Formula One News — February 2026

Adrian Newey has played down talk of a radical first Aston Martin design despite widespread paddock admiration after the delayed AMR26 finally appeared at the tail end of the Barcelona shakedown week.

Williams team boss James Vowles has defended the decision to miss the entire Barcelona shakedown week, insisting delaying the FW48 was painful but necessary as the team prioritises competitiveness.

Esteban Ocon has acknowledged what many fans fear most about Formula 1's radically revised 2026 cars - that 'lift-and-coast' driving will not just be common, but extreme, even in qualifying.

South Africa's long-running push to return Formula 1 to the African continent has hit a reality check, with sports minister Gayton McKenzie conceding that a grand prix will not happen anytime soon.

Toto Wolff has sharply criticised rival teams for continuing to question the legality of Mercedes' 2026 power unit solution, with two further FIA engine meetings scheduled this month to discuss the controversial compression topic.

Early whispers that Mercedes could be the team to beat under Formula 1's new 2026 regulations are being firmly played down in Brackley - by both boss Toto Wolff and presumed title favourite George Russell.

Esteban Ocon has questioned whether Formula 1's much-hyped active aerodynamics will actually improve racing, describing the new system as "simply DRS at the front".

Williams will unveil its 2026 car without one of its most recognisable partners, with it emerging on the eve of the team's online launch that Santander has ended its sponsorship of the Grove-based outfit.

Jack Doohan's hopes of salvaging his career with a 2026 race program have suffered another blow, with reports from Japan indicating the Australian has missed out on a Super Formula seat following a troubled test.

Kimi Antonelli says he feels more prepared for his second Formula 1 season after taking another step toward independence, revealing he has moved out of his family home and is now living on his own in San Marino.

Christian Horner is actively exploring the possibility of buying into a Formula 1 team, according to former F1 driver Christijan Albers, who says he recently discussed the idea directly with the former Red Bull boss.

Max Verstappen has revealed he was unwell throughout Formula 1's closed-door shakedown week in Barcelona, adding important context to his limited mileage with Red Bull's all-new 2026 car and Red Bull-Ford power unit.

Christian Horner has spoken publicly for the first time since his ousting from Red Bull, making clear that a return to Formula 1 remains firmly on his mind - but only on his terms.

Former Formula 1 driver Riccardo Patrese has shared his perspective on the condition of Michael Schumacher, following renewed reports that the seven-time world champion is no longer bedridden and can sit in a wheelchair.

The decision to end the Dutch Grand Prix after 2026 is facing renewed scrutiny after it emerged that shareholders behind the Zandvoort project paid themselves a EUR 20 million dividend - despite citing financial uncertainty as a key reason for not renewing their Formula 1 contract.

Kalle Rovanpera has suffered another setback on his early single-seater path, after illness forced him to miss the final weekend of the Oceania Formula Regional series.

Observers in Barcelona have noticed that Mercado Libre, Franco Colapinto's most prominent Argentine backer, has quietly disappeared from the Alpine livery - just days after Flavio Briatore publicly reassured that Colapinto is secure for the entirety of the 2026 season.