Jordan's Track Talk

Category: Formula One

  • McLaren unveil new livery for 2026

    McLaren have unveiled their new livery for the 2026 season in a live event broadcast from the Bahrain International Circuit.

    The Woking based team headed to the track early to showcase their striking livery, maintaining their papaya colour palette that adorned last season’s championship-winning MCL39.

    Their unchanged driver line-up of reigning World Champion Lando Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri spoke alongside Team Principal Andrea Stella and CEO Zak Brown at the launch event, while Chief Marketing Officer Lou McEwen and Chief Designer Rob Marshall showcased the new livery.

    McLaren have historically carried over a successful championship-winning livery through to the following campaign and this year is no different after the Teams’ and Drivers’ Championship successes last year.
    Alongside the familiar papaya the design continues to have anthracite and small hints of teal.

    This design also carries over onto the drivers’ overalls for the season, with Norris and Piastri donning an all-papaya fronted fire suit.

    We’re delighted to present our 2026 challenger’s livery from our second home, Bahrain. The iconic papaya continues on the MCL40 as we keep our tradition of carrying championship-winning liveries through to the next season. Racing performance is also at the forefront of design when exploring creative routes, and we’ve balanced creative direction with aero considerations to create this striking 2026 competitor. Thank you to all our committed shareholders and partners, without whom we simply wouldn’t be able to go racing, to our fans for their continued support, and to our team of people who have worked tirelessly to get us to this point in the exciting new era of Formula 1. We’re all excited to see it hit the track.
    Zak Brown on the new car.

    It’s fantastic to reveal the livery for our 2026 challenger, the MCL40, as we reach an important milestone in our team’s incredible work and dedication before we begin racing this year. 2026 marks a new challenge as we take on a new era of Formula 1 regulations. We also go into the season as an independent challenger facing five top manufacturers who all want to beat us. While we have the benefit of the lessons learned from our success in the past few years, the whole grid is restarting from zero and our past achievements count for nothing. Our objective is to hit the ground running, and we have the best combination of team, driver pairing, collaboration with Mercedes HPP, partners, and fans to be able to do this. We will continue to focus on creating the conditions to succeed as we approach our biggest challenge to date. It should be a fantastic season of racing for the fans, and we’re excited to get going.
    Team Principal, Andrea Stella.

  • Cadillac reveal their new livery

    Cadillac have unveiled their livery for the team’s debut season in Formula 1, with the design revealed during a television advert at the Super Bowl.

    Amid the sporting action at the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL) – this year held in Santa Clara, California and played between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks – Cadillac showcased the colours that will adorn their car in 2026.

    The reveal marks the latest milestone for the American outfit before their first-ever campaign in F1.

    Drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez put their new challenger through its initial paces during the Barcelona Shakedown, where the car sported a special livery featuring the names of the founding members of the team from both the United States and the UK.

    At the close of the event, Bottas hailed the team’s running as “really valuable” and spoke of his pride over how everyone in the team was “working so hard”.

    Cadillac’s driver line-up for their first season also features Zhou Guanyu as a reserve driver, while former IndyCar star Colton Herta will hold a testing role.

    We still have lots of problems to solve, and a bit of a mountain to climb, but we are getting there step by step. Each run we’re getting better and more together as a team. Each run we are solving issues and going forward, so that’s good.
    Bottas explained.

    We got a lot of running, a lot of information. Still finding a few issues out there, which is great – it was all about that today. I think we are improving pretty much every run. We’re obviously starting to explore the car, the set-up, directions we want to be taking, so I think it’s starting well.
    Perez added.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Ferrari confirm launch date

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Mercedes confirm launch date

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

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

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

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

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

  • F1 to return to Portugal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Audi announce team name & launch date

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

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

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

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

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

  • Marko to leave Red Bull

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Toyota Gazoo Racing to become title sponsor of Haas

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Cadillac to reveal livery during Super Bowl

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hadjar earns Red Bull seat as Lindblad joins Racing Bulls

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Alpine confirm 2026 launch date

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

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

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

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

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

  • Fornaroli signs to McLaren Driver Devleopment Programme

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

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

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

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

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

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

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