Mercedes’ «two-phase» front wing activation a reliability issue, not an exploit
Mercedes’ peculiar straight mode activation of its front wing, which caught the attention of some of its Formula 1 rivals, was the result of a reliability issue rather than a deliberate exploit, Autosport has learned. Mercedes caught the eye of its rivals at the Chinese Grand Prix when footage emerged of maiden race winner Kimi […]
Why Hamilton believes 2026 F1 rules are “what racing should be” – unlike Verstappen
Lewis Hamilton believes Formula 1’s new regulations have delivered “what racing should be” so far in 2026 – a very different stance to Max Verstappen’s. Verstappen has been perhaps F1’s most vocal critic this year, likening the energy management aspect to “Formula E on steroids” as lift-and-coast becomes preponderant. “It’s terrible, if someone likes this, […]
What really caused McLaren’s Chinese GP double DNS?
McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri suffered two separate Mercedes HPP battery issues that prevented them from starting the Chinese Grand Prix. A fortnight ago, the reigning world champions suffered a disastrous Sunday in Shanghai when Norris was unable to get to the starting grid, with the team scrambling to fix what was described […]
The greatest campaigns that didn’t win the F1 title
Hardcore motorsport fans know that the best performers aren’t always rewarded with a title at season’s end. Unreliability, misfortune, bizarre scoring systems and inferior equipment can combine to deny drivers even when they are at the top of their game. For this list, in chronological order, we have picked out Formula 1’s greatest all-season performances […]
Ayrton Senna’s F1 debut marred by early retirement in Rio
On March 25, 1984, at the Jacarepagua circuit in Rio de Janeiro, a Formula 1 career began that would go on to become one of the most iconic in the sport’s history. The 24-year-old Ayrton Senna lined up for his first grand prix, driving for the modest Toleman team. But what started as a special […]
How Ferrari is trying to close the gap to Mercedes in Japan
Ferrari, considered the only real alternative to Mercedes in the fight at the front, has prepared for the third race of the Formula 1 season in Japan with significant work carried out back at the factory after analysing the data collected from the first two grands prix. The Suzuka circuit represents a third different type […]
Autosport Explains video: F1 aero in 2026
In this exclusive technical breakdown, Autosport’s Jake Boxall-Legge visits the Williams Formula 1 base to uncover the radical aerodynamic shifts defining the 2026 season with Williams chief aerodynamicist Juan Molina. As F1 moves away from the ground-effect Venturi tunnels of the previous era, the championship introduces a shorter, narrower car profile and a return to […]
FIA appoints new F1 deputy race director
The FIA has appointed a new deputy race director in Formula 1, promoting Paul Burns to the role to work with current lead Rui Marques. This follows Claire Dubbelman’s departure from the FIA at the start of 2026 to join the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, leaving the deputy post open for the opening two […]
How Antonelli plans to attack F1 season with title challenge in sight
Formula 1’s latest winner was greeted with a standing ovation: nobody knew Kimi Antonelli would be there, but he wanted to be there before rushing to Bologna airport to depart for Japan. Over 300 fans gathered in the Checco Costa room at Imola for an event organised by the Tifoseria Ayrton Senna Italia, giving the Mercedes driver […]