Vries. The whole pack were yet to take their second Attack Mode activation, though, so all was liable to change.

    Wehrlein was the first of the top 10 to leap through the activation loop for his second Attack. Four minutes of that 50kW, all-wheel drive surge. Mueller countered on lap 34 to cover him off as Wehrlein took P3 with Mueller moving into second.

    The top 10: P1: Evans, P2: Mueller, P3: Wehrlein, P4: Eriksson, P5: De Vries, P6: Mortara, P7: Buemi, P8: Da Costa, P9: Marti and P10: Dennis.

  • Racing Bulls reveal 2026 livery

    Racing Bulls have become one of the first F1 teams to launch their livery for the 2026 season, with the design being unveiled at a special event in Detroit.

    Held at the iconic Central Michigan train station, the launch saw both Racing Bulls and Red Bull reveal their liveries in the city known as the United States home of Ford, with the 2026 season marking the first in which Red Bull Ford Powertrain will act as power unit manufacturer for both teams.

    Driver Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad helped to reveal the livery of the 2026 challenger at the event, with 1,500 guests in attendance while fans followed the action through the livestream.

    Following the popularity of the squad’s all-white look in 2025, the team have again opted for a similar look, along with adding sleek blue accents along the contours of the chassis in a nod to the new partnership with Ford.

    This launch captures the evolution of Visa Cash App Racing Bulls as a brand and as a racing team. From having Detroit as a backdrop representing our partnership with Ford, to the creators, fans and communities we’ve brought into this launch, everything reflects our ambition to stand for being a culture-first team. We want to connect with the next generation in a way that feels authentic, bold and inclusive, and this moment marks the continuation of what we do both on and off the track.
    CEO, Peter Bayer.

    2026 represents one of the biggest technical changes Formula 1 has seen, and partnering with Ford at the very start of this journey is hugely significant for us. The Red Bull Ford Powertrains project brings together world -class engineering, innovation and racing DNA, and it puts us in a strong position as the sport enters this new era. We have been working closely together and are proud of what the Red Bull family have developed. It’s something we’re excited to have in our race car as we hit the track in the coming weeks.
    Team Principal, Alan Permane.

  • Red Bull unveil new livery

    Red Bull have unveiled their striking new livery for the 2026 Formula 1 season with an impressive event held in Michigan Central Station.

    The Milton Keynes based team showcased their new look at a glittering reveal in Detroit, home of Ford who they are partnering with to create their first ever Formula 1 Power Unit, as Red Bull pilot Martin Sonka produced a remarkable stunt with his plane tearing the sheet off the car.

    Their new livery marks a return to the gloss finish first seen when the energy drinks firm made their debut in the sport back in 2005.

    The 2026 look for the RB22 features a “heritage white base” that the team said will “provide more depth and clarity and allow the iconic sun and bull logo to pop”.

    Four time world champion, Max Verstappen will be joined by Isack Hadjar, who steps up from sister team Racing Bulls, this season.
    The duo will be looking to return the World Championship to Red Bull, who last won the Teams’ Championship in 2023.

    Red Bull fought back to secure third in the Teams’ Championship last year, with Verstappen delivering an incredible late burst to challenge for the drivers’ title until the final race in Abu Dhabi.

  • Gademan continues with Alpine

    Nina Gademan will be returning for a sophomore F1 Academy season after Alpine confirmed that the Dutch driver is to continue representing the team in 2026.

    The 22 year old enjoyed a strong rookie season, scoring her first win on home soil in Zandvoort alongside three further podium finishes in Montreal and Las Vegas, she finished sixth in the Standings.

    Racing with compatriots MP Motorsport for the upcoming season, Gademan is confident that their partnership can drive both forward to challenge for the top step.

    I’m really happy to be part of the MP Motorsport family for next year. They have been strong performers in F1 ACADEMY from the start, and it’s always an advantage to race with your home team. With the experience and circuit knowledge that I gained this year, I feel that I am ready to challenge for more wins and the title in 2026. The team and I aim to use the winter ahead to fully prepare ourselves for the season kick-off at Shanghai in March, when I hope you will see me fighting right at the front.
    Gademan on the news.

  • Alpine part ways with Doohan

    Alpine have announced that they are parting ways with Jack Doohan ahead of the 2026 season, ending a whirlwind experience for the Australian at the team.

    Doohan, son of five-time 500cc motorcycling World Champion Mick, joined Alpine Academy in 2022, before taking on reserve driver duties for 2023 and classifying third in that year’s F2 Championship.

    An unexpected debut came at the end of the 2024 season in Abu Dhabi, when Alpine split with Esteban Ocon a round early, before the youngster was given the chance to step up full time for the 2025 season.

    However, Doohan’s time alongside Pierre Gasly lasted just six rounds, with Alpine – following several waves of speculator and media reports – deciding to bring in former Williams super-sub Franco Colapinto as his replacement.

    While the change was initially described as a seat rotation, Alpine stuck with Argentinian racer for the rest of the season, while Doohan – demoted to test and reserve duties – watched from the sidelines.

    Doohan’s next move is yet to be announced, though he was seen testing Super Formula machinery in the closing months of 2025.

    BWT Alpine Formula One Team confirms it has reached a mutual agreement with Jack Doohan to not continue his driving services with the team for the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship season and allow him to pursue other career opportunities. Jack became the first member of the Alpine Academy to graduate into a race seat with the team when he made his Grand Prix debut at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The team would like to thank Jack for his commitment and professionalism to the team for the past four years, both on and off track, and wishes him all the best for the future.
    Alpine’s statement.

  • Robertson steps up to F1 Academy

    F1 Academy Official Partner PUMA have announced that Rachel Robertson will be representing them on the grid this season.

    The Scottish racer is set to step up to the series full-time, after a strong debut at the Las Vegas season finale, where she scored a P4 finish in Race 1.

    Robertson began competitively karting in 2022, before moving up to the British Kart Championships the following year.
    In 2024, she achieved multiple top 10 results in the Senior Rotax Class in the 2024 BKC and was the only female driver to compete in that category.

    Beating out more than 50 other young drivers, Robertson was selected for a factory drive with Radical Motorsport for the 2025 Radical Cup UK season, going on to score a top-three finish in the Standings.
    Invited to participate in the inaugural F1 Academy Rookie Test, the 18 year old clocked in top-five times across both sessions at the Circuito de Navarra.

    I’m incredibly excited to be joining F1 ACADEMY with PUMA for 2026. It’s been an amazing journey to get here, just three years ago I was coming off my novice kart plates, having only got into the sport after persuading my dad to take me indoor rental karting. So much hard work has gone into this from my family and so many amazing people, and I’m hugely grateful for everything. I love that PUMA is the fastest sports brand in the world and that it represents being brave and true to yourself. That’s exactly what I want to be this year.
    Robertson on the news.

  • Williams confirm Martins for Test & Development Driver

    Williams have announced that their Driver Academy graduate, Victor Martins, will step into a new role as Test and Development Driver for the 2026 season, dovetailing those Formula 1 duties with a drive in the FIA World Endurance Championship for Alpine.

    French driver Martins, 24, joined Williams’ Driver Academy at the start of 2025, having previously won the Formula Renault Eurocup series in 2020, the FIA Formula 3 title in 2022 and then finished as top rookie in the 2023 FIA Formula 2 season.

    He secured multiple race wins and podium finishes across his three F2 campaigns with ART Grand Prix, most recently taking victory in the 2025 Qatar Feature Race.

    Martins will now graduate to a Test and Development Driver role at Williams alongside Oliver Turvey and Harrison Scott, where he will – as per a release – play a crucial role in advancing the team’s development programmes to support our F1 drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz as the sport enters an unprecedented change in technical regulations.

    Duties will include refining Williams’ state of the art diver in loop simulator, which came online at the end of 2025, while he will also be involved in developing a dedicated Driver Academy DIL to support young talent on their path to F1.

    Williams is an iconic team with an incredible history and I’m excited to be part of the project to bring this team back to the front of the grid. I’ve already had experience working with Alex and Carlos during race weekends, and I’m looking forward to continuing this work with the team in 2026. hanks to [Team Principal] James Vowles, Sven [Smeets, Sporting Director] and everyone at Williams for the opportunity.
    Martins on the news.

    Victor is a talented driver who has consistently given invaluable guidance and feedback to the team, improving our on-track performance and supporting Alex and Carlos throughout the 2025 season. His recent experience driving the FW47 in Barcelona FP1 and supporting the TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) programme gives him the real-world context to make real impact on the development of the FW48 and future car programmes.
    Smeets on the news.

  • F1 Car Launches

    Formula 1 is poised to begin a new era of much changed cars and engines in 2026, making launch season one of the most eagerly anticipated in years.

    With pre-season testing beginning at the end of January, initially with behind-closed-doors running in Barcelona, teams will start to show off their 2026 looks and cars several weeks earlier than recent years as they ramp up preparations for the 24 race campaign from March.

    All 11 teams including the new Cadillac team have now confirmed their respective launch dates.

    January 15th – Red Bull & Racing Bulls

    The two Red Bull teams have kicked of their new engine era at the Detroit headquarters of partners Ford by revealing their respective 2026 car liveries.

    January 19th – Haas

    Haas originally scheduled their launch for Friday January 23rd but the changed it to avoid a clash with Ferrari and Alpine.

    They have moved it a few days earlier to the 19th January, when the livery for their 2026 car, will be unveiled online.

    January 20th – Audi

    They aren’t a brand new team like Cadillac, but Sauber’s transition to Audi will become official when the German team hold a “global launch” event in Berlin.

    The team’s 2026 livery will be revealed, while they’ll extend the event into the following day to allow F1 fans in the German capital to come and have a look.

    January 22nd – Mercedes

    Mercedes will show off the first renders of their latest challenger, the W17, on January 22nd ahead of a season in which they bid to get back to title-contending ways after disappointment in the ground-effect rules era.

    After the behind-closed doors Barcelona test on January 26th-30th, the team will then host a season launch event online featuring drivers, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, team boss Toto Wolff and the W17 itself on Monday February 2nd.

    January 23rd- Ferrari

    After the disappointment of their winless 2025 season, Ferrari will officially launch what they hope will be a big bounce back year for them on Friday January 23rd – three days before the behind closed doors test.

    The Scuderia have given little away so far about the exact nature of the launch.

    January 23rd- Alpine

    Alpine have promised “we’ve got something to show you” when they too hold an event on Friday January 23rd from Barcelona.

    The team aiming for a big step forward in F1’s new era having slipped to last in the 2025 constructors’ standings amid an early focus shift to 2026, with Alpine also swapping their own works Renault engines for a customer supply of a Mercedes power unit that is expected to be strong.

    February 3rd – Williams

    Williams unveil what they say will be a “new look” for the team when they launch the livery for their 2026 car, the FW48, on Tuesday 3rd February.

    The car will have run in a special one off fan-designed livery before then for the first test in Barcelona.

    February 8th – Cadillac

    The team’s maiden car livery will be shown in a TV advert during the Super Bowl, which this year is being staged at California’s Levi’s Stadium on Sunday February 8th.

    February 9th – McLaren

    Defending world champions Mclaren will reveal their 2026 car livery to the world on Monday February 9th, two days before the first public test of pre-season begins in Bahrain.

    New World Champion, Lando Norris will be present at an online event from the Bahrain International Circuit alongside team-mate Oscar Piastri and team chiefs Zak Brown and Andrea Stella, which starts at 3pm UK time.

    February 9th – Aston Martin

    The eagerly anticipated unveiling of the first Aston Martin car designed by the legendary Adrian Newey will break cover on Monday February 9th, the same day as McLaren.

    The new AMR26 will also be the first of the team’s car to be powered by Honda.

  • 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”.