Every session, every upgrade, every rumour checked.
FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis plans to cut Formula 1 car weights by 80kg through power unit simplifications and smaller dimensions. This reduction aims to make cars two to three seconds faster while offsetting a projected 20kg to 25kg increase in fuel consumption.
Breaking from the paddock
Lando Norris and Max Verstappen report significant physical discomfort due to track bumps at the Circuit of the Americas. Verstappen noted experiencing vertical loads exceeding 9G on his spine, highlighting how modern ground effect cars exacerbate surface issues.
Practice, qualifying, race
2026 World Championship
| Pos | Driver | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andrea Kimi Antonelli | 340 |
| 2 | George Russell | 238 |
| 3 | Lewis Hamilton | 229 |
| 4 | Max Verstappen | 221 |
| 5 | Charles Leclerc | 215 |
| 6 | Lando Norris | 201 |
| 7 | Oscar Piastri | 138 |
| 8 | Isack Hadjar | 97 |
| 9 | Liam Lawson | 75 |
| 10 | Pierre Gasly | 41 |
| Pos | Team | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mercedes-AMG Petronas | 578 |
| 2 | Scuderia Ferrari | 444 |
| 3 | McLaren Racing | 339 |
| 4 | Red Bull Racing | 332 |
| 5 | Racing Bulls | 100 |
| 6 | Alpine F1 Team | 68 |
| 7 | Haas F1 Team | 30 |
| 8 | Audi Revolut F1 Team | 23 |
| 9 | Williams F1 Team | 12 |
| 10 | Aston Martin F1 Team | 7 |
Beyond the lap times
Oscar Piastri believes McLaren will not find magic answers for its performance issues before the 2026 season ends. Team principal Andrea Stella suggests underlying problems with the MCL40 may not be resolved until the 2027 car, leaving McLaren with a narrow 7 point lead over Red Bull.
Aero, power units, rules
General Motors president Mark Reuss announced the December 18 opening of a Cadillac engine factory in Charlotte, North Carolina. The facility will develop power units for the 2029 Formula 1 season following FIA approval for General Motors to act as a supplier.
In their own words
