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.
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.
The 2026 power units shift to a 50/50 split between the engine and 350kW MGU-K electric power. This change forces drivers to manage energy depletion and regenerative braking to avoid clipping on the 2.2km Baku straight.
FIA biometric gloves transmit vital signs like pulse oximetry to medical teams, but relying on single physiological spikes can lead to incorrect fatigue assessments. Effective safety requires contextual interpretation rather than replacing professional judgment with automated scores.
Ferrari faces behavioral scrutiny due to driver errors like Lewis Hamilton's penalties, while Red Bull contends with technical compliance investigations regarding engine compression ratios. These divergent challenges highlight the split between driver precision and engineering legality.
Pirelli has secured the FIA Formula 1 tyre supply contract for the 2025 to 2027 period, beating a bid from Bridgestone. The decision follows a technical analysis focused on sustainability and performance requirements for the premier motorsport category.
The 2026 Formula 1 regulations introduce in-washing wheel wake control boards and active aerodynamics to reduce turbulent air. These changes aim to decrease drag by 55% and downforce by 30% to allow cars to follow more closely during racing.
Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton face significant performance deficits due to the SF-26 chassis failing to reach optimal tire operating temperatures. These thermal management issues in Baku and Zandvoort highlight fundamental flaws in the car's ability to load Pirelli rubber.
Alpine transitions to Mercedes customer engines for 2026 following Renault's decision to exit F1 engine manufacturing. Reliability issues with the current power unit have cost Fernando Alonso 66 points during the recent season.
Red Bull Powertrains and Ford collaborate on 2026 power units featuring a 50/50 power split between the engine and electric systems. The partnership leverages Ford's technical expertise to lead the ICE performance index while navigating new FIA budget cap regulations.
Mercedes engineers identified a loophole in 2026 engine compression ratios that could provide a 0.3 second per lap advantage. The FIA is implementing new controls and technical directives to manage such advantages and ensure regulatory compliance across the grid.