Breaking from the paddock
The latest Formula 1 news as it breaks: team announcements, driver updates, FIA decisions and everything moving in the paddock, updated daily.
Red Bull has extended Laurent Mekies' contract as team principal through 2031 following his promotion to replace Christian Horner. The team also saw Max Verstappen secure wins in Malaysia and Singapore as they attempt to close the gap on McLaren in the championship standings.
Rwanda has signed a decade-long agreement to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix starting in the early 2030s. The race will be held at a new 6km circuit in Bugesera, marking the sport's return to the continent after nearly 40 years.
FIA regulations for 2026 aim to achieve 90% downforce retention behind lead cars by managing tyre wake through new wheel covers and inwash sidepod boards. These technical changes target the dirty air problems that caused performance decay in previous racing cycles.
Ferrari engineers face significant thermal management difficulties with the SF-26 during the Las Vegas night race. Managing the 10°C ambient temperature requires precise heating blanket calibration to offset the cooling effects of the new BBS wheel rims.
Nikolas Tombazis and Jan Monchaux address engine compression ratio disputes while the FIA implements new laser scanning technology to monitor car geometry. The 2026 regulations also introduce a 724kg minimum weight and active aerodynamics to improve racing.
Audi is expanding its Hinwil facility and establishing a technical hub in Bicester to access specialized motorsport talent. This strategic three-country network connects Neuburg engine production with Swiss chassis development to prepare for the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The 2026 technical regulations introduce the Nimble Car Concept to reduce car weight to 768kg and decrease dimensions. Teams must balance thermal loads from brake drums with the need to control aerodynamic wake and tyre temperatures through complex ducting designs.
McLaren's MCL40 remains the third-fastest car on the 2026 grid, sitting just under one percent behind Mercedes. Technical data shows Lando Norris achieved the fastest sector two time in Hungary with a 27.621, despite Ferrari drivers facing tyre management struggles.
Max Verstappen faced significant rear-end instability at the Circuit of the Americas due to unexpected tyre degradation. George Russell noted that Red Bull's qualifying advantage narrows during races as increased ride height reduces aerodynamic benefits.
Software mapping errors in the 2026 Ferrari active aero DRS system create significant aerodynamic instability risks. Precise validation is required to prevent loss of downforce and control during high-speed transitions on Monza's straights.
The 2026 Formula 1 technical regulations cause significant top speed drops at Monza, where peak race speeds fell to 351 km/h. New power unit rules mandate a 50/50 split between combustion and electrical energy, creating unpredictable closing speeds between drivers.
FIA regulations target flexible plank components and unauthorized skids to prevent teams from gaining aerodynamic advantages through illegal ride heights. The 2026 standardization aims to eliminate loopholes like the cushioning effects reported by Red Bull and Toto Wolff.
The FIA manages technical regulations for Formula One and various other racing disciplines including Formula E and the World Endurance Championship. Mohammed Ben Sulayem serves as the president of the organization overseeing these diverse sporting and mobility functions.