Overview
- Ferrari confirmed the departure of reserve driver Zhou Guanyu after one season, thanking him publicly and leaving his next move unspecified.
- Preseason testing expands to Barcelona on January 26–30 (private, no timing) and Bahrain on February 11–13 and 18–20, with first on‑track outings expected for Cadillac and Audi before the March 9 opener in Australia.
- Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur says the $215 million cost cap will dictate the timing and number of car updates in 2026, pushing teams to balance wind‑tunnel work against early track developments.
- Red Bull’s new Ford power unit is described as on schedule by Ford’s Mark Rushbrook, who notes any early ICE deficit should be small and offsettable, with recent emphasis on drivability.
- The 2026 cars debut 50% electric power, 100% sustainable fuel, active aero in place of DRS, and smaller, lighter chassis, with the FIA expecting simplified floors to reduce porpoising risk.