Formula 1

British racer Freddie Slater is set to become the first driver signed to Audi’s junior programme.

Formula 1 heralded a new era as a number of teams took to the track for day one of the Barcelona Shakedown, putting their new-look 2026 challengers to the test.

McLaren have unveiled their one-off livery for the Barcelona Shakedown, where every team will get the opportunity to test their new cars for three days across the week.

Red Bull have shown off the car Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar will campaign in 2026 – the RB22.

The storied 1976 F1 season began 50 years ago today, featuring a title fight between Ferrari’s Niki Lauda and McLaren’s James Hunt that was so dramatic, it inspired the hit film Rush. Let’s unpack the epic campaign, and the movie that brought it to life on the silver screen.

Formula 1.com is delving into those bubbles to gain a greater understanding of the lives of those who work closely with the stars of F1. This week Bradley Lord, Mercedes’ Team Representative and Chief Communications Officer, explains how his team guides its drivers in dealing with the media, managing relationships, and co-ordinating activities through a race weekend.

With the winter break firmly in the rearview mirrors and several of the teams having already completed a first run of their car during a filming day or released imagery of their new livery and machines, attention is now turning to the next step - the Barcelona Shakedown.

The details of the Ferrari SF-26 have confirmed some of the emergent design trends of cars under the new regulations. But there are key differences with the Mercedes W17 launched the previous day and further differences from the Alpine A526, which made its shakedown run at Silverstone as the Ferrari drivers were lapping Fiorano.

Lawrence Barretto recalls his day at Fiorano as Ferrari's SF-26 hit the track for the first time.

F1 will enter a new era in 2026 as overhauled cars and power units take to the track. But what about the other major regulation changes the sport has witnessed in years gone by – and who benefitted from them? F1.com provides an overview…

Lewis Hamilton has admitted that he is “massively excited” to get the 2026 season underway, having had his first taste of Ferrari’s new car following its launch.

Ferrari have confirmed that they are not intending to run during the opening day of the upcoming Barcelona Shakedown.

Flavio Briatore has outlined his high expectations for Alpine in 2026, explaining that "this year is not for excuses" after they discounted last season in order to capitalise on the new regulations.

Lewis Hamilton has detailed the key adaptations drivers will have to make in order to extract performance from the new 2026 cars, which present a “massive challenge” in the form of a redesigned power unit and aerodynamic changes.

Williams have announced that they will not take part in the upcoming Barcelona Shakedown, explaining that they are pursuing "maximum car performance" for 2026.

Ferrari have completed the very first laps with their new F1 challenger, the SF-26.

As a busy launch season continues, Alpine have revealed their A526 car to the world.

Alpine have become the latest team to host their launch event ahead of the 2026 campaign.

Ferrari continued a rapid run of pre-season car launches by presenting their new F1 design, the SF-26, on Friday.

Ferrari have pulled the wraps off their latest Formula 1 car ahead of the 2026 season.