Mercedes quickest of mule cars as Crawford tops Abu Dhabi F1 test

Two days after the conclusion of the 2025 season, F1 teams switched all focus to 2026’s new era. At Yas Marina Circuit, the traditional post-season test had a dual purpose this time.
Each team took to the track with one mule car to test Pirelli’s new 2026 tyres. The mule cars are still ground-effect machinery, but have been modified to mimic next year’s downforce levels – mainly by …Keep reading

Marko is officially leaving Red Bull F1 team

Helmut Marko is leaving Red Bull, whose academy he has run for 25 years, following the conclusion of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
The 82-year-old Austrian’s future at Red Bull was rumoured to be questioned in the Abu Dhabi paddock, despite his ongoing contract for 2026. Talks took place at Yas Marina Circuit on Monday between motorsport advisor Marko and Red Bull’s top management, including …Keep reading

Piastri praises McLaren for F1 2025 title approach with papaya rules to remain

Oscar Piastri heaped praise on McLaren for how it allowed himself and team-mate Lando Norris to fight fairly for the 2025 Formula 1 championship – despite criticism from outside. 
The McLaren duo fought all year for the title and it was Norris who came out on top, sealing a maiden crown at the Abu Dhabi finale as he finished 13 points above the Australian.
It was also a battle unlike many …Keep reading

Bottas gets Cadillac seat fit ahead of 2026 F1 return

Valtteri Bottas has completed his first day as a Cadillac Formula 1 driver, ahead of his return to the world championship in 2026.
A veteran of 246 grand prix starts and 67 podium finishes, Bottas signed with the new Cadillac team for F1’s new era in 2026 after spending this year on the sidelines as Mercedes’ main reserve driver.
Bottas’ time at Mercedes ended following the 2025 season …Keep reading

New Mercedes front wing offers first look at F1 2026

During the post-season test at the Yas Marina Circuit, Formula 1 teams are given nine hours to gather data about Pirelli’s 2026 tyres.
The test is carried out using mule cars – ground-effect machinery modified to mimic 2026’s lower downforce levels. All teams run with reduced wing levels (comparable to Monza) and altered ride heights to shed downforce.
Read Also:

Formula …Keep reading