Overview
- Haas unveiled the VF-26 livery with prominent Toyota Gazoo Racing branding and scheduled a Barcelona shakedown for January 26–30 before Bahrain tests on February 11–13 and 18–20.
- Valtteri Bottas has been told he must serve a five-place grid drop at the Australian Grand Prix for a 2024 incident, with Cadillac seeking leniency from officials.
- Formula 1 confirmed a 24-race 2026 calendar from March to December, adding Madrid and shifting Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to April to avoid Ramadan.
- Alpine set a January 23 Barcelona presentation for the A526, plans private running in Barcelona and Bahrain, and is reported to have met the 768 kg minimum weight under the new rules.
- The 2026 regulations introduce a roughly 50/50 split between combustion and electric power, smaller lighter cars, active aero and narrower Pirelli tires, with senior figures saying driver energy management will carry greater influence.