Racing Avenue

Lance Stroll Jokes About Russell “Winning By 30 Seconds” Under New F1 Rules

Lance Stroll shared his unfiltered thoughts on Formula 1’s new regulations, joking that George Russell wouldn’t be complaining if he was half a minute ahead in Australia. The Aston Martin driver reflected on how modern F1 feels more about fuel and tyre management than pure racing.

He also revealed his love for the old-school era — refuelling, light cars, and flat-out driving — while questioning if today’s tech-heavy approach has taken away part of the thrill.

Fernando Alonso echoed some optimism, hinting that Aston Martin adapted more smoothly to the new cars, losing less downforce than their rivals.

📸: Aston Martin F1 | Mercedes F1 📰: Motorsport.com
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#F1 #Formula1 #FormulaOne #F1News #Formula1News #F12026 #GrandPrix #MotorSport #Race #Racing #AstonMartin #Mercedes #LanceStroll #GeorgeRussell #FernandoAlonso

4 days ago | [YT] | 107

Racing Avenue

McLaren CEO Dismisses Mercedes Engine Controversy

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has dismissed speculation that Mercedes-powered cars could be declared illegal ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, labeling the rumors “typical politics of Formula 1.”

Brown reaffirmed that the Mercedes engines are fully compliant, drawing comparisons to historical grey-area innovations like the double diffusers. “I don’t believe there’s a significant advantage as being represented by the competition,” he said, suggesting that rival teams were simply magnifying any perceived edge.

Brown added that he fully expects all Mercedes-powered teams to race in Melbourne, expressing confidence in Mercedes High Performance Powertrains’ work. “We’ll have all the Mercedes teams on the grid in Australia, I’m sure,” he concluded.

📸: Red Bull 📰: Motorsport Week
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#F1 #Formula1 #FormulaOne #F1News #Formula1News #F12026 #GrandPrix #MotorSport #Race #Racing #McLarenF1 #MercedesAMGF1 #ZakBrown #AustralianGP

4 days ago | [YT] | 68

Racing Avenue

Ferrari Bets On One Engine For Bahrain

Ferrari will carry forward the same engine used in Barcelona for testing at Bahrain, focusing on the real-world limits of their new 067/6 power unit. A team representative said they want to “evaluate the actual potential of 067/6 after the positive indications that emerged from tests in Catalonia.”

Despite no restrictions on pre-season testing engines, the Maranello squad aims to complete its winter preparation with just one unit — a bold signal of confidence in their engineering improvements.

The FIA’s updated regulations now allow four power units through 2025 before dropping to three in 2026, making durability an even bigger part of the championship fight. Meanwhile, the discussion around blocking Mercedes’ proposed micro combustion chamber continues to stir debate within the paddock, reflecting how finely balanced innovation and regulation have become in Formula 1.

📸: Scuderia Ferrari 📰: Motorsport Italia
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#F1 #Formula1 #FormulaOne #F1News #Formula1News #F12026 #GrandPrix #MotorSport #Race #Racing #Ferrari #ScuderiaFerrari #CharlesLeclerc #LewisHamilton

4 days ago | [YT] | 466

Racing Avenue

FIA Braces For Mercedes Engine Fallout

With just weeks until the 2026 Formula 1 season begins, the FIA is quietly preparing for fresh controversy — this time centered on Mercedes’ engine design. According to RacingNews365, the issue focuses on compression ratios and how they may change under extreme temperatures.

FIA executive director Nicolas Tombazis acknowledged that some teams might be exploiting gray areas in the regulations, stating, “These engineers are very clever and always pushing for an advantage.”

Red Bull, Ferrari, Audi, and Honda are understood to be opposing Mercedes’ interpretation, urging the FIA to act before the Australian Grand Prix. Tombazis emphasized that the goal is to keep the championship about driving skill and engineering — not courtroom battles.

The discussions will continue into Bahrain, where new technical innovations could shape the narrative of this season before a single race is run.

📸: Red Bull 📰: RacingNews365
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#F1 #Formula1 #FormulaOne #F1News #Formula1News #F12026 #GrandPrix #MotorSport #Race #Racing #Mercedes #RedBull #Ferrari #FIA #BahrainGP #AustralianGP

4 days ago | [YT] | 60

Racing Avenue

Zak Brown Hits Back At ‘Uninformed’ Piastri Bias Claims

McLaren’s huge 2025 season delivered a drivers’ and constructors’ title double, with Lando Norris taking his first world championship and Oscar Piastri ultimately finishing third after an early-season lead in the standings. Piastri had been 34 points clear after Norris retired from the Dutch Grand Prix, but that victory turned out to be his last of the year as he managed only three more podiums over the final nine races.

As Piastri’s title challenge faded, a perception grew in Australia that McLaren were favouring Norris over their Melbourne-born driver. The debate escalated so much that it was raised in the Australian Parliament, where one politician claimed that “McLaren is biased against Oscar Piastri and costing him the world championship,” while another argued Piastri had “definitely copped some raw decisions.”

Speaking to media, Zak Brown dismissed those claims, stressing that McLaren operates with “total sporting fairness” and labelling the accusations from Parliament as “very uninformed” and “ridiculous.” He said it can be frustrating when people far removed from Formula 1 make such statements and suggested he would not comment on their jobs because he is “not knowledgeable,” although he added that he could “make some comments.”

Oscar Piastri, meanwhile, took a more light-hearted view of the political storm, saying it was “quite impressive” to see his name mentioned in Parliament and calling it “a pretty cool thing” that showed the scale of the support and following he has back home in Australia.

📸: McLaren F1 📰: PlanetF1
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#F1 #Formula1 #FormulaOne #F1News #Formula1News #F12026 #GrandPrix #MotorSport #Race #Racing #McLaren #OscarPiastri #LandoNorris #ZakBrown

4 days ago | [YT] | 83

Racing Avenue

Cadillac’s F1 Identity Goes Global

Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 will not go unnoticed. The brand’s new 2026 livery—a daring split of white and black sides—made its debut across the biggest cultural stages in the world: the Super Bowl and Times Square.

CEO Dan Towriss described the look as more than a color scheme, saying it “represents who we are and what we bring to Formula 1.” Team principal Graeme Lowdon highlighted Cadillac’s approach to innovation, calling the reveal “unlike anything done by an F1 team before.”

GM President Mark Reuss called it a milestone, noting how the livery reflects Cadillac’s long journey to earn a place on the grid and bring American spirit to the global racing stage. With its official Grand Prix debut approaching in Melbourne, Cadillac’s message is clear—this is more than just racing; it’s identity in motion.

📸: Cadillac F1 📰: RacingNews365
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#F1 #Formula1 #FormulaOne #F1News #Formula1News #F12026 #GrandPrix #MotorSport #Race #Racing #CadillacF1 #GM

5 days ago | [YT] | 299

Racing Avenue

Fans Split on Red Bull’s Bold Engine Plan

A new RacingNews365 poll reveals that 65.2% of Formula 1 fans think Red Bull’s self-developed engine, supported by Ford, will keep Max Verstappen in the fight for a fifth world title once the 2026 regulations hit.

The team’s recent five-day Barcelona test raised optimism, showing promising signs of performance and reliability. However, not everyone is convinced. Around 24.6% of voters expect Verstappen to win races but fall short of the championship, while 9.5% predict a slide to midfield form. A cautious 0.7% even see Red Bull dropping toward the back of the grid.

Becoming an engine supplier from scratch is one of the toughest steps in Formula 1, but Red Bull’s determination and partnership with Ford could define the next era of competition. The success—or failure—of this project will shape not just Verstappen’s legacy, but the future balance of power across the grid.

📸: Red Bull 📰: RacingNews365
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#F1 #Formula1 #FormulaOne #F1News #Formula1News #F12026 #GrandPrix #MotorSport #Race #Racing #RedBullRacing #MaxVerstappen #Ford

5 days ago | [YT] | 72

Racing Avenue

Piastri Supports McLaren Clean-Up

Oscar Piastri has thrown his support behind team boss Andrea Stella’s plan to simplify McLaren’s racing principles after a season of internal friction. Speaking ahead of 2026, Piastri called the new streamlined approach a “wise decision,” acknowledging last year’s rules sometimes made things harder than they needed to be.

He dismissed outside speculation about unequal treatment, saying he received fair opportunities in 2025 and expects the same moving forward. Piastri also reflected on his off-season reset in Australia, where time with family helped him recharge and refocus for the coming year.

📸: McLaren F1 📰: Motorsport
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#F1 #Formula1 #FormulaOne #F1News #Formula1News #F126 #GrandPrix #MotorSport #Race #Racing #McLaren #McLarenF1 #OscarPiastri #LandoNorris

5 days ago | [YT] | 67

Racing Avenue

Toto Wolff Pushes Back On Mercedes ‘World Dominance’ Talk

Toto Wolff has made it clear he doesn’t want Mercedes to crush the opposition in 2026. While many see the Silver Arrows as front-runners heading into F1’s regulation reset, Wolff says true excitement comes from a close championship fight.

He referenced advice from a respected figure: the most thrilling season is one that goes down to the last corner of the final race. Wolff believes the cost cap and converging car performance will naturally bring more balanced competition — though smaller teams may still face early hurdles.

With pre-season testing about to begin and the sport entering a new hybrid era, Wolff’s comments add a refreshing perspective on success, ambition, and entertainment in modern Formula 1.

📸: Mercedes F1 📰: Planet F1
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#F1 #Formula1 #FormulaOne #F1News #Formula1News #F12026 #GrandPrix #MotorSport #Race #Racing #MercedesAMGF1 #TotoWolff #FIA

5 days ago | [YT] | 103

Racing Avenue

Mercedes Vs The Grid Over 2026 Engine “Trick”

The latest Power Unit Advisor Committee meeting has pushed the 2026 engine war into the spotlight, with new proposals from manufacturers now being examined by the FIA. At the centre of the debate is Mercedes’ power unit and an alleged compression ratio “trick” that has rival camps on alert.

Current regulations set the compression ratio at 16:1 for the new power units, down from 18:1 under the previous rules, but the checks have traditionally been carried out at ambient temperature. According to reports, Mercedes technicians are believed to have identified a way for the engine to run closer to the old 18:1 territory when hot, while still passing the static tests. Toto Wolff has firmly rejected any suggestion of foul play, stating that the Mercedes power unit is “absolutely legal” and that discussions with the FIA over compression ratio and other details have been “very positive” and fully aligned with the regulations.

Not everyone is convinced. Ferrari, Honda, and Audi had already gone to the FIA asking for clarification, and after recent running at Montmelò the debate has intensified. Red Bull Powertrains, initially more neutral, has now sided with those manufacturers, sharing doubts that Mercedes – or anyone else – can genuinely reach previous compression values without breaching the spirit of the rules. Some engineers suggest that even moving above the cold 16:1 figure could be worth around 20 horsepower, a significant edge in the 2026 landscape.

In response, a working group involving Ferrari and other manufacturers has put forward a package of ideas aimed at tightening control methods now and in future. These include potential changes to control systems and the introduction of partial hot checks to verify how engines behave in more realistic running conditions, rather than only in static tests. The FIA will now review these proposals as it looks to maintain fairness between power unit suppliers while managing costs and preventing another long-running regulatory dispute.

📸: Mercedes F1 📰: AutoRacer IT​
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#F1 #Formula1 #FormulaOne #F1News #Formula1News #F12026 #GrandPrix #MotorSport #Race #Racing #Mercedes #MercedesAMGF1 #RedBullRacing #ScuderiaFerrari #Honda #Audi

5 days ago | [YT] | 92