AIX Racing have confirmed that Brad Benavides is set to return to the team for the 2026 Formula 3 season – completing their driver lineup for the upcoming campaign.
Benavides had a stellar 2025 F3 campaign with AIX, achieving two pole positions in Spa-Francorchamps and Monza, achieving a best finish of P4 at the Italian venue’s Feature Race.
This came a year after the American driver won the 2024 Euroformula Championship thanks to his 19 podiums, which included nine wins.
Benavides is now set to return for another campaign in Formula 3 with AIX, and at the announcement, he thanked the team for their support.
Can’t thank AIX enough for their continued support. Can’t thank God enough for not giving up on me/my love for racing. One truth is reality, and another truth is that dreaming is always worth it. With only Love, BB. Benavides on the news.
Very proud to close off our driver line-up for 2026 and to do so with Brad is the cherry on top! Brad brings to the team many fine qualities as a driver and is a real team player who has supported his team mates previously and has a very strong work ethic. I’m stoked to have him as my brother again for another season and look forward to working hard over the winter together to convert that qualifying pace that we know Brad can deliver into a strong and consistent race performance as we all witnessed in Monza. Kenny Kirwan, AIX Racing Team Manager.
French automotive giant Citroen has announced that it will join Formula E with Citroen Racing set to take to the grid from season 12.
Citroen says its entry into Formula E provides a “new challenge” in “an electric, innovative and passionate adventure that embodies our values and our vision for the mobility of tomorrow.”
Citroen Racing is a motorsport powerhouse which has won titles in every form of racing it has entered to-date.
The storied outfit can count victories at Dakar, nine FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) Drivers’ titles for its famed Sebastien Loeb/Daniel Elena partnership, eight WRC Manufacturers’ titles, three FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) Drivers’ titles, three WTCC Teams’ World Championship victories and even more title winning success in the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup to its name.
Citroën is returning to motorsport, an arena that shaped its history and legend – motorsport in its most visionary form: an 100% electric, responsible and committed competition with popular races in the heart of cities, a young, committed, connected audience and a technological, international showcase for the future of mobility. Citroen on the news.
Trident have announced that Freddie Slater will be driving for the team next season – their first confirmed signing for the 2026 Formula 3 campaign.
Slater is set to step up to F3 full-time after competing in two rounds in 2025 at Sakhir and Spa-Francorchamps, finishing second in the Sprint Race at the Bahrain International Circuit.
In addition to that, the 17 year old has been taking part in a dual campaign in GB3 and Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine in 2025, winning eight races across both categories, and he i currently leading the standings in the latter.
Slater also finished second in this year’s edition of the Formula Regional Middle East Championship, after also becoming the 2024 Italian F4 and UAE Formula 4 Champion.
The Briton is now set to step up to Formula 3 full-time with Trident and following the announcement, he spoke of his excitement ahead of the new season getting underway.
It’s really exciting to start a new journey with a new team. TRIDENT has had a lot of success in recent years, so to be jumping into a team like this, I’m really grateful for the opportunity. Hopefully we’ll have a good season together. Slater on the news.
We are very pleased to announce our agreement with Freddie Slater for the 2026 FIA Formula 3 Championship. Freddie is an exceptionally talented driver who has consistently shown himself to be among the very best, in every category he has raced, from karting to single-seaters. It is a source of great pride for us to welcome him into the team, and we are convinced that a driver of his calibre will bring significant value to the entire organisation. Trident Team Manager, Giacomo Ricci.
MP Motorsport has confirmed that Alessandro Giusti will be returning with the team for a second season of FIA Formula 3 in 2026.
Giusti raced with the Dutch team for his rookie campaign this year and achieved two podiums as well as several points finishes on his way to finishing 10th in the Drivers’ Championship.
Prior to his 2025 campaign, the Williams Racing Driver Academy prospect finished fourth in the 2024 edition of the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine and also became French F4 Champion in 2022.
Giusti is now set to return for a second campaign with MP and following the announcement, he expressed his delight at the opportunity.
I’m extremely happy to stay with MP Motorsport for a second season in FIA Formula 3. I feel really comfortable in this team, having built a very good relationship over the past year. I feel confident for the future as I found a family there. We will keep working hard during the winter to come back even stronger in 2026. I can’t wait to be back behind the wheel already! Giusti on the news.
It’s wonderful to be able to announce Alessandro for 2026 straight after our 2025 Formula 3 season ended at Monza this weekend. His debut year in F3 has shown all the hallmarks of a quick learner who is set to shine in the all-important second season in the category. This year, we have built a strong foundation with Alessandro and I look forward to seeing our work bear fruit in 2026. Along with Mattia, we now have two immensely talented young drivers on our FIA F3 squad for next season that will help us to retain our position in the top ranks of the Teams’ championship. Sander Dorsman, MP Motorsport Team Principal.
Swedish driver Joel Eriksson has secured a full-time seat with Envision Racing, as he signs a multi-year deal with the Silverstone-based team to race alongside champion Sebastien Buemi.
The 27 year old stepped in for Envision Racing during Season 10 at the Berlin E-Prix and demonstrated his talent and ability instantly, scoring points during his debut weekend for the team.
Eriksson experienced his first taste of Formula E back in 2018 with Envision Racing during the Rookie Test in Marrakesh – after a successful early career in Formula 4 and Formula 3.
Following the test, he participated in eight races of Season 7 with Dragon/Penske Autosport, stepping up from a reserve role.
Since then, he has remained a part of the paddock and has completed extensive simulator and development work over the past three seasons, yielding a strong understanding of the complexities of electric racing and how maximise performance in the car.
I am delighted to have signed with Envision Racing, it is a huge moment in my career and one that I have been working towards for a while. I am very thankful to the team for their trust, and I can’t wait to get started for my first full season of Formula E. Eriksson on the news.
We are very excited to announce Joel as our newest driver. We have known Joel for a number of years now, going back to his first ever Formula E test with us, and racing for us last season in Berlin. On both occasions he proved to us how talented he is and adapted very quickly to the Formula E style of racing in Berlin, delivering points on debut. With Joel’s extensive knowledge and experience working on the simulator with Jaguar, we are confident that he will deliver for us, and we will be doing all we can to help him hit the ground running. Sylvain Fillip, Envision Racing Management Director & CTO.
Hot on the heels of the announcement of their driver line-up of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez for 2026, Cadillac have revealed that IndyCar racer Colton Herta will fulfil the role of test driver at the team.
American driver Herta, whose name had been spoken of in relation to a seat at Cadillac before the Bottas/Perez line-up announcement came on August 26th, was the youngest ever IndyCar winner back in 2019, and has nice victories and 16 pole positions to his name from his 116 career starts in the series.
Herta has previous F1 experience, having tested a 2021 spec McLaren MCL35M at Portimao back in 2022.
Meanwhile, the move will mark a return to European racing for Herta, who competed on the continent from 2015 – 16, including time as Lando Norris’ team mate in the 2015 MSA Formula Championship, before returning stateside.
This is a dream opportunity, and one I’ve been working towards for a long time. To be part of Cadillac F1’s entry at such a pivotal time is something I couldn’t pass up. My dream has always been to race in Formula 1, and I see this move as a huge step towards that goal. For now, my focus is on giving everything I can to Cadillac F1, helping build a competitive team. Herta on the news.
Colton is an exceptionally talented racer with proven speed, race craft, and maturity well beyond his years. His experience in top-level American motorsport as part of the TWG Motorsport family makes him an ideal fit for this role, and he will bring valuable and fresh insight, perspective, and energy to our team as we continue to build for the future. Having an American driver join an American Formula 1 team is a hugely significant moment, not only for our team, but for American motorsport as a whole. Colton represents the passion, ambition, and competitive spirit that define the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, and we are proud to have him carry the American flag with us on the world stage. Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac’s Team Principal.
Fernando Barrichello will race for AIX Racing for the 2026 FIA Formula 3 Season.
The United Arab Emirates-based outfit confirmed the Brazilian as their second driver for next season after the news Yevan David would be stepping up to F3 earlier in the month.
Barrichello, son of former Formula 1 driver Rubens, stepped up to single seaters in 2022 in Brazilian F4, finishing seventh in his rookie season.
He moved on to Spanish F4 in 2023, and most recently raced in the Euroformula Open Championship in 2024, finishing third overall. He also took part in the season finale in Monza with the team to start getting ready for the season.
Extremely grateful for this opportunity – so much hard work has gone into reaching this moment! I’m excited to join AIX Racing and fight for big things. Que honra poder representar o nosso Brasil em algo tão grande – what an honour to represent Brazil on such a huge stage. Vamos com tudo!!! Barrichello on the news.
Super excited to welcome Fernando to our team from Monza onwards. We will be throwing him into the deep end a little, however the experience will prove invaluable for his preparations for the upcoming 2026 campaign. I believe that we can develop Fernando even further and we look forward to his valuable team contribution and shared future success. Kenny Kirwan, AIX Racing FIA Formula 3 Team Manager.
Cadillac have signed Grand Prix winners Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas to be their drivers when the team joins the Formula 1 grid for the first time in 2026.
The American team, who are backed by General Motors and will be led by former Marussia Sporting Director Graeme Lowdon, will become the sport’s 11th team next season.
Cadillac have opted for experience with their line-up, signing Checo Perez and Mercedes reserve Bottas – who boast 527 Grand Prix starts and 16 Grand Prix wins between them – on multi year deals.
It marks a remarkable return for the veteran duo, both 35, after they lost their respective F1 race seats at the end of last season.
Perez took some time out consider his future goals and spend time with his family after leaving Red Bull, while Bottas stayed in the paddock as reserve for Mercedes following his Sauber exit.
Mexican Perez brings immense F1 experience, having competed for Sauber, McLaren and Force Indian/Racing Point before moving to Red Bull, where he helped the team win the Teams’ Championship in 2022 and 2023.
Finland’s Bottas enjoyed incredible success at Mercedes, playing a key role in the Silver Arrows winning the Teams’ Championship every year from 2017 to 2021.
Signing two very experienced racers like Bottas and Checo is a bold signal of intent. They’ve seen it all and they know what it takes to succeed in Formula 1. But more importantly, they understand what it means to help build a team. Their leadership, feedback, race-hardened instincts and of course their speed will be invaluable as we bring this team to life. A big thank you to the team at Mercedes for their co-operation and understanding. Lowdon on the news.
Joining the Cadillac Formula 1 Team is an incredibly exciting new chapter in my career. From our first conversations, I could sense the passion and determination behind this project. It’s an honor to be part of building a team that can develop together so that, in time, we will fight at the very front. Cadillac is a legendary name in American motorsport, and to help bring such a fantastic company to Formula 1 is a huge responsibility, one I’m confident of taking on. I’m proud to be part of such an ambitious and meaningful project from the very beginning. I’m really pleased to be part of such a dynamic line-up, and together I believe we can help shape this team into a real contender, the team of the Americas. We’re counting on support from across the continent – and we want to make everyone proud. Perez on the news.
From the moment I began speaking with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, I felt something different – something ambitious but also grounded. This isn’t just a racing project; it’s a long-term vision. It’s not every day that you get a chance to be part of something being built from the ground up and helping shape it into something that truly belongs on the F1 grid. I’ve had the honor of working with some of the best teams in the world, and I can already see the same professionalism and hunger here. This is an iconic brand with a big legacy in American motorsport, and to be a part of the story as it enters the world stage of F1 is incredibly special for me. I’m looking forward to representing the American spirit of racing on the greatest circuits in the world. I’d also like to thank Mercedes for their unwavering support and sportsmanship in facilitating such an exciting step. Bottas on the news.
Bottas and Checo bring the perfect balance of talent, maturity, and drive. They’re not just accomplished racers, they’re builders, collaborators, and professionals who will help define what the Cadillac Formula 1 Team stands for. This moment marks more than just a line-up announcement. It’s the beginning of a bold new chapter in American motorsport. CEO of Cadillac Formula 1 Team & TWG Motorsport, Dam Towriss.
MP Motorsport have confirmed that Mattia Colnaghi will race with the team in FIA Formula 3 next season.
The Italian driver will also be joining the Red Bull Junior Team programme as he moves up to F3 in 2026.
Currently, the 17 year old is leading the Eurocup-3 Championship, with four race wins so far in 2025 along with a further two podium finishes.
Prior to this season, the future MP F3 driver debuted in single-seaters in the Formula winter Series in 2024, winning the Spanish F4 Championship later in the year and finishing runner up in the Eurocup-3 Spanish Winter Championship earlier this year.
Speaking on his promotion to F3, Colnaghi said he was very excited at the prospect and him joining Red Bull.
I’m super excited about the opportunity handed to me by MP Motorsport and the Red Bull Junior Team. Joining the Grand Prix weekends as a Formula 3 driver is a dream come true, and I’m looking to forward to building on the amazing working relationship that MP and I have developed in the past two seasons. I’m truly grateful to Helmut Marko and Red Bull for allowing me to demonstrate my racing skills in FIA F3, while staying with MP is the obvious choice. They have become my family in the past two years and have helped me grow as a driver. I believe that working with them in Formula 3 will be just as enjoyable and successful. Colnaghi on the news.
Moving up to FIA F3 with Mattia is a proud moment for us as a team. We immediately recognised his talent when he joined us as a young teenager in the winter of 2023-’24, and it was a joy to see that talent truly accelerate in Spanish F4, resulting in title-winning glory in his first year out of karts. This year, he has been outstanding again, also proving his qualities as a sportsman when the going got tough. We will continue to work hard for our Eurocup-3 title contenders this year, including Mattia, before we head towards the 2026 season with the confidence that his immediate future is now firmly set in stone. MP Team Principal, Sander Dorsman.
Yevan David has become the first driver to be confirmed for the 2026 FIA Formula 3 season, with AIX Racing announcing his signing for next season.
David is currently competing in the Euroformula Open Championship where he was taken four race victories so far this season and a further five podium results. He also achieved a top 10 finish in GB3 at the beginning of August.
Prior to that, David competed in the Eurocup-3, Spanish F4 and UAE F4 Championships last year, in what was his first full season of single-seater racing after graduating from karts.
He is now set to become the first driver from Sri Lanka to compete in FIA F3. Speaking about his signing with AIX, the 18 year old said he was proud to become the first driver from his country to compete in the championship and very grateful for the opportunity.
Very thankful to have this opportunity to be racing as the first Sri Lankan driver in Formula 3, and with AIX racing. They’ve proved themselves and I’m excited to achieve great milestones with them for the season ahead. David on the news.
Nissan have confirmed champion Oliver Rowland will return alongside Norman Nato for the 2025/26 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
Following a strong season 11 which saw Nissan Formula E Team take third in the Teams’ World Championship, its best result since the Japanese automaker took on full ownership of the operation after partnering with e.dams, the outfit is looking to continue its trajectory next season, with consistency and stability earmarked as a key to push further.
Formula E World Champion, Oliver Rowland will continue with the team for a sixth season as part of a multi year deal and after a superb campaign, which saw him secure the Drivers’ World Championship with three pole positions, seven podiums, including four vicotries.
The British driver made his full time series debut with the Japanese team in season 5, which was also Nissan’s first in Formula E, and raced with the team for three years. Returning ahead of Season 10, Rowland hit the ground running with a strong campaign, before earning his maiden world title in Season 11.
Norman Nato, who tackles his third season with Nissan, will continue to race alongside Rowland. A race winner in the series, the French driver first joined the squad in Season 9, where he was a regular points scorer, also taking the team’s first podium under full Nissan ownership in Rome.
He returned after a year away to team up with Rowland, showing consistent speed on track claiming pole position in Miami.
I’m thrilled to sign with Nissan Formula E Team on a multi-year deal, in what will be my sixth season with the squad. What we’ve managed to achieve following my return in 2023/24 has been remarkable. Since I came to Formula E, the team has felt like my home, and I have a high level of trust with them as well as plenty of support. The aim for Season 12 is to replicate and improve on what we did last campaign, but we know how hard we need to work in the off-season to achieve the best results possible. Rowland on the news.
I’m delighted to continue with Nissan Formula E Team for another season as it was always the target to extend my stay here. It’ll be my third campaign with the team and my second consecutive one, which gives me a lot of confidence moving forward. Nato on the news. I still have plenty of areas to improve on, but I’m not starting from scratch this year so I can use factors I’ve learned in Season 11 to help me in the future. I’m sure Oli will perform at a very high level again and I’m positive that together we can fight for the Teams’ World Championship.
Following a very successful season, we’ve decided to maintain our driver line-up for Season 12. We’re keen to consolidate our operations as we look to further improve on the work carried out both on and off-track since we took full control of our operations in the sport. I am sure that the stability and consistency that we’ve built with both Oli and Norman will help us continue our remarkable progression and fight for all three championships again next season. Tommaso Volpe, Managing Director & Team Principal.
Ferrari have handed their Team Principal Fred Vasseur a multi-year contract, which the team say “reflects Ferrari’s determination to build on the foundation laid so far”.
Vasseur joined the Italian team ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season and under his watch, the team challenged McLaren for the 2024 Teams’ Championship until the last race before finishing just 14 points behind the champions.
While they trail the McLaren by a mammoth 299 points as we are in the summer break, Ferrari have managed to hold on to P2 in the Teams’ Championship, fending off rivals Mercedes and Red Bull.
One of Vasseur’s key strengths is his ability to shield and protect his team from external factors. Despite the uncertainty and speculation, he’s managed to do just that with the team keeping their heads down.
The new deal will kelp restore a greater sense of calm among the team and allow them to focus on trying to take advantage of sweeping new chassis and power unit regulations for 2026. But now that Vasseur’s immediate future has been secured, Ferrari senior management will expect him to lead the team to respond well to those rule changes and challenge for both championships next year.
AIX Racing have become the first team to confirm part of their plans for 2026 with the signing of Emerson Fittipaldi Jr for next season.
The Brazilian, son of two-time Formula 1 World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi, will be making his Formula 2 debut next season.
Fittipaldi Jr has been racing in the Eurocup-3 Championship in 2025 and is currently 13th in the standings.
In 2021 he took part in the F4 Danish Championship where he finished 3rd overall with 2 wins, and 8 podiums to his name.
Last year he took part in the Eurocup-3 where he finished 5th overall with 4 podiums to his campaign.
Speaking about his confirmation for 2026, Fittipaldi Jr said that it was a huge opportunity, and that he was looking forward to working with AIX team.
I am very much looking forward to this opportunity. Racing in the FIA Formula 2 is going to be a big learning curve for me. I will be competing against the best drivers in the world, so it will be an honour to be racing against all of them on the race track. My expectations are that I will be learning a lot, every single day and every single week. Emerson Fittipaldi Jr on the news.
With having Cadillac joining the grid next year, there are two new spots which need to be filled but who is going to fill them?
As you’d expect the American squad have been inundated with calls from drivers and managers enquiring about a job and that led to the team compiling a long-list that ran to 15 names at one point.
That list, has slimmed down to just a handful, and while the team aren’t in a rush to confirm their line-up, they are starting to zero in on what they want, so whose in the running?
Valtteri Bottas
Bottas is a driver who could bring a wealth of experience to the Graeme Lowdon-led team from 2026 onwards. The Finnish driver made his F1 debut in 2013 with Williams after serving as the test and reserve driver for the Grove outfit since 2010.
He moved to Mercedes in 2017 for a successful five-year stint with the Brackley squad, driving alongside seven-time champion, Lewis Hamilton. 2021 saw Bottas join Alfa Romeo / Sauber where he stayed for three seasons.
He currently serves as Mercedes reserve driver, with Team Principal Toto Wolff sharing his support for Bottas to return to a full-time racing seat.
Sergio Perez
The Mexican driver was replaced at Red Bull at the end of 2024 by Liam Lawson, who stepped into the RB21 seat alongside Max Verstappen for 2025 but was replaced by Yuki Tsunoda after two race weekends.
In addition to his four-year stint with Milton Keynes team, Perez has previously driven for Sauber, McLaren and Force India after making his debut in 2011.
The 35 year old has been keen to return to the championship after his Red Bull exit, albeit only “for the right project”. Over his 14 year career in F1, he collected six grand prix wins, three pole positions, 39 podium finishes and 12 fastest laps.
Mich Schumacher
Schumacher has also been linked to the Cadillac team. The German driver previously drove for Haas in 2021 and 2022 before moving to Mercedes to serve as the reserve driver in 2023 and 2024. He now races in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine.
Alex Dunne
Most recently, Dunne has been linked to one of the Cadillac seats too. With the McLaren junior taking part in FP1 back in Austria where he ended up fourth fastest and within a tenth of Piastri.
He is quickly becoming one of the brightest talents outside of F1 currently, and with both Piastri and Norris locked in for long-term contracts, McLaren must be looking else where for the junior.
The Irish driver is currently competing in Formula 2 where he is 5th in the championship with 4 rounds left and 30 points between him and the championship leader… Dunne has also took part in Formula E as he has been McLaren’s reserve driver since January 2025 and taking part in the rookie practice at the Jeddah E-Prix and then the Berlin Rookie Test in July.
Jak Crawford
If Cadillac want to sign an American driver, it would be 20 year old Jak Crawford, who is enjoying his best Formula 2 campaign where he currently sits second in the championship!
Hopefully it won’t be too long until we have at least one driver announced for the new team.
Formula 1 and the FIA have announced the dates for 2026 pre-season testing, with three tests set to take place prior to the campaign getting underway.
Test one will be a private test and will take place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya between January 26th – 30th, while test two will be held at the Bahrain International Circuit between February 11th – 13th.
The Bahrain International Circuit also hosts test three from February 18th – 20th, before the season begins in Australia on March 6th – 8th.
It has also been confirmed in a calendar update that, following a request from the Azerbaijan promoter and relevant government stakeholders, Formula 1 and the FIA have agreed to move the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix from Sunday September 27th to Saturday 26th to accommodate a national day.
Formula E and the FIA have announced the first provisional calendar for the 2025-26 season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship following validation from the FIA’s World Motorsport Council Meeting.
Featuring its most expensive season yet with 18 races across 12 global cities, highlights include new races in Madrid and Miami’s International Autodrome for the first time.
The all-electric series’ record-breaking 12th season begins on 6th December 2025 on the vibrant streets of Sao Paulo, before the championship returns to Mexico City in January.
Formula E then makes its first race appearance at the Miami International Autodrome on 31st January. February sees a nighttime double-header under the lights in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. While Madrid debuts on the calendar in March at the historic Circuito de Madrid-Jarama – the first time Formula E has race in the Spanish capital.
Returning venues including Berlin, Tokyo and Shanghai, each hosting double header race weekends, while Monaco continues its role as the jewel in the crown of motorsport, hosting back to back races on the iconic street circuit, only the second time it has hosted World Championship races on consecutive days after it debuted earlier in May this year.
The season concludes once more in London, with a climatic double-header at the Excel on 15th – 16th August 2026 that will round out the end of the GEN3 Evo era.
Two further locations to complete the calendar are awaiting public confirmation, as end-stage negotiations are ongoing with local authorities ahead of forthcoming World Motorsport Council Meetings later in the year, when the final calendar will be revealed and ratified.
This calendar is our most competitive yet, blending exciting new and existing venues with legendary circuits that define Formula E. With greater attention on calendar stability, we’re becoming easier to find, engage with and attend, unlocking greater fan loyalty and love. Our debut in Madrid and increase in total races demonstrates our mission and intent to continually grow the series in key markets, while racing at Miami’s International Autodrome takes our US presence to another level at a world-class facility. As we continue to see year-on-year growth of our global fanbase and TV audiences, this calendar is certain to deliver even more exciting racing from our top tier drivers and teams for our fans to get behind. Jeff Dodds, CEO Formula E.
We’re incredibly proud of the global footprint we’ve built for our 12th season, covering 2025-26. With at least two fantastic new circuits joining the impressive roster, including what will be a home race for myself in Madrid that has long been a goal of mine, we’re enhancing the diversity of what fans can expect while staying true to our DNA with a blend of city street and built circuit venues. It is what makes our racing so exciting and compelling to watch. We’ve carefully curated each leg to minimise our freight, improve sustainability and give fans across the world even more opportunity to tune in and watch no matter the time zone, thanks to our fantastic roster of broadcast partners. Alberto Longo, Co-Founder & Chief Championship Officer of Formula E.
The Season 12 calendar provides a world-class platform to showcase Formula E at its very best whilst offering a balanced presence in different regions, especially in those where the EV industry is developing. With an excellent mix of new circuit venues and returning street racing classics, fans can expect an action-packed season that reflects Formula E’s continued growth and innovation in electric motorsport. The variety of track layouts will also ensure diversified race scenarios with the GEN3 Evo race car. Marek Nawarecki, Director, FIA Circuit Sport Department.
FIA Formula 3 and the FIA have announced the calendar for the 2026 FIA Formula 3 Championship, which will a gain comprise of a total of ten rounds, all support events of the FIA Formula 2 Championship and the FIA Formula One World Championship.
The campaign, approved by the FIA World Motorsport Council, will open overseas in Melbourne Australia early in March before flying to the Bahrain International Circuit mid-April.
The F3 field will then head back to Europe for its third round in the prestigious streets of Monte Carlo, in early June. That same month, there will be two more race weekends, the first in Barcelona-Catalunya and two weeks later at Spielberg, Austria.
July will open at Silverstone, UK, which will be followed by Spa-Francorchamps and Budapest.
The eighth season of F3 will conclude with back-to-back rounds after the summer break. Monza will see the return to action in early September, and a new venue Madrid will host the conclusion of the 2026 season.
We have seen great racing in Formula 3 this season, and there will be a huge amount of excitement for the 2026 season. There’s been some great new talent coming up through the pipeline, assisted by so many F2 drivers moving to Formula 1 this year, and they are fighting it out on the track. The opportunity to race alongside the highest levels of motorsport challenges not only the drivers’ technical aptitude, but also their mental and physical resilience, which is so critical for our sport. The work of Bruno Michel and all the teams is impressive and I want to congratulate them all on their continued success. Of course, the races wouldn’t happen without the support of the FIA, stewards, volunteers, the promoters and our partners, Pirelli and Aramco. Next season is going to be a huge one for the sport, and F3 will be playing an important part in that, both on and off the track. Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.
The FIA Formula 3 Championship continues to play a fundamental role in shaping the future of our sport, providing young drivers with a world-class environment to grow and compete on some of motorsport’s most iconic circuits. The 2026 calendar offers a strong blend of tradition and innovation – from the streets of Monte-Carlo to the exciting addition of Madrid as the season finale. With ten rounds supporting both Formula 2 and Formula 1, the Championship remains a key pillar of our single-seater pathway and a showcase of global talent. FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The FIA Formula 3 Championship is the perfect training ground for the drivers on their road to Formula 1, with almost half of the 2025 FIA Formula 2 grid made of F3 graduates from the previous season. The 2026 Formula 3 calendar will be made of ten rounds and twenty races, which is a good number to balance Formula 1 tracks and costs. In 2025, we have introduced a new F3 car that’s provided great racing on circuits that will be back on the 2026 calendar. We will go to Madrid for the first time, and I am looking forward to seeing our thirty cars race at this new venue. FIA Formula 3 CEO, Bruno Michel.
FIA Formula 2 and the FIA have announced their calendar for the 2026 FIA Formula 2 Championship and once again, the season will comprise of a total of 14 rounds, all of which are the support events of the FIA Formula One World Championship.
The 11 teams and 22 drivers will contest a total of 28 races across 13 countries, with a new venue added to the calendar as Formula 2 goes to Madrid for the very first time.
The tenth season of Formula 2 will open in Melbourne, Australia in early March, before heading to the Bahrain International Circuit at Sakhir in April, back to back with Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.
The 2026 campaign, approved by the FIA World Motorsport Council, will pick up in Europe with a busy month of June, starting with Monte-Carlo, Monaco the first week, followed by Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain a week later. Spielberg, Austria will conclude that month and the action will carry on the following week in Silverstone, Great Britain on the first week of July.
The paddock will then travel to Spa-Francorchamps two weeks later and before the summer break, Round 9 will take place in Budapest, Hungary. The action will return at Monza, Italy early September, before Madrid concludes the European season in September the week after.
Baku, Azerbaijan will be next on September 25th-27th. After a break, Round 13 will take place in Lusail, Qatar on November 27th – 29th, while the season will end at the Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi on December 4th – 6th.
Once again, we can look forward to some fantastic F2 racing in 2026, when the series returns to 14 Grands Prix. We welcomed four F2 drivers up to Formula 1 this year, which has demonstrated how critical the pyramid system is to the sport and its ongoing success. 2026 is going to be a great season, with exciting action, as the drivers take on the ultimate circuits, all of which have different challenges to test their skills and their abilities. I’m grateful to Bruno Michel and all the teams who make the series possible and the FIA, promoters, stewards and volunteers, and our partners Aramco and Pirelli who enable the races to take place. We’re all ready for a brilliant season ahead! Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.
The FIA Formula 2 Championship continues to prove itself as a vital platform for developing the next generation of top drivers, and the 2026 calendar reflects our commitment to delivering a competitive and globally diverse series. With 14 rounds across three continents, including the exciting debut of Madrid as a new venue, Formula 2 remains closely aligned with Formula 1 while carving its own identity. As we mark the tenth season of the Championship, I look forward to another year of outstanding competition and progression in one of the most important steps on the single-seater ladder. FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
I’m very pleased to announce our calendar for the 2026 season. F2 is the ultimate preparation for Formula 1 as proven by the strong performance of the drivers who have joined the F1 grid in 2025. Racing on Formula 1 tracks and in front of the F1 paddock is absolutely key. Next season, we remain with 14 rounds in total, all support events of F1. As announced previously, we are adding a new venue with Madrid, which should be an exciting new track for our drivers and teams. As always, we have designed this calendar with the costs in mind to ensure that the teams’ budget remain at a healthy level. FIA Formula 2 CEO, Bruno Michel.
Formula 1 and the FIA have announced the calendar for the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship, with drivers and teams set to embark on another 24-round campaign as new technical regulations and 100% advanced sustainable fuels come into play.
Starting with the Australian Grand Prix on the weekend of March 6th – 8th and concluding with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from December 4th – 6th, the F1 community will visit five of the world’s seven continents over the course of the year.
In 2026, Ramadan will take place throughout February and March, meaning the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will again be held in April.
The calendar sees further improvements to the geographical flow of races, including the Canadian Grand Prix now following Miami in an earlier slot from May 22nd to 24th, delivering significant freight efficiencies as some equipment can move directly from one event to the other.
This change creates a consolidated European leg of the season across the summer months, beginning in Monaco from June 5th – 7th and finishing in Spain, where Madrid will make its F1 calendar debut from September 11th – 13th.
The championship then returns to Asia with the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grand Prix ahead of a triple header in the Americas, before Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi close out the season.
2026 will be a new era for Formula 1 where we will witness a brand-new set of regulations for our sport, the cars and the engines that will be powered by 100% sustainable fuel. We are excited to welcome Madrid to the calendar, and to see huge automotive brands like Audi, Cadillac and Ford join the Formula 1 grid. It promises to be an unforgettable season, where once again we will come together at 24 amazing global venues to watch the best drivers in the world push themselves to the limit and produce incredible wheel to wheel racing for our millions of fans watching around the globe. I want to thank all our fans for their passionate support and the FIA, with all the volunteers, marshals and officials, as well as the promoters, partners, sponsors, host cities and the local motor racing federations for their commitment and support in delivering this schedule in what I know will be another historic year for Formula 1. Stefano Domenicali on the 2026 Calendar.
Next year’s FIA Formula One World Championship marks a significant new chapter for our sport. A new race, new teams, and the arrival of new manufacturers, all ushering in a fresh era of innovation and competition. With 24 Grands Prix across five continents, the season truly reflects the global nature of our community, while the improved geographical flow of the calendar shows our joint commitment to making the championship more efficient and sustainable. The debut of Madrid, the arrival of iconic brands like Audi, Cadillac, and Ford, and the introduction of the next generation of F1 cars powered by 100% advanced sustainable fuels signal an exciting new era of racing. My thanks to everyone involved in putting on this incredible season and in delivering a calendar that continues to drive the sport forward on all fronts. And, my thanks to the fans whose passion and unwavering support keep the spirit of our sport alive. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA added.
It has been confirmed that the Cadillac Formula 1 Team have received final approval to join the sport, with the team – who are backed by TWG Motorsports and General Motors (GM) – set to be part of the F1 grid in 2026.
The announcement comes after appointments were confirmed across recent months, including former Marussia Sporting Director Graeme Lowdon joining as Team principal and industry veteran Russ O’Blenes becoming CEO of TWG GM Performance Power Units, which will contribute towards Cadillac becoming a “full works” team by the end of the decade.
The Cadillac outfit – which has bases in Fishers, Indiana; Charlotte, North Carolina; Warren, Michigan; and Silverstone, England – have assembled a team of over 200 people working on aerodynamics, chassis and component development, software and vehicle dynamics simulation since the team’s bid to enter Formula 1 was announced, with development work continuing at pace ahead of joining the grid in 2026.
As we said in November, the commitment by General Motors to bring a Cadillac team to Formula 1 was an important and positive demonstration of the evolution of our sport. I want to thank GM and TWG Motorsports for their constructive engagement over many months and look forward to welcoming the team on the grid from 2026 for what will be another exciting year for Formula 1. Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.
Today marks a transformative moment, and I am proud to lead the Federation in this progressive step for the championship. The FIA Formula One Championship’s expansion to an 11th team in 2026 is a milestone. GM/Cadillac brings fresh energy, aligning with the new FIA 2026 regulations and ushering in an exciting era for the sport.The Cadillac Formula 1 Team’s presence in the paddock will inspire future competitors and fans. Their entry strengthens our mission to push motorsport’s boundaries at the highest level. FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
For the past year, we have worked hand in hand with GM, to lay a robust foundation for an extraordinary Formula 1 entry. Now, with 2026 in our sights after today’s final approval from the FIA and Formula One Management, we’re accelerating our efforts—expanding our facilities, refining cutting-edge technologies, and continuing to assemble top-tier talent. Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsport.
I couldn’t be prouder of the effort put in thus far by the entire Cadillac Formula 1 team. This announcement is the next step in getting on the grid and continued work toward building a full-works team. Through the long and thorough application process, we never lost pace in planning or belief in our mission. We can’t wait to go racing and give fans a new team to cheer for. Lowdon on the news.
The Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix, set to take place in Madrid from 2026 to 2035, will also feature the FIA Formula 2 and FIA Formula 3 Championships.
The ten year agreement brings the lower-tier F1 categories to Madrid, enriching the fan experience with not only the thrill of top-tier racing but also the opportunity to witness the merging talents on the road to Formula 1.
This agreement was signed by FIA F2 and FIA F3 CEO Bruno Michel, Jose Vicente de los Mozos, President of the Executive Committee of IFEMA Madrid, Daniel Martinez, Executive Vice-President of IFEMA Madrid and Luis Garcia Abad, General Director of IFEMA Madrid.
Having both Formula 2 and Formula 3 racing on the same weekend as Formula 1 underscores the commitment of the Spanish GP organisers to deliver a sporting and entertainment experience for fans.
I am extremely happy to bring F2 and F3 to Madrid, at this exciting new venue. It’s important that the young drivers in both our championships get to race on as many F1 tracks as possible. With the addition of Madrid to the Formula 1 calendar, it was logical that F2 and F3 would follow suit. I am really looking forward to our cars providing the spectators with some thrilling racing. Bruno Michel on the news.
At IFEMA Madrid, we are very proud to bring F2 and F3 to our Grand Prix alongside F1, as our goal is to make the F1 Spanish Grand Prix 2026-2035 the best event possible. The FIA F2 and FIA F3 categories are fundamental for the future of the sport, as they produce the future stars of F1. This makes the Spanish Grand Prix 2026-2035 an even more unmissable event, offering fans a complete experience full of talent, spectacle, and excitement, with a unique motorsport offering. Jose Vicente de los Mozos adds.
Ferrari have announced that they have entered into an agreement with the General Motors/Cadillac F1 project to supply the team with power units and gearboxes starting in 2026, the year in which the manufacturer could potentially join the grid.
It was confirmed in November that Formula 1 had reached an agreement in principle to support bringing GM/Cadillac as the 11th team in the field in 2026, while news followed in early December that former Marussia Sporting Director Graeme Lowdon had been appointed Team Principal.
Now Ferrari have confirmed a technical collaboration agreement with GM/Cadillac, subject to the team receiving confirmation from the FIA and F1 that their entry to the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship has been accepted and approved.
It’s great to see the commitment of another American team, backed by one of the most highly respected marques in the motor industry, at a time when Formula 1 is increasing in popularity in the United States. We are delighted therefore that we will be supplying the team with our power unit and gearbox as the basis of this technical collaboration. It means we will continue to have two ‘customer teams’ in the championship with all the benefits this brings in terms of technical development within Ferrari. Fred Vasseur, Team Principal at Ferrari.
We are thrilled to partner with Ferrari as the power unit and gearbox supplier for our Cadillac team, bringing together two remarkable legacies. Choosing the right power unit partner is crucial, and we trust in Ferrari’s passion, excellence and the exceptional capabilities of their people. Graeme Lowdon on the news.
Former Marussia Sporting Director Graeme Lowdon has been announced as the Team Principal of General Motors’ F1 project, ahead of the manufacturer potentially joining the grid in 2026.
On November 25th, it was announced that Formula 1 had reached an agreement in principle to support General Motors/Cadillac joining the grid as an 11th team in 2026.
Now it’s been announced that Lowdon will oversee the project, with the Brit having last seen active on the pit wall with Manor Marussia in 2015 in his role as the team’s Sporting Director.
Lowdon has most recently played a part in the management of China’s first ever full-time F1 racer Zhou Guanyu, who has departed Kick Sauber this year, alongside his work as an executive advisor for the General Motors project.
I’m truly honored to be appointed as the Team Principal of this exciting new team and I would like to thank everyone involved for placing their trust in me. I believe that Formula 1 is the greatest team sport in the world, and teams are all about people. This is a team with a real love for, and desire to go, racing, and we have the experience and expertise to do just that. Racing is at the very heart of everything that we do. This is what I want to see in a team, and I really want to be part of it. I don’t underestimate the task ahead and I have the utmost respect for the competition. I look forward to the challenge of racing. In the meantime, our work continues at pace. Lowdon on the news.
Graeme has been a pleasure to work with over the past two years and we’re excited he will lead our journey to the 2026 Formula 1 grid as Team Principal. He has great racing expertise, he knows how to assemble a high-performing team, and he embodies the values the Cadillac Formula 1 Team will represent in all its endeavors, on or off the track. General Motors President, Mark Reuss.
Graeme has been advising our team for the last two years as we have built out our operations; his experience on both the technical and managerial sides of Formula 1 and other motorsports ventures will serve him well as he builds the Cadillac Formula 1 team. Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Global’s Motorsport business.
Formula 1 and the Dutch Grand Prix promoter have announced a one-year contract extension which will see Circuit Zandvoort remain on the Formula 1 calendar through the 2026 season.
After much consideration and discussion, the decision has been taken by the promoter not to remain on the calendar after 2026.
The past few years have seen some great action in the Dutch Grand Prix after the sport’s long break from racing in the Netherlands.
The event has become known for its fans experience, with Dutch fans and International visitors alike gathering to watch Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3, F1 Academy and more, battling around the iconic banked corners of the circuit.
It has also established itself as a leading sustainable sporting event, pioneering technologies that are now used across the Formula 1 calendar.
The return of the Dutch Grand Prix in 2021, coincided with a period of dominance for local hero Max Verstappen, who has won the race three times.
I am incredibly grateful for the work that the team at the Dutch Grand Prix have done in recent years. They raised the bar for European Grands Prix in terms of event spectacle and entertainment, supported the development of young talent by hosting F2, F3 and our F1 ACADEMY series, and have also pioneered sustainable solutions that have inspired our events around the world as we drive towards being Net Zero by 2030. All parties positively collaborated to find a solution to extend the race, with many options, including alternation or annual events on the table, and we respect the decision from the promoter to finish its amazing run in 2026. I want to thank all the team at the Dutch Grand Prix and the Municipality of Zandvoort who have been fantastic partners to Formula 1. Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.
The Dutch Grand Prix is the result of a unique collaboration between SportVibes, TIG Sports, and Circuit Zandvoort, who shared the ambition of bringing the race back to the Netherlands. What we have achieved so far is undoubtedly a huge success. The appreciation from our visitors, drivers, and teams has been unprecedented, and we are incredibly proud of that. While today’s announcement signals the end of a monumental era, we are confident there is plenty more for fans to look forward to at the Dutch Grand Prix in 2025 and 2026, including the Sprint in 2026. We are a privately owned and operated business, and we must balance the opportunities presented by continuing to host the event, against other risks and responsibilities. We have decided to go out on a high with two more incredible Dutch Grands Prix in 2025 and 2026. We wanted to take this step, while our event is adored and supported by passionate fans, residents, and the Formula 1 community. I want to thank Stefano Domenicali and all the team at Formula 1 for the hard work that has seen multiple contract extensions realised and the Dutch Grand Prix be such a success. Robert van Overdijk, Director of the Dutch Grand Prix.
Formula 1 has announced that it has reached an agreement in principle with General Motors (GM) to support bringing GM/Cadillac as the 11th team to the Formula 1 grid in 2026.
Formula 1 has maintained a dialogue with General Motors, and its partners at TWG Global, regarding the viability of an entry following the commercial assessment and decision made by Formula 1 in January 2025,
Over the course of this year, they have achieved operational milestones and made clear their commitment to brand the eleventh team GM/Cadillac, and that GM will enter as an engine supplier at a later time. Formula 1 is therefore pleased to move forward with this application process and will then provide further updates.
With Formula 1’s continued growth plans in the US, we have always believed that welcoming an impressive US brand like GM/Cadillac to the grid and GM as a future power unit supplier could bring additional value and interest to the sport. We credit the leadership of General Motors and their partners with significant progress in their readiness to enter Formula 1. We are excited to move forward with the application process for the GM/Cadillac team to enter the Championship in 2026. Greg Maffei, President and CEO of Liberty Media.
General Motors is a huge global brand and powerhouse in the OEM world and is working with impressive partners. I am fully supportive of the efforts made by the FIA, Formula 1, GM and the team to maintain dialogue and work towards this outcome of an agreement in principle to progress this application to bring a GM/Cadillac branded team on the grid for the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship. All parties, including the FIA, will continue to work together to ensure the process progresses smoothly. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA.
As the pinnacle of motorsports, F1 demands boundary-pushing innovation and excellence. It’s an honor for General Motors and Cadillac to join the world’s premier racing series, and we’re committed to competing with passion and integrity to elevate the sport for race fans around the world. This is a global stage for us to demonstrate GM’s engineering expertise and technology leadership at an entirely new level. Mark Reuss, President of General Motors.
Canadian Grand Prix organisers are supporting Formula 1’s efforts to rationalise the race calendar and make it more sustainable by agreeing to host future editions of the event earlier than has been in recent years.
The race promoter, Octane Racing Group, along with key stakeholders from the Canadian Government, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, the City of Montreal, Tourism Quebec, Tourism Montreal and Parc Jean-Drapeau, were all involved in the process.
With renewed commitment and collaboration from the 2026 season, the Grand Prix is set to be scheduled on the third or fourth weekend of May each year, with all future Formula 1 calendars subject to confirmation by the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council.
The move will allow the European leg of the F1 season to be consolidated into one consecutive period over Europe’s summer months and is planned to remove an additional transatlantic crossing by the F1 community each year.
The announcement builds upon the changes already made to the calendar by F1 in recent years to create a more rationalised schedule.
The Japanese Grand Prix is one which has moved to the spring to align with races in the Asia Pacific region, Azerbaijan has moved to the autumn as the championship turns east to Singapore and Qatar has moved to be closely aligned with Abu Dhabi at the end of the season.
I am incredibly grateful to the promoter and all of the government stakeholder partners involved in the Canadian Grand Prix, from the local, to the provincial and national government. We applaud the tremendous effort from all involved to accelerate the temporary build of the event, to be ready to host the Formula 1 community earlier than in the past. The change will make the future flow of our calendar not only more sustainable, but logistically more sensible for our teams and personnel. We applaud the tremendous effort from all involved to accelerate the temporary build of the event, to be ready to host the Formula 1 community earlier than in the past. Our Net Zero by 2030 commitment continues to be a priority for us as a sport and it is thanks to changes like this that we are on track to hitting our goal. Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1.
This change in the schedule is a major step in our commitment, as well as Formula 1’s, toward a more sustainable future. It demonstrates our desire to combine sporting performance and event organization with environmental responsibility. We are determined to offer our fans, our communities, and our loyal audience a unique and enriched experience, in addition to extending the summer season for Montreal. The date change thus fully integrates into the dynamic strategic vision put in place by our team, with the collaboration of our stakeholders, which is fully focused on delivering an amazing Canadian Grand Prix experience in a more sustainable and inclusive environment. Jean-Philippe Paradis, CEO of Octane Racing Group.
Alpine have secured a deal with Mercedes to run the German manufacturer’s power unit from 2026 until at least the end of 2030.
The deal also involves taking a supply of their gearbox from the start of 2026 – though sources say Alpine are planning on producing their own gearbox in-house at Enstone from 2027.
Last month, Alpine confirmed they will shut down their works engine programme at the end of next season as part of their ‘Hypertech’ transformation project.
The team had already been in talks with other manufacturers about a customer engine supply, with Mercedes emerging as the team to strike a deal first.
Alpine will continue to manufacturer their own power units through the 2025 campaign before switching in 2026, when new power unit rules come in to play – that feature a greater focus on the battery and use of 100% sustainable fuels.
Alpine secured their biggest points haul of the season with a remarkable double podium finish last time out in Brazil. Which catapulted them up three places to sixth in the constructors’ championship with three Grands Prix to go.
The multi-year agreement will see Mercedes-Benz supply Alpine with Power Units for the duration of the new regulations era, from 2026 until at least 2030. Alongside the Power Unit, Alpine will also be supplied with Mercedes gearboxes from the 2026 season. The team remains focused on performing in the strongest way possible in the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Alpine’s statement.
Renault have confirmed the cancellation of their plans to supply engines for the 2026 Formula 1 season and beyond.
The French manufacturer announced that its engine factory at Viry-Chatillon would be transformed into an “engineering centre of excellence” by the end of 2024.
The decision comes ahead of the introduction of new engine regulations to F1 in 2026, with the Renault Group-owned Alpine team is now expected to agree a deal to have their power units supplied by Mercedes.
This announcement follows months of speculation and unrest at the company, which saw Viry staff members travel to the Italian Grand Prix during the summer to protest then-developing plans to close the factory.
Alpine’s F1 operations are currently split across two factories, the engine-focused division in France and the chassis focused is in the UK.
Alpine will continue running their current Renault engine for the remainder of this season and all of 2025.
The engine’s poor performance has been a factor in the team’s struggles this season, with the team sitting ninth out of 10 in the Constructors’ Championship with just six rounds remaining.
As a result of the consultation process with the employee representatives, during which discussions were constructive and an independent assessment was conducted, Alpine’s management confirms its project to transform the site into a centre of engineering and high-tech excellence by late 2024. Formula 1 activities at Viry, excluding the development of a new engine, will continue until the end of the 2025 season. Each employee affected by this transformation project will be proposed a new position within Alpine Hypertech. The statement.
McLaren have announced the signing of Red Bull’s Head of Strategy, Will Courtenay as their new Sporting Director.
Courtenay will be leaving Red Bull after two decades with the team, having joined them when they raced as Jaguar before the operation was brought by the energy drinks firm.
His signing is part of McLaren’s strengthening of their senior leadership team, with Courtenay set to report into Racing Director Randeep Singh.
But McLaren will have to wait a little under two years for Courtenay to join, though with Red Bull saying he “continues to be part of their team seeing out his contract until mid-2026”.
Courtenay is the third senior member of staff to choose to leave Red Bull in the last six months. Design guru Adrian Newey is set to leave to become Managing Technical Partner at Aston Martin while Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley is to become Team Principal at Audi next season.
Red Bull has since restructured the team following Wheatley’s departure, with a series of changes headlined by Verstappen’s race engineer Giapiero Lambiase becoming Head of Racing.
Courtenay will now team up with former Red Bull colleague Rob Marshall at McLaren, with Marshall as chief designer.
We are delighted to welcome Will to McLaren. His experience, professionalism and passion for motorsport make him the ideal candidate to lead our F1 sporting function. We are now entering a key phase in our journey as a team, and we are confident that he will be a great addition to our strong leadership team as we strive to continue challenging for wins and championships. Andrea Stella, Team Principal on the news.
Will Courtenay to join McLaren Formula 1 Team as Sporting Director.
Aston Martin has announced a significant milestone in its preparation for the new 2026 F1 regulations – with a technical collaboration agreement signed by the representatives of the team, Aramco, Honda and Valvoline Global Operations (VGO).
The dynamic partnership is united in the aim to drive forward the development of the 2026 Formula One car under new FIA regulations for on-track success.
As part of this strategic partnership, Aramco will deliver advanced fuels, with Honda developing a new works power unit that incorporates a 50/50 spilt between electric and combustion power.
Additionally, Valvoline will provide leading-edge lubricants for the power-unit and expertise from its 150 years in automotive and industrial solutions. All parties will work together with aim of placing the team at the forefront of performance, reliability and sustainability.
The partnership’s technical development builds on Aramco’s existing sponsorship agreement with the team, which has enabled close collaboration on a range of technologies that could potentially be deployed in road vehicles – from light-weighting of cars to safety enhancements.
This milestone marks a significant step forward in our journey towards the 2026 F1 season – with the aim of pushing the limits of what is possible. The collaboration with Aramco, Valvoline Global, and Honda is now moving at pace, and we are on track to achieve our ambitious goals. The joint-efforts in developing advanced fuels and lubricants, along with our new Honda power unit, are set to elevate our on-track performance and we are confident that this partnership will bring substantial success to everyone involved. Lawrence Stroll on the news.
We are incredibly excited about our collaboration with Aston Martin Aramco, Honda Racing Corporation, and Valvoline Global. This partnership not only underscores our work with the team, but also highlights our dedication to developing advanced technologies for use in motorsport and the wider automotive industry. Yasser Mufti, Aramco Executive Vice President of Products & Customers.
Working together with Aston Martin, Valvoline Global, and Aramco is a unique collaborative experience. We are excited to power the Aston Martin Aramco race car into the new era of Formula One regulations and are proud to be part of this unique partnership with four incredible brands. Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation.
Our collaboration with Aston Martin Aramco is a unique opportunity to push the boundaries of what is possible in motorsport. Valvoline’s advanced lubricant technologies are playing a mission-critical role in this partnership, and we are excited to see the results of our combined efforts on the track in 2026. Jamal Muashsher, CEO of Valvoline Global.
Jordan's Track Talk 