Formula One News — February 2026

Aston Martin's difficult start to 2026 has been compounded by serious turmoil in its road car division, intensifying scrutiny on team owner Lawrence Stroll.

Max Verstappen has conceded that Red Bull is unlikely to fight for victories at the start of the 2026 season, despite a surprisingly smooth debut for its all-new Red Bull-Ford power unit.

Mario Isola is stepping down as head of Pirelli's motorsport division, with the Italian set to take up a new leadership role at ACI Sport from July 1.

Kalle Rovanpera's switch from rallying to circuit racing has begun with a reality check, after another difficult outing - this time at the Super Formula test at Suzuka.

Formula 1's controversial compression ratio clarification may be fast-tracked from August to June, according to fresh reports in Germany.

Aston Martin is reportedly interested in former Red Bull Racing chief designer Craig Skinner following his sudden departure.

Ralf Schumacher has doubled down on his criticism of nephew Mick Schumacher's move to IndyCar, warning the Formula 1 comeback dream is effectively over.

George Russell has reignited debate over Christian Horner's departure from Red Bull Racing, suggesting the Verstappen camp wielded decisive influence behind the scenes.

Ralf Schumacher believes Kimi Antonelli could be the surprise world champion of 2026 - and is less convinced McLaren will repeat its recent dominance.

Former Formula E champion Antonio Felix da Costa has responded to criticism of Formula 1's new regulations, after Max Verstappen likened the 2026 cars to "Formula E on steroids".

Formula 1 is set to introduce a new AI-assisted system in 2026 aimed at ending the long-running track limits controversy.

The fight to meet Formula 1's stricter 2026 minimum weight has emerged as a key storyline ahead of Melbourne, with several teams struggling to hit the new lower limit.

Isack Hadjar appears to be making a smooth start at Red Bull Racing after replacing Yuki Tsunoda as Max Verstappen's teammate for 2026.

Lawrence Stroll has dismissed rumours he is preparing to sell his Formula 1 team, insisting he is "not going anywhere" despite Aston Martin's troubled start to 2026.

Frederic Vasseur says he is unfazed by speculation about his position at Ferrari, insisting media noise is part of the job in Italy.

Madrid's return to Formula 1 has moved a step closer, with a mandatory pre-race test lined up for the new Madring circuit - although official confirmation is still pending.

Long-time Formula 1 powerbrokers Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore have issued stark warnings about the direction of the sport under the new 2026 regulations.

Carlos Sainz has admitted Williams has taken a step backwards heading into 2026, describing a "very tough" winter marked by production delays and missed targets.

Toto Wolff insists Mercedes is indifferent to the outcome of the looming electronic vote on Formula 1's controversial compression rule clarification.

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has hinted that Turkey could be heading back to the calendar, while also outlining potential changes to the race weekend format.

Oscar Piastri has dismissed suggestions of tension behind his evolving management structure, insisting recent changes were simply about doing things "a bit different" for 2026.

Carlos Sainz has urged Formula 1's bosses to remain "open-minded" as criticism of the new 2026 regulations continues to swirl through the paddock.

Ferrari has sent fresh shockwaves through the Bahrain pitlane - this time with a rear wing innovation that appears to rotate 270 degrees when activated.

Aston Martin's disastrous 2026 pre-season has descended further into frustration as Bahrain nears its end - though faint signs of hope are emerging behind the scenes.

Toto Wolff has angrily dismissed fresh speculation that Mercedes may be facing fuel irregularities - comparing the rumour mill to conspiracy theories.