Atlassian Williams F1 Team today officially unveiled the racing livery for its 2026 challenger, the FW48, revealing a new look for the team in Formula 1’s all-new regulations era.

Drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz joined Team Principal James Vowles to present the striking design to the 1,200-strong workforce at Grove who have poured tens of thousands of hours into preparing for the season ahead.

The 2026 livery has been designed to match the team’s bold intent as it transitions to a new era as Atlassian Williams F1 Team, a name reflecting the team’s sole purpose to race and win at the pinnacle of motorsport.

The FW48 is flooded with a vibrant gloss blue, a colour that is unmistakably Williams and reflects the strength of our title partnership with Atlassian. This is contrasted with a flowing section of black, sweeping from the chassis side through to the rear of the car, which is framed by an iconic red and white keyline, a feature of championship-winning Williams cars like Nigel Mansell’s FW14B and Damon Hill’s FW18 which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

The most striking evolution of the livery comes from the introduction of white across the sidepod, front wing and rear wing – injecting energy and movement into the design and amplifying the presence of our partners across the car.

Atlassian Williams F1 Team’s new look was revealed hours after the announcement of a major new global partnership with Barclays, the latest vote of confidence in Williams’ determination to return to the front of the grid. Over the past fortnight the team has also welcomed Anthropic, BNY, Wilkinson Sword and Nuveen to the team, who all join our growing roster of world-class brands who are helping the team transform in pursuit of Championship success.

The livery has been custom designed around the new shape of F1 cars in 2026. New regulations mean the cars are shorter and narrower with significant changes to the front and rear wings, along with other aerodynamic surfaces designed for even closer racing. The entire team at Grove has been determined to push the boundaries of performance with the FW48, targeting the new regulations as an opportunity to take the next step on Williams’ journey back towards the front.

In 2026 Atlassian Williams F1 Team is looking to build on its most successful season for nine years. Last year the team finished fifth in the Constructors’ Championship with 137 points, secured podium finishes in Baku and Qatar, and took home its first-ever Sprint podium in Austin.

James Vowles, Team Principal, Atlassian Williams F1 Team: 

“2026 is the next step on the path back towards the top for Atlassian Williams F1 Team as we enter a new era for the sport, and we are excited about the season ahead. We have a great driver line up, some fantastic new partners, an ever-growing fanbase and want to build on the success we tasted last year, but we are not naïve about the challenge ahead of us. Nobody quite knows what will happen at the first race but we are looking forward to finding out, and hope our fans will love cheering us on with this great new livery.”

Alex Albon, Atlassian Williams F1 Team: 

“It’s always special to see a new livery for the first time, and the FW48 looks incredible. The design really stands out, it’s bold, modern and unmistakably Atlassian Williams F1 Team. I can’t wait for the fans to see it on track and cheer us on in 2026.”

Carlos Sainz, Atlassian Williams F1 Team: 

“The FW48 livery is a real statement of our intent for 2026. The design celebrates Atlassian Williams F1 Team’s heritage while embracing a fresh, dynamic look for the new era. I’m excited to race in this livery and to share the thrill with fans around the world – their support makes all the difference as we continue on our journey together!”

Atlassian Williams FW48 Gallery

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As F1 readies itself to enter its next generation, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team today (2 February) took the next step on the road to 2026 with its digital season launch event. Fans were treated to an in-depth overview of the team’s new car, the Mercedes-AMG F1 W17 E PERFORMANCE, along with hearing from senior personnel and drivers.

“2026 represents a decisive moment for our team and for the sport,” said Toto Wolff, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team CEO and Team Principal. “The upcoming season will be shaped by some of the most demanding technical regulation changes we have faced. These rules will test every aspect of our organisation, while also creating significant opportunities to innovate and set new performance benchmarks. We approach this next era with clear ambition, focused execution, and an uncompromising commitment to delivering results.”

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Power Unit and Fuel: The Next Generation of Hybrid Performance

At the heart of the W17 is Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrain’s (HPP) all-new hybrid Power Unit, created for the 2026 rules:

• A near 50:50 split between internal combustion and electrical power output.
• Removal of the MGU-H and a step-change in MGU-K capability from 120 kW to 350 kW, with new energy recovery and deployment strategies.
• Advanced sustainable fuel from PETRONAS, engineered as a drop-in solution to deliver performance with reduced lifecycle carbon impact, aligned to F1’s sustainability pathway.

The Power Unit has been tightly integrated with the W17’s cooling architecture and aerodynamics to ensure thermal robustness and energy efficiency in every phase of the lap-from high-recovery braking zones to long full-throttle running. The integrated Brackley-Brixworth approach has been a central theme of the team’s journey towards this next generation of F1.

Hywel Thomas, Managing Director of Mercedes AMG HPP, said: “The 2026 Formula One season marks an entirely new chapter- for the sport in general and particularly for those at the coalface of powertrain development. As Managing Director of Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains, I’ve never seen a challenge like this: new Power Unit architecture, sustainable fuels, greater hybrid emphasis-all converging at once together with a whole new car. It’s not merely an evolution; it’s a revolution.

“What distinguishes this era is the pace at which we must learn. The integration of advanced sustainable fuels, increased electrical hybridisation and newly defined energy deployment strategies demands a faster feedback loop. We can’t rely on long testing cycles to polish solutions; we must design, simulate, validate, and refine in tighter intervals. Efficiency isn’t just a buzzword; it’s mission critical – both on the dyno and the track.

Datuk Sazali, Executive Vice President and CEO Downstream, said: “Fuel is fundamental to performance in F1 as it powers every lap and every acceleration on track. For PETRONAS, the 2026 regulations have reinforced the need to formulate fuels differently, with performance, efficiency and sustainability designed together. Our bespoke advanced sustainable fuels are the result of years of formulation work and continuous engine testing, ensuring they meet the extreme demands of racing.

“What differentiates our approach is how we formulate the fuels, lubricants and fluids as one complete performance system. From PETRONAS Primax fuel to PETRONAS Syntium engine oil and PETRONAS Tutela hydraulic fluid, each formulation is purpose-built to unlock the car’s full potential. This reflects our long-standing role in motorsport, and our strong commitment in applying the learnings in F1 to help shape the next generation of fuel and fluid technologies.”


Chassis and Aerodynamics: Smaller, Narrower, Lighter

The W17 has been conceived around the new chassis regulations that set a shorter wheelbase (-200 mm), reduced width (-100 mm), and ~30 kg lower minimum weight. Active aerodynamics-movable front and rear wings – will help to balance drag and downforce across straights and corners. Other changes include narrower front and rear tyres to cut drag and mass, complementing the aero reset and revised suspension kinematics, plus the removal of the Drag Reduction System in favour of increased energy deployment with Boost and Overtake modes to provide good racing.

“The 2026 season represents a significant moment in the sport’s history. For those of us who live and breathe engineering, it’s both exhilarating and daunting in equal measure,” says the team’s Technical Director, James Allison. “This isn’t just a tweak to the regulations – it’s a wholesale transformation of almost every aspect of the car. Power Unit, chassis, aerodynamics, tyres: all are being changed at once.”

“We hope we have brought the necessary courage and commitment to make the project a success. We have made our best judgements during the design phase, and we will continue to innovate relentlessly now that the cars are running. Personally, I relish these moments. Regulation changes are the lifeblood of F1 advancements. They challenge every assumption and reward teamwork and ingenuity. They bring high levels of stress, but they also bring opportunity. If we emerge from this transition with a competitive car, it will be one of the most satisfying achievements imaginable.”

Identity: A New Look for a New Era
 
Having unveiled a tweaked team logo design featuring a cleaner, more refined look, the W17 sports a striking new livery; it marks this new era with a bold expression of identity and evolution. A dynamic PETRONAS green flow line anchors the design, sweeping low across the car to emphasise speed and precision while harmonising the transition from iconic Mercedes silver to the team’s deep black. The top of the sidepods feature the AMG-specific inspired rhombus signature, complementing the iconic Mercedes three-pointed star pattern on the engine cover.

• Williams pulled out of the first F1 pre-season test in Spain after build delays and an earlier failed crash test
• James Vowles said the decision came from pushing performance “under the new regulations” and protecting Bahrain, Melbourne and beyond
• The team say the car has now passed all impact tests and they expect to be ready for Bahrain on 11 to 13 February

Williams says it was “incredibly painful” to miss the first Formula 1 pre-season test this week after failing to get their new car ready in time.

Team principal James Vowles said the call to withdraw from the Barcelona running was tied to the team’s approach for the new rules cycle, describing it as “the result of our determination to push the limits of performance under the new regulations”.

“It clearly wasn’t our plan, and it’s incredibly painful,” Vowles said. “If you want to transform at speed, you need to find the pain points and put them right very quickly, which is exactly what we’re doing.”

Vowles, who took over at Williams in 2023, has been leading Dorilton Capital’s attempt to lift the team back towards the front after years of underperformance and underinvestment. He described the car failing one of its mandatory crash tests before the withdrawal as “a blip in the grand scheme of things”.

He added that the car has now passed its impact testing, and said drivers Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon “stand shoulder to shoulder with me”.

“They’re clearly, as I am, disappointed,” Vowles said. “They want to be out there testing the car, and whilst they’re in our driver and loop simulator in tandem now, to increase that programme, it isn’t the same.”

Vowles said the biggest issue was the factory struggling to meet the demand created by the build, calling it “more of an output than anything else, of pushing not just the boundaries of design but the boundaries of just simply how many components can be pushed through the factory in a very short space of time”.

He said: “The car we’ve built is about three times more complicated than anything we have put through our business beforehand.

“So, to put that in perspective, it means the amount of load going through our system is about three times what it used to be.

“And we started falling a little bit behind and late on parts. There are compromises you can make as a result of it.

“In addition to that, we have absolutely pushed the boundaries of what we’re doing in certain areas. And one of those is in certain corresponding tests that go with it.”

Despite missing Spain, Vowles said Williams are targeting the second pre season test in Bahrain on 11 to 13 February and explained why they chose not to force the Barcelona programme.

“We could have made Barcelona testing. Simple as that,” he said. “But in doing so, I would have to turn upside down the impact on spares, components, and updates across Bahrain, Melbourne, and beyond.

“And the evaluation of it was that for running in a cold, damp Barcelona, against doing a (rig) test, against the spare situation, and frankly, there was zero points for running in a shakedown test, we made the decision, and I stand by it, that the right thing to do is to make sure we’re turning up at Bahrain, correctly prepared, and prepared in Melbourne as well.”

Asked whether the car was significantly over the minimum weight limit, Vowles did not give a direct answer, saying it was not possible to respond to “murmurings in the media” because the only time the full picture becomes clear is when the car is assembled.

He also said he had “experts and specialists” working with Williams to improve factory operations.

Scuderia Ferrari HP today launched the SF-26, the car with which it will contest the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship, which gets underway on 8 March in Australia. It is the 72th different Formula 1 car built by the Maranello-based team. This year sees the introduction of new technical and sporting regulations, a veritable sea change for motor racing’s blue riband category. The main talking points are lighter cars, a fundamental rethink of aerodynamic concepts, and a new generation of power units. The launch took place today at Fiorano Circuit.

A new era. The SF-26 has been designed to meet the all-new regulations, prompting a complete rethink of the car’s architecture. The chassis abandons ground-effect aerodynamics in favour of a different approach, with cleaner lines and an overall philosophy focused on reducing weight and improving efficiency, in line with the objectives set by Formula 1 for these regulations. The power unit is also a major step forward: a new hybrid generation, eliminating the MGU-H and boosting the MGU-K to 350 kW, further increasing the contribution of the electric system. This required a completely new design approach and close integration between chassis and power unit.

Design, colour, and identity. In line with the new regulations, the SF-26 features cleaner, more streemlined lines, with proportions that convey a greater sense of lightness and agility. From the earliest stages, the designers focused on functional simplicity, creating a robust and flexible concept, ready to be developed throughout the season as more data is acquired from the track. The season’s livery connects Ferrari’s past, present, as the team moves into the new technical era. It serves as the main visual element of continuity while also introducing significant updates compared with the recent history of Scuderia Ferrari HP. One of the most distinctive features is the return to gloss paint, after seven seasons of matte finish. The 2026 Rosso Scuderia colour is brighter and more intense, with a bold, striking look inspired by the special livery seen at Monza in 2025. The colour also maintains continuity with the red used around the turn of the millennium, reaffirming Ferrari’s core values of passion, courage, and identity. Alongside the red, the white, historically used sparingly but distinctively, takes on a new role. Positioned around the cockpit area and on the engine cover, it creates a strong, balanced visual contrast, making the car instantly recognisable. Together, red and white define a balance that goes beyond colour alone: a dialogue between established roots and a forward-looking vision, in which the historic identity of Scuderia Ferrari HP continues to evolve to meet new technical and sporting challenges.

Driver kit. The 2026 race suits also reflect the visual identity of this new chapter. Red remains, of course, the dominant colour and the unmistakable symbol of the Scuderia, while white plays a distinctive role, deliberately linked to the team’s past: it appears across the shoulders and wraps around the collar. This balance of colour underscores Ferrari’s blend of tradition and innovation, and will accompany the Ferrari drivers around the world throughout the season.

Looking ahead to the 2026 season. With testing set to begin next week, followed by two sessions in Bahrain, focus now shifts from the design phase to understanding the car on track. In a completely new technical context for everyone, Ferrari’s approach will remain the same as ever: methodical work, attention to detail, and thorough data analysis, aimed at making controlled and solid progress.

Fred Vasseur, Team Principal

“The SF-26 marks the beginning of a new era for both Formula 1 and Ferrari, with new regulations introduced in the same year for the chassis and the power unit, as well as new fuels and new tyre sizes. This car is the result of a tremendous team effort and represents the start of a completely new journey, built around a different set of rules that inevitably brings a number of unknowns. The team is aligned and more united than ever as we look ahead to the season. From next week in Barcelona, we will begin the process of understanding and validating the car. In this initial phase, the priority will be to learn as much as possible and to start building solid foundations ahead of the opening race.“

Loïc Serra, Technical Director Chassis

“Developing the SF-26 required us to adapt to a completely new regulatory framework. We dedicated significant time to the concept phase to capture as much of possible of the new regulatory & technical context. We also had to ensure that the car’s architecture would allow us enough flexibility for in season development. In this environment, efficiency and the integration of features like active aerodynamics are crucial. The SF-26 represents a major collaborative effort from the entire team at the factory, and we are looking forward to starting the season.“

Enrico Gualtieri, Power Unit Technical Director

“Under the 2026 regulations, the power unit becomes a more integral part than ever in the overall car concept. The significantly increased role of the electric component, the introduction of 99% sustainable fuel and the removal of the MGU-H represent a clear shift in philosophy, rather than a simple evolution compared with the 2014 to 2025 era. This required us to rethink the architecture of the power unit from the very beginning, focusing on efficiency, integration and energy management, always in close collaboration with our colleagues in the chassis department. It is a complex technical challenge, which we have approached with great respect and discipline, with the objective of optimising the entire car system as the season progresses.“

Charles Leclerc #16

“The 2026 regulations demand an even higher level of preparation, particularly for us drivers. There are many new systems to understand and optimise, which is why we have been heavily involved from the early stages of the project’s development. During my time with Scuderia Ferrari HP we have already experienced major regulatory changes together, so we know how complex this challenge can be, but we are working with a lot of motivation to arrive on track as well prepared as possible. Energy management and the power unit will be among the most significant aspects – a fascinating challenge which will require us drivers to adapt quickly, relying more on instinct to begin with, and then increasingly on precise data. The support of the fans will be especially important this season: it is what makes Ferrari so unique and pushes us to give our very best.“

Lewis Hamilton #44

“The 2026 season represents a huge challenge for everyone, probably the biggest regulation change I have experienced in my career. When a new era begins everything revolves around development, growth as a team, and moving forward in the same direction. As a driver, being involved from the very start in the development of such a different car has been a particularly fascinating challenge, working closely with the engineers to help define a clear direction for it. It will be an extremely important year from a technical perspective, with the driver playing a central role in energy management, understanding the new systems and contributing to the car’s development. It is a challenge we face together as a team, supported by the extraordinary passion of Ferrari’s tifosi, which means so much to all of us.“

SF-26 Technical Specifications

Chassis
Chassis made from carbon fibre composite honeycomb, with halo protection for the cockpit
Bodywork and seat in carbon fibre
Longitudinal Ferrari gearbox with 8 forward gears and reverse
Hydraulically controlled rear differential
Brembo ventilated carbon discs (front and rear) with electronically controlled
rear brakes
Push-rod front and rear suspension
Weight including coolant, oil and driver: 770 kg
18” front and rear wheels

Power unit
Turbocharged engine
Name: 067/6
Cubic capacity: 1,600 cc
Turbocharging: single turbocharger
Maximum turbocharger speed: 150,000 rpm
Maximum fuel energy flow: 3,000 MJ/h
Configuration: 90° V6
Nr cylinders: 6
Bore: 80 mm
Stroke: 53 mm
4 valves per cylinder
Direct injection, max 350 bar

ERS System
Configuration: hybrid energy recovery system with single electric motor generator (MGU-K)
Battery pack: lithium-ion batteries, minimum battery pack mass including control
electronics of 35 kg
Battery capacity: 4 MJ max SOC delta, 9 MJ max energy during charging
Max operating voltage: 1,000 V
MGU-K power: 350 kW
MGU-K maximum rpm: 60,000

SF-26 Photo Gallery

BWT Alpine Formula One Team set its sights on the 2026 season at the heart of the MSC World Europa during its official launch in Barcelona (Spain).

“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for BWT Alpine Formula One Team,” said Flavio Briatore.

“It is with immense pleasure that we launch our campaign in Barcelona, ​​with our partner MSC Cruises, aboard the MSC World Europa. We are preparing for what will undoubtedly be a unique season in the history of Formula 1. This will be especially true for our team, as the new regulations offer a clean slate and a fantastic opportunity to be more competitive than in recent years.”

“The last few months have been particularly intense at the Enstone factory preparing for the season, designing and developing the A526 in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG, which is supplying the new powertrain and gearbox from this year onwards. We are truly excited about this partnership.”

“It’s simply fantastic to be surrounded by so many partners, including our Title Partner BWT, our hosts MSC Cruises and our Premium Partner Eni, to unveil our livery. I thank them all, both long-standing and new partners, for their commitment to the team, especially after our challenges on the track last year.”

All Aboard!

The event held aboard the MSC World Europa was truly unique. On Monday, the ship departed Civitavecchia, near Rome, Italy, and, like all the teams, set sail for Barcelona, ​​where the official Formula 1 shakedown will begin this Monday, January 26. This will be the first real opportunity to see the A526 in action.

The team unveiled its colors and all its partners for the season in the impressive Panorama Lounge, a theatrical space with floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views of a magnificent natural landscape. Partners, both long-standing and new, gathered there with international media to launch this campaign, which faces a significant degree of uncertainty due to the new regulations for chassis and powertrains.

The project

The A526 is a completely new single-seater, from front to rear, including the chassis and power unit. Its dimensions and weight have been significantly reduced: 200 mm shorter, 100 mm narrower, and a total weight reduction of 30 kg.

“The past year in Formula 1 has been absolutely exceptional,” explains David Sanchez, Executive Technical Director. “With this regulatory revolution, this project represented an exciting challenge, to which we have fully dedicated ourselves.”

“The car is shorter and narrower than those of recent years, with greater aerodynamic freedom. We have active aerodynamics again, which allows us to have movable wings at the front and rear, a new feature for the vast majority of current drivers. The reduction in downforce and drag should make the races even more competitive, which is sure to captivate the fans.”

“We also have more electric power in the powertrains with our partnership with Mercedes-AMG for 2026. It has been fantastic working closely with our new colleagues in Brixworth over the past few months and weeks to understand together how best to optimize everything.”

“In addition to the challenge posed by the powertrain and 100% sustainable fuels, we will have to familiarize ourselves with new terminology since overtaking, boost, and recharging modes will all be part of our vocabulary starting this year.”

“The entire Enstone team is looking forward to being in Barcelona next week, where we will have a lot to learn and understand about the A526.”

Everything is still to play for

Pierre Gasly begins his tenth season in Formula 1, his fourth with Alpine. The Frenchman scored 100% of the team’s points in 2025, reached Q3 ten times, and approaches this new campaign with optimism.

“This is the first time in my career that the entire car has undergone such profound changes,” says Pierre.

“Of course, everyone is in uncharted territory, but I find it extremely stimulating as a driver. For the team, it’s been a long road to get here. We worked extensively in the simulator last year to prepare for these new regulations, and I know the entire Enstone team has put in considerable effort to develop the best possible package.”

“What we see from the shakedown next week will be interesting, but these won’t be the final cars. We’ll continue to learn and develop the package every time we take to the track.”

“I’m not setting any specific goals. We’ll have to work tirelessly with the team to identify areas for improvement. We’ll move forward day by day, trying to be as competitive as possible throughout the year. I’m obviously enthusiastic and optimistic, but also realistic about my ambitions. Today, I feel immense pride above all in seeing the team reach all its milestones in the preparation of the A526.”

Franco Colapinto is also approaching 2026 with positivity and is preparing to continue his progression to the top of motorsport by competing in his first full season in Formula 1.

“Above all, I am extremely enthusiastic,” adds Franco.

“For the first time in my career, I was able to benefit from a real off-season to best prepare myself for a full season, right from the first tests and the first race. This is very important to me, because I feel really involved in the project and it allows me to work hard from the outset with the whole team.”

“We had the opportunity to discover the car and prepare in the simulator. Of course, it’s very different from anything I’ve experienced before, and I think that’s the case for most of the drivers on the grid. There are new subtleties to master and new challenges to overcome to extract the maximum from the package, and I find that exciting.”

“I know the whole team is extremely motivated to have a good season. I’m going to try to learn as much as possible during the first few races and continue to improve. I hope that this will allow us to be competitive as a team.”

Paul Aron completes the lineup alongside Pierre and Franco for his second season as a reserve driver.

“I am delighted to be part of this new era of Formula 1 and I can’t wait to learn as much as possible,” said the Estonian.

“In my role as reserve driver, it will be crucial to quickly learn the new systems and spend a lot of time in the simulator to help the team progress rapidly. It’s an exciting opportunity and I can’t wait for the season to start.”

With his first official tests with the A525 last December in Abu Dhabi, Kush Maini will still be a member of the Alpine Academy, competing in the FIA ​​Formula 2 Championship and a reserve driver within the team’s talent pool.

Step by step

Earlier this week, the team completed a shakedown test, allowing them to verify the new systems for the first time and validate the new car at Silverstone. The team then traveled directly to Barcelona for the official Formula 1 shakedown starting on Monday, before heading to Bahrain for two three-day test sessions in February. All eyes will then turn to the start of this highly anticipated season on March 8 in Melbourne, Australia.

“It’s quite rare to see changes of this magnitude, capable of disrupting the hierarchy of our sport,” concluded Flavio Briatore. “We’re taking it step by step. We don’t know where we’ll stand in the first race, let alone the last.”

“Development will be crucial, and the ability to understand and learn how to best utilize the package on each circuit will make all the difference. We know it’s a long road, but we’re eager to get there.”

“Pierre and Franco’s thirst for success is palpable. Last year wasn’t easy for anyone, least of all for them, and it’s our duty to provide them with the car that will allow them to fully express their talent at the front.”

Last night, during its prize-giving ceremony at the Autosport Awards, the all-female racing series, F1 ACADEMY, unveiled a refreshed brand identity for 2026 and beyond, marking a shift in pace as the series enters its fourth season.

The dynamic new look, featuring an updated logo, a distinctive ‘accelerator’ brand icon, an elevated colour palette, and an energised design language, reflects the series’ progression and the tangible impact that it’s having on the next generation of racing talent. Together, these new design elements capture the energy and vision that fuel the series’ ethos of high stakes, higher drive.

Season Four of F1 ACADEMY promises to be the most thrilling yet, with a seven-round calendar alongside the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. Fans can expect incredible on-track action, purpose-driven brand partnerships and new ways to engage with the series. The refreshed brand identity will come to life through digital platforms, broadcast coverage, merchandising, and at F1 ACADEMY race weekends.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1

“F1 ACADEMY has gone from strength to strength and achieved so much in just three years, nurturing talent from the grassroots up, growing global awareness, and breaking down barriers. This new brand identity defines the series as it moves forward, welcoming the next generation of drivers and fans to F1, backed by the commitment of the teams, race promoters and partners. F1 ACADEMY has demonstrated the value it brings to our sport, both on and off the track, and I know it will continue to grow and succeed.”

Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 ACADEMY

“For year four, we’re stepping up a gear. In just three seasons, we’ve built real momentum, earned global visibility, and challenged outdated perceptions of who belongs in our sport. F1 ACADEMY has cemented its place on the racing ladder and is already shaping the next generation of talent. Today, we unveil a bold new identity that reflects our ambition and the change we’re driving to help shape the future of our sport.”

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The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team has today (22 January) unveiled the first images of its 2026 car, the Mercedes-AMG F1 W17 E PERFORMANCE. It marks the latest step in the team’s journey towards the next generation of F1.
 
The 2026 season sees the biggest technical shake up in the sport’s history, with all-new chassis, Power Unit, and fuel regulations. The W17 is therefore smaller, narrower, and lighter than its predecessor. It features active aerodynamics with moveable front and rear-wings, an engine that produces close to a 50/50 split between electric and combustion power, and runs on advanced sustainable fuels developed by the team’s Title and Technical Partner, PETRONAS.
 
The W17 also features a striking new livery which marks a bold expression of identity and evolution. A dynamic PETRONAS green flow line anchors the design, sweeping low across the car to emphasize speed and precision while harmonising the transition from iconic Mercedes silver to the team’s deep black. The top of the sidepods feature the AMG-specific inspired rhombus signature, complimenting the iconic Mercedes three-pointed star pattern on the engine cover.
 
Toto Wolff, Team Principal & CEO, said: “Formula One will undergo significant change in 2026, and we are prepared for that transition. The new regulations demand innovation and absolute focus across every area of performance. Our work on the new car, and the long-term development of the Power Unit and advanced sustainable fuels with PETRONAS, reflects that approach.
 
“Releasing the first images of the W17 is simply the next step in that process. It represents the collective, sustained effort of our teams in Brixworth and Brackley. We will continue to push hard in the months ahead.”

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Doriane Pin, 2025 F1 Academy Champion, continues her progression with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team as she steps up to become one of the squad’s Development Drivers for 2026. The 22-year-old, fresh from a stunning title success in the all-female series, graduates from the team’s Junior Programme and will take on an enhanced role with the three-pointed star.
 
As Development Driver, Doriane will form part of the team’s roster of drivers who work across simulator development and additional activities at the factory and trackside. She will also be on event at several Grands Prix and will act as a support and sounding board to the team’s 2026 F1 Academy driver.
 
Her Development Driver role will dovetail with a soon-to-be-announced racing programme for 2026. The affectionately nicknamed ‘Pocket Rocket’ graduates from F1 Academy having claimed last year’s championship in confident fashion: four wins, four further podiums, and a faultless weekend in Las Vegas to secure the crown. The Frenchwoman will collect her F1 Academy trophy at this evening’s prestigious Autosport Awards in London.
 
Doriane said: “I’m very proud and grateful to take on the role of Development Driver with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. My two years as part of the Junior Programme have helped me grow as a driver and this is a fantastic next step in my career. I’m excited to keep working with everyone at Brackley and Brixworth and progressing toward future opportunities, both on and off track.
 
“I also want to say a big thank you to everyone at F1 Academy in helping me reach this position. The series provides a brilliant platform for female drivers, and I am honoured to be collecting the championship trophy this evening. As I continue my own journey in motorsport, I know there will be more incredible women following in my wheel tracks and I wish them all the very best of luck for the season ahead.”
 
Bradley Lord, Team Representative, commented: “We are delighted to announce that Doriane will step up to the role of Development Driver in 2026. In her two years within our F1 Academy team, she combined dedication, speed, and race-craft with strong technical feedback and engineering knowledge – culminating in her championship success last season.
 
“These skills are vital to progress up the motorsport ladder and this new role will help Doriane continue to grow and develop as a driver on her motorsport journey. Her success in F1 Academy, and the opportunity the series presents, has prepared her well for this next step and we’re excited to see her tackle it alongside a soon-to-be-announced racing programme.”
 
That racing programme marks the continuation of a promising career that began in 2013 when Doriane first took up karting. After notable national successes, she progressed into cars and claimed the Ferrari Challenge Europe title, took a class victory at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps and secured a historic win in the European Le Mans Series.
 
Her meteoric rise continued as she made the jump into the World Endurance Championship’s LMP2 category in 2023, taking a podium finish at the 1000 miles of Sebring, before switching her attention to single-seaters for the past two seasons.

Goodwood is gearing up for an unforgettable celebration this summer, as the Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard prepares to welcome Damon Hill, marking 30 years since his 1996 Formula 1 World Championship with Williams.

A true icon of British motorsport, Hill remains one of Britain’s most respected racing drivers, having cemented his place in Formula 1 history with 22 Grand Prix victories as well as making history as part of the first father-son duo to both claim the World Championship title.

This year’s Festival of Speed will reunite Hill with some of his career-defining cars, as The Duke of Richmond invites fans to join Goodwood in celebrating the motorsport maestro with a dedicated balcony moment on Saturday 11 July.

Indeed, Goodwood is delighted to be celebrating one of its greatest friends and supporters. For many years, Hill has been an integral part of the Estate’s motorsport events, showcasing cars from his career on the hillclimb at the Festival of Speed and racing at Revival.

The Duke of Richmond, CBE DL said: “I couldn’t be happier that Damon is joining us at this year’s Festival of Speed to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his World Championship. He has been a phenomenal supporter of everything we do at Goodwood, and indeed has been a patron of the Festival of Speed since the first event in 1993. Too often he is here to lend his support as we celebrate other people, so I am delighted that this time the spotlight will be deservedly on him. I know our fans will join me as we come together to celebrate the amazing career of one of Britain’s most enduringly popular World Champions.”

Damon Hill said: “I’m very much looking forward to celebrating the 30th anniversary of my World Championship at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year. Goodwood has always been a special place for the Hill family – my parents came to nearby Bognor Regis for their honeymoon in 1955 because my father was racing in the Nine Hour race the same weekend, and I have been a patron since the very first Festival of Speed in 1993. Goodwood’s fans are some of the most passionate in the world, and it will be a real privilege to share my anniversary with such an appreciative audience.”

TGR Haas F1 Team unveiled today the bold design and dynamic new livery of its VF-26 entry – to be raced in the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship by Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon in this year’s 24-round championship commencing at the Australian Grand Prix, March 6-8.

The American squad, entering its 11th season in Formula 1, presented the VF-26 across a series of digital renders on its social media platforms – the new-look white livery with red accents adorning the car designed to Formula 1’s newest innovative set of regulations. With cars becoming smaller, lighter and more agile – with significantly less downforce and drag, the VF-26 sports reduced dimensions and narrower Pirelli tires while the Ferrari power-unit utilized shifts to a 50/50 split between internal combustion and electric power using 100 percent sustainable fuel.

With an expanding portfolio of team partners heading into the 2026 season, the livery significantly reflects the commencement of the title partnership announced last December with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) – the motorsport competition and research and development division of Toyota Motor Corporation. While the Japanese company recently announced a new brand structure to be implemented across this year, with GAZOO Racing and TOYOTA Racing incorporating differing remits – TGR Haas F1 Team will display the TGR branding throughout the season.

Having first entered a multi-year technical partnership together in October 2024, the title partnership deal highlights the core objectives of the relationship between Haas F1 Team and GAZOO Racing – focusing on ‘People, Product, Pipeline’, which includes the development of essential human resources such as drivers, engineers and mechanics to build a sustainable motorsports industry and culture.

“Like all teams, we’ve faced the challenge of competing in 2025 while looking to design and now build these new-regulation entries for the 2026 season”, said Gene Haas, Founder and Owner of TGR Haas F1 Team. “The pre-season will be crucial to understand what these cars are capable of and how the drivers, engineers and teams in general adapt to them. We at least have continuity in terms of the drivers, with Ollie (Bearman) and Esteban (Ocon), as well as in our design and engineering teams. Last season’s competition in the midfield was of an exceptionally high standard, it was tough, and we need to go out again and continue to develop – both on and off-track. Personally, I’m going to be very interested to see how the competition shakes out across the grid and what these new regulations bring in terms of performance.”

“It feels almost a bit surreal to be unveiling a new car this early in the year but it’s not any less exciting venturing into a new F1 campaign – especially one with such a change in regulations,” commented Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal of TGR Haas F1 Team. “We’re fully focused on being ready for Shakedown Week in Barcelona. It’s been a monumental effort from everyone on the team to work with such a tight turnaround time from the end of last season to putting cars on track in January. It goes without saying that after so much talk, we can’t wait to see how these cars will perform and what we’ll face as we then progress through our test programs ahead of Australia. Track time is going to be crucial through Spain and Bahrain and while we know there’s going to be challenges along the way, we do this because we’re passionate about Formula 1.”

TGR Haas F1 Team will be on-track for the first time this season at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain for the Shakedown Week, January 26-30 – with each team permitted three days of track time followed by two further official tests at the Bahrain International Circuit, February 11-13 and 18-20 respectively.

The Cadillac Formula 1 Team achieved another major milestone today as Checo Perez completed the first-ever on-track laps for the American squad. The team took to the historic Silverstone track during a pre-season promotional day, marking a monumental moment as it continues preparations for its debut Formula 1 campaign.

The laps were completed as part of a promotional filming day, serving the dual purpose of gathering footage of the car on track, and the opportunity to shake down the car to ensure all systems are working as expected in preparation for official pre-season testing.

The car ran entirely in black at Silverstone, with the final 2026 Cadillac Formula 1 Team livery set to be revealed on Sunday, February 8, via a globally televised championship broadcast, representing a bold new way for the team to connect with new audiences within the United States and beyond.

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(L to R): Sergio Perez (MEX) Cadillac Formula 1 Team with team mate Valtteri Bottas (FIN) Cadillac Formula 1 Team. 16.02.2026. Formula 1, Cadillac Formula 1 Team Car Filming Day, Silverstone, England, Friday.

Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac Formula 1^® Team Holdings, commented: “Today’s shakedown is a significant step for the Cadillac Formula 1 ^®Team. Watching the car roll out of the garage is a moment of pride. The first laps on track mark a historic milestone; the culmination of thousands of hours of work, driven by pure passion. Graeme has done an outstanding job of assembling a team of absolute racers that have given everything to get to this moment. This is just the beginning, as our work continues at pace towards Melbourne and beyond.”

Graeme Lowdon, Team Principal, added:“Today represents countless hours of hard work, commitment and belief from everyone involved in the team. It shows the progress we’re continuing to make in a short space of time. It’s been a great opportunity for the team to gel in a live garage environment, verify car systems and resolve any initial issues. But it’s just the beginning of the road; we now turn our attention to pre-season testing in just a few weeks’ time, which will provide even more opportunity to learn.”

(L to R): Graeme Lowdon (GBR) Cadillac Formula 1 Team, Team Principal with Dan Towriss (USA) Cadillac F1 Team and TWG Motorsports CEO and Pat Symonds (GBR) Cadillac Formula 1 Team Executive Engineering Consultant. 16.02.2026. Formula 1, Cadillac Formula 1 Team Car Filming Day, Silverstone, England, Friday.

Checo Perez: “Today was really an amazing day. Everyone should feel incredibly proud to complete our first laps as a team. Each and every person has worked so hard to get to this moment and it was emotional to be part of motorsport history. We can, and should, all enjoy, but it’s absolutely fired me up for more. I just want to get back in and get mileage – this is just the start.”

Valtteri Bottas: “As a team we made history today with the Cadillac Formula 1^® Team car taking to the track for the first time. Checo put in the first laps with the car running smoothly. I’m proud of the whole team for getting to this point, which is really impressive. It was special to be part of this moment and witness the joy from the team. Our first day is done and now we push on.”

Visa Cash App Racing Bulls unveiled their 2026 Formula One livery and introduced new driver, Arvid Lindblad this evening at a landmark event that transformed the iconic Central Michigan train station into the stage for the team’s latest chapter in Formula One.

Set against the majestic architecture of the historic location, the evening brought together VCARB, Ford Racing, and Oracle Red Bull Racing in a shared celebration of innovation, speed, and engineering excellence as they launch a partnership that has built the first ever Red Bull Ford Powertrains power unit.

To introduce VCARB’s on stage moment, Detroit’s very own, 7x BET Award-winning and multi-platinum superstar, Big Sean, introduced the team with a bespoke 60 second Red Bull rap. He also closed out the event with his top hits IDFWU and Bounce Back.

The event marked a strategic milestone for the team; highlighting where it’s heading, how it’s building and what fans can expect from the year ahead.

New Livery

Liam and Arvid were joined by CEO, Peter Bayer and Team Principal, Alan Permane as they unveiled the livery in front of 1,500 guests and fans worldwide on YouTube and Red Bull TV. After proving a fan favourite last season, the team chose to remain with its all-white look, enhanced by a subtle nod to its partnership with Ford. Sleek blue accents now trace the contours of the chassis, elevating the design with a sharper, more streamlined finish.

Peter Bayer, CEO of Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula One Team

“This launch captures the evolution of Visa Cash App Racing Bulls as a brand and as a racing team. From having Detroit as a backdrop representing our partnership with Ford, to the creators, fans and communities we’ve brought into this launch, everything reflects our ambition to push Formula One culture forward. We want to connect with the next generation in a way that feels authentic, bold and inclusive, and this moment marks the continuation of what we do both on and off the track.”

Alan Permane, Team Principal of Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula One Team

“2026 represents one of the biggest technical resets Formula One has seen, and partnering with Ford at the very start of this journey is hugely significant for us. The Red Bull Ford Powertrains project brings together world-class engineering, innovation and racing DNA, and it puts us in a strong position as the sport enters this new era. We have been working closely with the team and are proud of what the Red Bull family have developed. It’s something we’re excited to have in our race car as we hit the track in the coming weeks”.

Liam Lawson

“Launching the 2026 livery here in Detroit makes the moment feel even more special. The history of innovation in this place really reflects what this team is building for the future. The partnership between Ford and Red Bull, the energy around the team, and the ambition for what’s ahead make this an incredibly exciting time to be part of VCARB. I’m more motivated than ever to push forward and help turn that vision into results on track.”

Arvid Lindblad

“This moment is honestly surreal. To be introduced as a Formula One driver at an event like this, in such an iconic setting, is something I’ll never forget. The team’s vision, the new power unit, and the belief they’ve shown in me mean a lot. I’m ready to learn, to work, and to give everything on track as we start this new chapter together.”

Visa Cash App Racing Bulls 2026 Livery Photos

At Red Bull’s 2026 Season Launch, held in Michigan Central Station, Red Bull pilot Martin Sonka produced a jaw-dropping stunt, as his plane tore the sheet off the car, unveiling a new yet familiar look, marking a return to the gloss finish first seen when the Team made its debut back in 2005. 

22 years later, Formula One is about to enter a new era, as the sport’s technical regulations undergo a seismic change. This is also a defining moment for Oracle Red Bull Racing, because the opening round of the season in Melbourne will mark the official race debut of Red Bull Ford Powertrains, as the Team now builds both car and power unit under the same roof for the very first time.

To acknowledge this bold move, the RB22 will wear a livery inspired by Red Bull’s original look in F1. It harks back to a more classic Red Bull Racing presence, sharpening reflections, boosting contrast under the lights and making heritage elements of the new livery feel richer and more premium at speed.

The 2026 livery features a heritage white base, which the gloss paint will provide more depth and clarity to, allowing the iconic sun and bull logo to pop, with cleaner edges and stronger colour saturation. The shine adds motion, energy and reveals a new jacquard pattern through the body of the livery, which will run throughout Oracle Red Bull Racing’s 2026 look and feel.

In case you hadn’t guessed, the plane wasn’t actually inside Michigan Central Station! The crazy stunt actually took place at the Jindřichův Hradec Airport, in Czechia. The tail of the aircraft was fitted with an attachment to remove the cover from the car and, despite bad weather, Sonka pulled off the incredibly demanding aerobatic stunt known as the Cobra manoeuvre, which involves suddenly bringing the nose up almost vertically, but without gaining height, before resuming horizontal flight.

Laurent Mekies, CEO and Team Principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing

“Seeing the new livery for the first time is one of those special moments, it starts to make you feel excited about the new season. We are going to look spectacular on track! This is a new and significant era for the sport as a whole and for us as a team. We wanted our livery to reflect this, while also giving a nod to Red Bull Racing’s beginnings. This livery is designed to celebrate the spirit of our early days. In the year that an Oracle Red Bull Racing car will run a Red Bull Ford Powertrains PU for the first time, it felt only right to reflect some of our history in our livery.”

Max Verstappen, Oracle Red Bull Racing driver

“I love the new livery, it looks really nice and think it is going to stand out on track this year. The gloss is cool, it is a more retro look, the colour is really bold and blue, I really like it. Seeing it in real life was special and I was really impressed and surprised by how much of a change it is. The whole look brings back a lot of great memories of back in the day when I was just starting out in F1 and everything was new. I’m excited to drive a car with a completely different look. I’m not sure the mechanics will be happy about the time it’ll take to keep this clean! But, it’s going to look really slick and will be nice for everyone to see out on track.”

Isack Hadjar, Oracle Red Bull Racing driver

“There’s been some exciting moments and a lot of firsts for me in the last few months,  since I found out I would be driving for Oracle Red Bull Racing, and seeing the 2026 livery for the first time is up there with one of the best. Things are starting to feel a lot more real now and I can’t wait to drive with this livery on the car, I love the new, yet heritage, look, it’s super cool. It’s a new era for me and it’s pretty crazy that the Team and the whole sport are entering one at the same time too, it all feels very special. Being here in Detroit and seeing the livery in real life and the scale of what we have done to create a power unit is getting me hyped for this season. Now I just want to get into the RB22 with our own engine and go racing!”

Red Bull Racing 2026 Livery Images

McLaren Racing today announced that FIA Formula 2 Champion Leonardo Fornaroli will take up the role of 2026 McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team Reserve Driver alongside his duties as a Test and Development driver within the McLaren Driver Development Programme. 

In addition to his Championship pursuit with Arrow McLaren in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Pato O’Ward will also continue in his role as Reserve Driver for the team.

The team also confirms the full lineup of its talent development programme, alongside their racing programmes for the year.

For 2026, the McLaren Driver Development Programme will consist of Christian Costoya, Matteo De Palo, Leonardo Fornaroli, Ella Häkkinen, Ella Lloyd, Pato O’Ward, Ella Stevens, Dries Van Langendonck and Richard Verschoor. The programme, led by Chief Business Affairs Officer Alessandro Alunni Bravi, has an overarching aim to help drivers progress towards Formula 1, IndyCar and the team’s upcoming World Endurance Championship entry.

Within his role as Reserve, Test and Development Driver, Leonardo will also undertake an intensive testing and sim programme to aid his development and provide invaluable support to the Formula 1 team in an unprecedented era of new regulations.

Richard Verschoor will compete in the European Le Mans Series with the DUQUEINE Team in LMP2, alongside a testing programme across McLaren Racing’s portfolio, as the team prepares for its upcoming World Endurance Championship entry.

Matteo De Palo will debut in FIA Formula 3 with Trident Motorsport, taking a step up in the Formula 1 series ladder after a successful 2024 season as Vice-Champion of the Formula Regional European Championship. 

Ella Lloyd will continue in F1 Academy with McLaren and Rodin Motorsport, building on an incredibly successful debut season where she earned the Rookie of the Year accolade.

Ella Stevens will also represent the team in F1 Academy with Rodin Motorsport, driving the F1 Academy McLaren Oxagon entry. At the end of 2025, the team announced that it was doubling down on its commitment to opening pathways into motorsport for women by adding a second car to the series in partnership with NEOM.  

After a successful programme of Formula 4 testing in 2025, Dries Van Langendonck will formally graduate into single-seaters, competing in the British Formula 4 Championship and the Formula Winter Series with Rodin Motorsport.

Christian Costoya will also graduate from karting into a Formula 4 programme, racing in the Italian Formula 4 Championship, the Euro 4 Championship and the Formula 4 Middle East Championship for the 2026 season.

Ella Häkkinen will undertake an intensive single-seater testing programme in Formula 4 in preparation for the 2027 season as she continues to develop within the pathway. 

Alessandro Alunni Bravi, Chief Businesses Affairs Officer, McLaren Racing

“The team are pleased to confirm its Driver Development Programme line up alongside their racing and testing programmes for 2026. Within this, it’s great for Leonardo to step up into the Reserve Driver role for the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team as part of his development with us, with Pato O’Ward also continuing in this role. 

“We have selected an incredibly talented group of nine drivers, which shows the health of our talent pipeline. We are all excited to see their development this season as we create professional drivers across all aspects of racing, progressing towards Formula 1, IndyCar and the team’s upcoming World Endurance Championship entry.” 

Leonardo Fornaroli, Reserve, Test and Development Driver, McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team

“I’m thrilled to be stepping into an extended role with the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team as Reserve Driver as part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme. It’s an exciting next step in my journey, and I’m looking forward to contributing to such a successful, Championship-winning team this season. A big thank you to Zak, Andrea and Alessandro for this opportunity.”

Pato O’Ward, Reserve Driver, McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team, and Driver, Arrow McLaren

“I am excited to continue in my role as Reserve Driver for the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team, alongside my primary duties in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with Arrow McLaren. I’ve learned an incredible amount testing and driving F1 cars over the past few years, so I am looking forward to this continued growth and development.” 

Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1® is rapidly approaching, with the iconic American brand set to make its historic debut as the Cadillac Formula 1® Team at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 8.

Today, General Motors President Mark Reuss unveiled the Cadillac Formula 1® Team’s Special Edition testing livery at GM’s new global headquarters, the Hudson’s Detroit building, marking a major milestone on Cadillac’s journey to the Formula 1® grid. The livery will be used at the all-team Shakedown Week in Barcelona, Spain, January 26 – 30, ahead of unveiling the final livery on February 8.

The testing livery was developed through a cross-continental collaboration between the General Motors Global Design team, and Cadillac Formula 1® Team. The partnership underscores the global reach of the Cadillac Formula 1® Team program and the deep creative and technical talent driving the brand’s debut in F1®.

The unveiling was part of GM’s opening-week celebrations at its new headquarters, with a replica F1® car proudly wearing the Cadillac Formula 1® Team Barcelona Shakedown livery. The car will additionally be on display at the Detroit Auto Show until January 25 for enthusiasts to see in person.

Distinct from the official race livery, the Cadillac Formula 1® Team Barcelona Shakedown livery is a bold, yet disciplined design created specifically for the demands of pre-season development. In Formula 1®, testing liveries traditionally help mask aerodynamic details ahead of competition—much like camouflaged prototypes in the automotive world—while still expressing brand identity.

“Our new testing livery celebrates Detroit’s design heritage and the power of the global Cadillac Formula 1® team, while keeping our design secrets under wraps,” Reuss said. “The Barcelona test is just the beginning — we can’t wait to share our official race livery with fans around the world next month.”

Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac Formula 1® Team Holdings, added: “Cadillac Formula 1® is committed to innovation on and off the track. TWG combined with General Motors allows us to rethink the norm and introduce the team in bold new ways. Debuting our race livery during a globally televised championship broadcast challenges convention and brings Cadillac Formula 1® to a global audience. Paired with this special-edition testing livery designed by the GM Global Design studios, we’re honoring automotive heritage while looking ahead as we build toward the 2026 season.”

A Purposeful Design for Testing

The monochrome concept creates a striking and premium appearance by linking to a modern interpretation of the iconic Cadillac crest and shield, serving as a visual anchor across the car. The large Cadillac crest is draped elegantly over the rear to disguise the aero surfaces and to boldly showcase the arrival of Cadillac on the global sporting stage. The Cadillac precision geometric pattern is presented vertically throughout the race car in a gloss and matte sequence which will help disguise the bodywork in an artful display of the brand’s DNA.

Clean line work and restrained color blocking reinforce a technical, future-forward aesthetic aligned with Cadillac’s performance ambitions at the pinnacle of global motorsport.

As a nod to the ongoing dedication and expertise from both sides of the Atlantic to bring the team to the grid, the names of the founding members of the Cadillac Formula 1® Team from both the United States and the UK will also be incorporated into the design.

Looking Ahead to the Grid

The Cadillac Formula 1® Team will unveil its official 2026 Formula 1® race livery on February 8 offering fans their first look at the design that will compete throughout the season.

Revealing the Special Edition testing livery at the Hudson’s Detroit building honors Cadillac’s deep legacy in the city. The new GM global headquarters sits just a few miles from Cadillac’s original Detroit headquarters, symbolically linking the brand’s storied past with its Formula 1® future.

With anticipation building ahead of the Barcelona Shakedown, the race livery reveal, and the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, the Cadillac Formula 1® Team debut on the Formula 1® grid represents a landmark moment for American motorsport on the global stage.

F1 2026 preseason is split into two parts: team launches and reveals, then three track blocks that let teams validate brand new cars under brand new rules. The key point for fans is timing. The earlier events are about liveries, branding, and first looks. The track sessions are where reliability, correlation, and genuine performance work begin. 

January 2026 launches and early reveals

January is when teams start showing their 2026 identity, sometimes as a livery only, sometimes as a full car reveal, sometimes as renders. These events rarely tell you who is fastest. They do tell you who is organised and who has built momentum into the regulation reset. 

January 15, Red Bull and Racing Bulls launch

Red Bull and Racing Bulls are set to share a joint event in Detroit, alongside Ford, ahead of Red Bull Ford Powertrains supplying both teams in 2026. The core output is livery and branding, plus the first public framing of how the Ford partnership fits into the new engine era. 

Update:

Red Bull Racing’s 2026 Livery Takes Flight

A New Era: Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Launches 2026 Livery in Detroit

January 19, Haas livery reveal

Haas will reveal its 2026 livery online. This is positioned as a digital unveil rather than a live show, which usually signals a clean, controlled rollout focused on core visuals rather than a long technical presentation. 

Update: TGR Haas F1 Team Reveals VF-26 Design & Livery

January 20, Audi launch

Audi will stage a launch in Berlin for its first season on the grid under the Audi name. This is a milestone moment for the sport in 2026, since it marks the step from takeover project to full works identity in the public eye. 

Update: Audi Enter Formula 1 with Striking R26 Reveal

January 20, Honda power unit launch

Honda will launch its 2026 power unit in Tokyo ahead of its exclusive partnership with Aston Martin. Power unit launches matter more in 2026 than they did in recent years, since the engine rules change sharply and early stability often shapes the first months of development. 

January 22, Mercedes initial reveal via renders

Mercedes will publish renders of its 2026 car online. Renders are not a full technical reveal, yet they do set the first public baseline for branding and packaging direction before cars hit the track in anger. 

Update: Mercedes 2026 Challenger Revealed

January 23, Alpine launch

Alpine will hold a launch in Barcelona. Their teaser line is “We’ve got something to show you…” and the location is notable, given the private Barcelona running that follows soon after. “We’ve got something to show you…” 

Update: BWT Alpine Formula One Team sets sail for a historic season marked by new regulations in 2026

January 23, Ferrari launch

Ferrari is also scheduled to launch on January 23. At this point in the calendar, teams are usually focused on first public presentation and readiness for the private shakedown phase that starts three days later. 

Update: Ferrari Unveils The SF-26

Barcelona shakedown week

This is the part many fans miss. In 2026 it is central, since it is the first real stress test of new cars built to new rules, with new power unit hardware and new control systems. It is private for a simple reason: teams want to solve embarrassing problems off camera. 

January 26 to 30, Barcelona shakedown week

F1 will run a five-day private shakedown at Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya from January 26 to January 30. The priority here is basic function, not pace. Teams use this time for reliability, cooling validation, software integration, and early correlation checks that help them trust their models before the public Bahrain sessions. 

A useful way to read the shakedown is to ignore lap times entirely. Watch for which teams get consistent mileage, run through full daily plans, and avoid repeated stoppages. Mileage is the currency of early-season confidence.

February 2026 launches and livery reveals

February shifts toward final presentation, then the public tests begin. Teams often time their media events to land just before Bahrain, so sponsors and fans see the car, then see it on track immediately after. 

February 2, Mercedes season launch

Mercedes will hold a dedicated digital season launch show on February 2. This sits after their earlier renders and just ahead of the public testing window, which makes it the natural moment for the team to frame its 2026 approach in full. 

February 3, Williams livery reveal

Williams will unveil the livery for its 2026 car, described by the team as a “striking” new look.  

February 8, Cadillac livery reveal

Cadillac will reveal its livery during a Super Bowl advert. This is a mainstream marketing play timed for maximum US audience reach, which fits a new team trying to establish identity fast in a crowded grid. 

February 9, Aston Martin launch

Aston Martin will launch its 2026 challenger on February 9. With new rules and a new power unit partnership path, the early public narrative often focuses on packaging choices and how the team expects the new era to suit its strengths. 

February 9, McLaren launch

McLaren will also launch on February 9, with an online event from Bahrain. That timing is practical. Bahrain is where the meaningful running happens, so a launch there keeps the attention tied to real track action. 

Bahrain preseason testing sessions

Bahrain is the public laboratory. This is where fans see the new cars in repeatable conditions, with timing data, long runs, and visible problem-solving. Two separate three-day sessions mean teams can run, analyse, adjust, then run again. 

February 11 to 13, Bahrain testing session one

The first Bahrain test runs from February 11 to February 13 at Bahrain International Circuit. Teams focus on aero mapping, long run stability, tyre behaviour, and early performance stints once basic reliability is proven. 

February 18 to 20, Bahrain testing session two

The second Bahrain test runs from February 18 to February 20 at the same venue. This is the final structured chance to validate upgrades, lock in baseline setups, and complete race distance simulations before the season begins. 

In 2026, the preseason story runs through January launches, a private Barcelona shakedown from January 26 to January 30, then two Bahrain tests from February 11 to 13 and February 18 to 20, which together set the baseline for the new rules era. 

2026 Formula 1 Pre-Season Key Dates

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Audi Revolut F1 Team successfully completed the inaugural fire-up of its car for the 2026 season, a significant milestone in its journey to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. The event, held at the team’s Hinwil facility on December 19, 2025, marks the first time the Audi Power Unit has been run while installed in the chassis, symbolising the project’s transition from design to dynamic reality.
 
The fire-up is a fundamental checkpoint in any Formula 1 program, validating years of development and confirming the successful integration of the core components. For the Audi F1 project, it is the tangible result of intense, cross-functional collaboration between the team’s powertrain division in Neuburg, Germany, and the chassis team in Hinwil, Switzerland, as well as the new Technical Centre in Bicester, UK. It marks the deeply emotional moment in which the car comes alive for the first time – the culmination of the work and dedication of hundreds of individuals across every part of this project.

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Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG and Chairman of the Board of Audi Motorsport AG: “For Audi, entering Formula 1 is a key part of our brand’s ongoing renewal. This milestone is a clear demonstration of our ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ ambition. It is the result of seamless teamwork and a relentless pursuit of excellence that will serve as a guiding example for the entire Audi organisation. This project is a catalyst for change, fostering pride, identity, and enthusiasm. With the fire-up, the hard work of the teams in Hinwil, Neuburg and Bicester now truly comes to life, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Audi’s motorsport history.”
 
Mattia Binotto, Head of the Audi F1 Project: “A fire-up is always a special moment, but this one marks a new beginning. It is the tangible result of our collective ambition and the dedicated work of our teams in Neuburg and Hinwil. Seeing everything come together for the first time gives the entire project incredible energy. We have built a solid foundation for what will be a long journey, defined by our relentless drive to improve.”
 
Jonathan Wheatley, Team Principal of the Audi Revolut F1 Team: “This successful fire-up is a critical milestone that validates the quality of the work and collaboration across all departments. It energises the entire team and provides a clear focus as we prepare for the next phases of development, including the moment we first bring the car to track. This achievement brings our first race in Melbourne into sharp focus, and we will build on this foundation as one united team.”
 
With this key objective met, Audi Revolut F1 Team continues its intensive preparations for its debut season. The team’s next major milestone will be the global launch event in Berlin on January 20, 2026, where its full race livery and on-track identity will be officially presented ahead of the first collective test session in Barcelona at the end of the month.

The Cadillac Formula 1 Team has today confirmed that Zhou Guanyu has joined as Reserve Driver for the team’s Formula 1 debut in 2026.

Zhou joins a talented lineup of drivers at the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, which includes race drivers Valtteri Bottas – alongside whom he raced throughout his stints at Alfa Romeo and Kick Sauber – and Checo Perez, plus Test Driver Colton Herta, who will compete in Formula 2 with Hitech in 2026.

Shanghai-born Zhou, who is China’s first and only F1 driver, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team. His 68-race F1 career began in 2022 with Alfa Romeo, for whom he scored points three times, including on his debut in the Bahrain Grand Prix. Having quickly developed a reputation as a fast and hard-working team player, he continued with the outfit in 2023 when he also scored points on three occasions. Zhou remained with the team when it became Kick Sauber in 2024, and he claimed its only points finish of the year in the Qatar Grand Prix.

The 26-year-old also brings valuable experience from his time with Scuderia Ferrari, which will supply the Cadillac Formula 1® Team with its power unit and gearbox in 2026. Zhou completed various trackside, simulator, and Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programs for the Italian marque in 2025 as Reserve Driver, acquiring relevant and recent experience ahead of his new role with the Cadillac Formula 1® Team.

As a junior driver, Zhou was recognized as a standout talent. He collected 20 podium finishes, including five victories, across a three-year stint in Formula 2, which culminated in third place in the series standings in 2021, when he also won the F3 Asian Championship by claiming four victories and five pole positions. He boasts wins in the highly regarded Formula 3 European Championship and Italian Formula 4 Championship, finishing second in the latter in 2015.

Zhou Guanyu said: “I am delighted to join the Cadillac Formula 1 Team as a Reserve Driver ahead of its Formula 1 debut. This is one of the biggest and most exciting new projects that the sport has ever seen.

“I have worked with both Graeme [Lowdon] and Valtteri [Bottas] for many years in various capacities, so joining the team feels like rejoining family. Having had recent experience on track and in developing the cars off track, I know I can add huge value to the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, and I am looking forward to supporting them the best way that I can.”

Graeme Lowdon, Team Principal, Cadillac Formula 1 Team, said: “Our process for selecting a Reserve Driver has been as thorough as the search for our Race Drivers. We wanted a candidate who had recent F1 driving experience, is prepared to work hard as part of a team and understands the challenges of developing a car throughout the season. Zhou fits the bill perfectly. He will be a great asset to us as we go racing in 2026 and we look forward to him being an integral part of our team.”

Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac Formula 1 Team Holdings, said: “I’m excited to welcome Zhou to the Cadillac Formula 1 Team. He will be an excellent addition to complement Valtteri and Checo; talented, personable and respectful of the hard work and commitment it will take for us to achieve our ambitions. I’m excited by our complete driver line-up – alongside Colton, we have a hungry, fast and collaborative group to make our 2026 debut.”

252 races. 140 wins. 150 pole positions. 387 podium finishes.
 
It has been quite an era for Mercedes since the current turbo-hybrid Power Units were introduced in 2014. The engines produced by Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP) in Brixworth, and powered by PETRONAS fuel and lubricants, have set the standard in F1 for 12 seasons; The aforementioned stats totalling the achievements of both works and customer teams a testament to that.
 
As the sport gets ready to enter its next exciting generation in 2026, the works team came together yesterday (Tuesday 16 December) to mark the end of this current era. The team’s Reserve Driver Fred Vesti put on a dazzling demonstration run at Brixworth in two cars: the 2014 W05 and the 2025 W16, the machines that bookended this incredible period of success.
 
The Dane performed a short run around the facility before delighting team members with donuts in each car. Power Units from each season were also on display with colleagues gathering for a team photo.
 
Hywel Thomas, Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains Managing Director, commented: “It’s been an incredibly day here at Brixworth celebrating our success in the current turbo-hybrid era we’ve been racing since 2014. We rarely have the chance to pause and reflect on what has been achieved so to do so with so many of our teammates was truly special. The stats are remarkable, and everyone involved at Brixworth, Brackley, and our colleagues at PETRONAS in Malaysia and around the world, can be rightfully proud of their contribution. This is the first time we’ve ever run an F1 car here at Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains and there couldn’t have been a more special time to do that.
 
“It was a brief pause today to mark the success of the past 12 years, but then right back to work as we focus on what we want to achieve ahead of 2026. It is such an exciting time as we stand on the verge of the next era in our sport. We are only a few weeks away from the new Power Unit taking to the circuit for that first track test in Barcelona and we look forward with anticipation to that moment in the way we did all the way back in 2014.
 
Fred Vesti, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Reserve Driver, added: “It has been special getting to celebrate this remarkable era of success with our teammates here at Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains. To be entrusted to drive the W05 and the W16, the two cars that bookended this era of success, was fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed putting on a show for everyone – I even managed to fit in some donuts in the 2014 car – and I had a lot of fun. It was pretty tricky given the rainy conditions and the fact that Brixworth is not a purpose-built racetrack, but I couldn’t think of a better way to say thank you and goodbye to this current generation of Power Units!”

Audi have revealed their official team name, logo and date for a spectacular immersive launch intended to show the world their 2026 livery as they prepare to take over Kick Sauber’s spot on the grid.

The German automative powerhouse, who declared their intention to join F1 back in 2022, have worked alongside Sauber to gradually improve their facilities and ensure they are in the mix from the get-go at the upcoming 2026 season opener in Australia.

Having enhanced their bases across Germany, Switzerland and the UK, they have now announced that their full team name will be the Audi Revolut F1 Team, the title partnership with the financial technology company was previously confirmed in July of this year.

The team’s press release outlines how Revolut “shares the ambition for innovation, performance, and connecting with a diverse, international audience” and adds that their collaboration will create “a powerful alliance aimed at challenging conventions and shaping new forms of fan engagement”, including app-based benefits for Revolut users.

They will also work together on activations and race access for fans, as well as integrating Revolut Pay into Audi’s online store and using the fintech giant’s business expertise in its financial operations, which are crucial under the strict budget cap.

Audi are aiming for consistency with their key figures, with Jonathan Wheatley set to continue in his role as Team Principal while Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto form their line-up. Mattia Binotto, who previously worked for Ferrari, holds the role of Head of the Audi F1 project.

Wheatley said:

“Today, our project takes on its official identity. The Audi Revolut F1 Team name is a symbol of the combined strength of our teams in Germany, UK and Switzerland, together with our partners.

“It provides a banner under which we all unite as we build towards 2026. This is a crucial milestone that energises the entire project and makes our long-term ambition tangible for everyone involved.”

Another element of the announcement is the official launch in Berlin, which will take place on January 20 2026 and showcase the brand’s core pillars of “clarity, technical intelligence, and emotion” in an immersive and exclusive event.

They will present their full race livery before holding a public opening on the following day, allowing fans to experience the unique occasion after they revealed an early concept livery in November, featuring titanium, carbon black and Audi red as the predominant colours.

Binotto added that the launch

“will be the first moment we stand together as a collective and invite our global fan base to join us” as the team takes shape, “driven by a culture of precision and relentless ambition”.

Although the team is undergoing a comprehensive rebrand to foreground the Audi identity, they will honour the legacy of Peter Sauber by keeping the name of Sauber Holding AG and Sauber Technologies AG. Other parts of the business, including the Technology Centre in Bicester, will be renamed to include Audi Motorsport.

Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG, said:

“Unveiling the Audi Revolut F1 Team name and logo marks another major milestone on our journey into the pinnacle of motorsport.

Both give our ambition a clear identity, reflecting a strong vision and innovative spirit. We now look ahead to Berlin in January, where we will officially present this exciting new chapter for the Audi brand to the world.”

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