2026 Formula One Season Thread

[Apple fanboy]

I can’t see Lando retiring at 28 years old. He’s still improving and last season despite mistakes, he looked a lot more focused and ruthless than we’ve seen before. I don’t think anyone expects him to be defending his title this coming season with so many reg changes. It’s up in the air right now for everybody. I think Lando is in this long term and very different to Nico who was married with a young family by 2016.

The papaya rules was the least of Oscar’s worries. He needs to understand why he started making mistakes and lost his pace once the pressure of the season increased. The suspension upgrade didn’t suit him and gave Lando the edge and I think he realises this failure cost him valuable points. He lost the most points to the championship challengers than his teammate and that must be a bitter pill to swallow. My worry for Oscar is he’s cool on the exterior but seems to hit out when things aren’t going his way. He fell out with Alpine and caused tension with McLaren. He doesn’t want to be the next Fernando Alonso this early in his career.

I think he’s a long way from being the next Alonso in terms of relationships.

I think if the McLaren is competitive this season, it will be interesting to see how McLaren deal with the situation. I’d say Lando wins again (and appears to have the team’s backing) I think Oscar will look at his options. But if they aren’t in the fight, then it could be quite different.

 

[pachyderm]

So who will be supplying the PU's this season?

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I think he’s a long way from being the next Alonso in terms of relationships.

I think if the McLaren is competitive this season, it will be interesting to see how McLaren deal with the situation. I’d say Lando wins again (and appears to have the team’s backing) I think Oscar will look at his options. But if they aren’t in the fight, then it could be quite different.

Of course he’s a long way of Alonso in this respect, I’m just pointing out he’s been in the sport a short while and been frustrated at points with 2 teams. He should have finished second last season and I started off suggesting here that I thought he was the better driver of the two in the first third of last season. McLaren have a more difficult situation than most of their rivals where they have two drivers who are very close in ability, young and both hungry for success. If they end up maintaining their competitiveness into this season, I think Lando now has the edge as he’s got a title under his belt and some of that pressure is off.

Not sure what options Oscar will have after 2026 if he were to leave tbh. Ferrari if Hamilton retires? Ouch. Red Bull as a number 2? Mercedes if they decided to drop George and pay out his contract? I can’t see that happening if his performance continues the way it has been as he’s very marketable and on a par with Lando and Oscar in ability.

 

[Herdfan]

So who will be supplying the PU's this season?

Power Unit Suppliers & Their Customer Teams

• Mercedes: Mercedes (works), McLaren, Williams, Alpine.
• Ferrari: Ferrari (works), Haas, Cadillac (as a customer initially).
• Red Bull Ford Powertrains: Red Bull (works), Racing Bulls (Visa Cash App RB).
• Audi: Audi (works team, taking over Sauber).
• Honda: Aston Martin.

 

[pachyderm]

12 previous GP winners on the grid this season!

Only one rookie: Arvid Lindblad

LAUNCH/REVEALS*:

January 15 – Red Bull/Racing Bulls launch​

January 20 – Audi launch​

January 23 – Haas livery reveal​

January 23 – Ferrari​

February 8 – Cadillac livery reveal​

February 9 – Aston Martin launch​

*That is all the OS has listed so far.