Overview
- Max Verstappen says the 2026 rules will make F1 “very different,” with energy deployment and driving inputs playing a bigger role.
- He also urged the FIA to inspect every car after races rather than rely on random checks, acknowledging logistical limits to such a system.
- La Capital reports that Ferrari, Haas and Audi have raised concerns about potential combustion‑compression advantages for Mercedes and Ford under the 2026 hybrid spec, while the FIA has not confirmed any action.
- Mercedes chief Toto Wolff cautioned against assuming the team will be early favorites, saying true performance will only be clear on track.
- Pre‑season running is set for Barcelona on January 26–30 and Bahrain on February 11–13 and 18–20, with the season opener in Melbourne on the weekend of March 8.