Overview
- Aston Martin has fired up its Honda‑powered AMR26 at Silverstone, confirming first integration of chassis and power unit ahead of the winter shutdown.
- Key launches are scheduled: Red Bull and Racing Bulls on January 15 in Detroit, Audi on January 20 in Berlin, Ferrari/Alpine/Haas on January 23, Cadillac during the February 8 Super Bowl, and Aston Martin on February 9.
- Pre‑season running expands with five days at Barcelona this month followed by two three‑day tests in Bahrain before the championship opens in Australia.
- The 2026 cars introduce active aero and a 50/50 combustion‑electric split, drop the MGU‑H and DRS, and face ongoing FIA‑manufacturer discussions over electrical energy recovery on high‑speed circuits.
- Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur and Mercedes’ Toto Wolff caution that the opening races will not set the competitive order, with Wolff saying Mercedes is meeting internal targets but true form will only be clear once cars run.