2026 Formula One Season Thread

[JustinePaula]

F1 in 2026 is like buying cheap meat, really low rent, 50 cents a kilo, and spending a lot on the sauce..

Still am not sure if anyone has figured out the regs, to take the car from 8 to 7 seems odd.. Slow for Q sessions? I don't know. Teams spending the cash on fancy mushrooms and olive oil, and not on the steak? Something is not right in F1... Not sure what, but something is not mathing..

 

[Madonepro]

F1 in 2026 is like buying cheap meat, really low rent, 50 cents a kilo, and spending a lot on the sauce..

Still am not sure if anyone has figured out the regs, to take the car from 8 to 7 seems odd.. Slow for Q sessions? I don't know. Teams spending the cash on fancy mushrooms and olive oil, and not on the steak? Something is not right in F1... Not sure what, but something is not mathing..

Your analogy seems more like a 'Chef's surprise', than anything else. The enjoyment of a true motorsport fan, is watching engineers, designers, racing drivers and mechanics understand the formula and produce a car that can compete. You complain that it's the same cars going around and around, yet these reg's, have required tweaks and setups, all different between drivers and teams. The racing is excellent, and the reliability, and engineering tweaks will come.

I'm going to sit back, like most, and just enjoy the spectacle, I'd suggest likewise.

So, Max Verstappen threw The Guardian's Giles Richard out of his press event in Suzuka over Richard's question after Abu Dhabi if Max regretted hitting George Russel in Spain, costing him the points he needed to secure the 2025 WDC over Lando Norris.

In other news, as Suzuka is an "energy-starved" track, for qualifying the FIA has reduced the energy regeneration at the track from the full 9MJ to 8MJ. While this will result in a slower overall lap (so do not expect a new Q3 record), the cars will not need to super-clip or lift and coast as much during their qualifying laps which should result in a more interesting qualifying session. On the flip side, teams have prepared for qualifying assuming they would have 9MJ, so now they will have to adjust their plans with the lower level.

FIA reveal power unit tweaks ahead of Suzuka Qualifying

Formula 1’s governing body have revealed changes to the current cars’ energy management ahead of Qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix.

www.formula1.com

Love how it's described as he 'threw him out', having watched it, he suggested he leave, and reiterated it. At no point did you 'tell him' to leave, the reporter effectively left of his own accord. Journalism is on a downward spiral in my view, the quality across the board is dreadful, click bait rife, and the truth 'irrelevant'.

 

[JustinePaula]

Giles Richard is a journalist, he is there to report, on behalf of his readers.. He is there to ask the questions that are hard and difficult...

For example today Saturday, end of Q2.. Racheal Brookes was interviewing Albon, about his comment he made on the radio.. Albon refused to answer it.. She pushed him, as she is a journalist, and we want to know... But she stopped..

Now there is a story there, what is the comment referring to?

Journalism is vital, sure you may not like the pathway, but without journalists, we have anarchy, corruption, crime rules.. I have spent a career in journalism, seen the best and the worst, and I can be proud of the stories we have highlighted.. We have made certain folks angry, and yay, happy that is the case, then I am doing my job...

What I see is not enough folks wanting to put feet to the fire, ask the tough questions.. Max was not pushed on the eviction of Giles, and that maybe is a weakness...

We need tough strong journalism to ask the hard questions, you cannot deal with hard questions, maybe this is not the sport for you.. This is F1, not Mario Kart on the X box..

 

[avro707]

More trouble for Lando. An ERS issue will likely cause him to miss FP3.

Time to apply some Papaya Rules and slow down Piastri to make things fair. Can they apply the same ERS issue to his car?

journalism is on a downward spiral in my view, the quality across the board is dreadful, click bait rife, and the truth 'irrelevant'.

Journalism is about selling a message from special interests or "alternative facts" these days.

 

[pachyderm]

Spoiler

wow. Another team about to go through a driver controversy. I bet George came into this season thinking it was going to be all about him. I'm fine with either of them being WDC with that said GO KIMI!

😲🤯

 

[pachyderm]

FORMULA 1 ARAMCO JAPANESE GRAND PRIX 2026 - QUALIFYING:​

 

[Glideslope]

Nice driving from Kimi for pole. I doubt George would have made up the .3 even without his bobble. Toto wants to adopt Kimi in the post qualifying interview again.

George is really starting to sense what a threat Kimi is. It’s unfortunate no one will be able to touch Mercedes until June at the earliest, if at all.

Good to see McLaren improving. Very interesting post qualifying interview with Stella when asked about the improvement. “The largest factor was of course the PU improvement. We are now communicating better with our HPP Engineers.”

Toto giving the ok to share some secret sauce. Still will be a snooze of a race on Sunday.

 

[pachyderm]

Nice driving from Kimi for pole. I doubt George would have made up the .3 even without his bobble. Toto wants to adopt Kimi in the post qualifying interview again.

George is really starting to sense what a threat Kimi is. It’s unfortunate no one will be able to touch Mercedes until June at the earliest, if at all.

Good to see McLaren improving. Very interesting post qualifying interview with Stella when asked about the improvement. “The largest factor was of course the PU improvement. We are now communicating better with our HPP Engineers.”

Toto giving the ok to share some secret sauce. Still will be a snooze of a race on Sunday.

Did I miss this? Have we talked about it?

 

[Paul1964]

Did I miss this? Have we talekd about it?

Mercedes had an issue with their front wing that they have now resolved.

 

[Glideslope]

Did I miss this? Have we talekd about it?

I’m not saying anyone is cheating. The wing issue was minor. It’s obvious the Mercedes Team has the upper hand in the software mapping on the PU. They have the greatest knowledge with its development. Most expected this with their PU. I’m a bit surprised how good the chassis is. I’m still hoping George gets his WDC. I’ve always liked George. Very aggressive, in your face kind of driver when he needs to be.

McLaren is a “Customer Team.” My guess is Mercedes his helping Alpine with PU mapping more than McLaren or Williams. Just a guess.

Stella was very on point though that their PU improvements were a direct result of better communication with HPP Engineers this weekend.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Hopefully we get an interesting race. The Ferrari’s should make the start difficult for those in front of them off the line.
George is probably pretty shocked about playing second fiddle in the team. Kimi is the man (boy?) of the moment

Max out in Q2 again with his team mate and sister team making Q3. How long before we hear Max announcing his departure? He isn’t enjoying his ‘race’ weekends half as much as his hobbies or fatherhood imo.

Just hoping the regs produce a race better than the last few in Suzuki.

 

[Glideslope]

Hopefully we get an interesting race. The Ferrari’s should make the start difficult for those in front of them off the line.
George is probably pretty shocked about playing second fiddle in the team. Kimi is the man (boy?) of the moment

Max out in Q2 again with his team mate and sister team making Q3. How long before we hear Max announcing his departure? He isn’t enjoying his ‘race’ weekends half as much as his hobbies or fatherhood imo.

Just hoping the regs produce a race better than the last few in Suzuki.

George will be fine. They missed on a small tweak for qualifying. Kimi is impressive for such a young man. Reminds me of someone.

Max is almost done with F1. It's just a question how long he needs to stay around and collect his $65+ million a year plus endorsements. Staying through 2028 would give him another $300 million in seed money for Verstappen Racing. We will find out soon enough. He has to inform Red Bull if he is staying by October if he isn’t at least P2 in August. A lot depends on his view of what happens with 2027 regulatory change as well. I agree on the fatherhood. If someone takes the time to dive deep into his life outside of F1 he isn't like Jos. Kelly has been a great partner, IMO.

Charles and Lewis were both very vocal in post qualifying. Clipping, not clipping, no speed on the straights, LiCos in the corners, boost mode engaging at 95% throttle instead of 98%. On and on, and on. It's nice to see Lewis feeling better, but he's not there. Charles is clearly quicker.

Lando has blown through 3 Batteries already. Grid penalty for the next replacement. I was looking at the FIA printout and was LMAO. Grid penalties from the Energizer Bunny.

The only hope is the June nerfing of the Mercedes PU. I don't expect anything significant. There's a lot more going on than compression ratios. Until then 10 initial laps of, what was Lewis' quote again? " I don't understand why people call it Yo-Yo Racing. This is how we raced in karts all the time." Then a Mercedes 1-2 by multiple seconds. That pretty much sums up the 2026 season for me. TBH, the cornering speeds this season aren't all that far from Lewis’ JICA in the 1990's.

But I digress.......

Edit: Tech Revision

 

[CWallace]

McLaren is a “Customer Team.” My guess is Mercedes his helping Alpine with PU mapping more than McLaren or Williams. Just a guess.

Part of it may be that McLaren makes their own gearbox, whereas Williams and Alpine buy from Mercedes. So that is an area of more complexity in integrating the hardware and software for them.

Max out in Q2 again with his team mate and sister team making Q3. How long before we hear Max announcing his departure? He isn’t enjoying his ‘race’ weekends half as much as his hobbies or fatherhood imo.

He was kinda dropping hints during the post-race interviews that he is eyeing the exit a bit closer.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Part of it may be that McLaren makes their own gearbox, whereas Williams and Alpine buy from Mercedes. So that is an area of more complexity in integrating the hardware and software for them.



He was kinda dropping hints during the post-race interviews that he is eyeing the exit a bit closer.

He’s already minted. So unless he loves doing it I suppose he’ll drive off into the sunset.

That said I could see him leave and then come back if things change. I can imagine there would be plenty of offers.

 

[pachyderm]

George will be fine. They missed on a small tweak for qualifying. Kimi is impressive for such a young man. Reminds me of someone.

Max is almost done with F1. It's just a question how long he needs to stay around and collect his $65+ million a year plus endorsements. Staying through 2028 would give him another $300 million in seed money for Verstappen Racing. We will find out soon enough. He has to inform Red Bull if he is staying by October if he isn’t at least P2 in August. A lot depends on his view of what happens with 2027 regulatory change as well. I agree on the fatherhood. If someone takes the time to dive deep into his life outside of F1 he isn't like Jos. Kelly has been a great partner, IMO.

Charles and Lewis were both very vocal in post qualifying. Clipping, not clipping, no speed on the straights, LiCos in the corners, boost mode engaging at 95% throttle instead of 98%. On and on, and on. It's nice to see Lewis feeling better, but he's not there. Charles is clearly quicker.

Lando has blown through 3 Batteries already. Grid penalty for the next replacement. I was looking at the FIA printout and was LMAO. Grid penalties from the Energizer Bunny.

The only hope is the June nerfing of the Mercedes PU. I don't expect anything significant. There's a lot more going on than compression ratios. Until then 10 initial laps of, what was Lewis' quote again? " I don't understand why people call it Yo-Yo Racing. This is how we raced in karts all the time." Then a Mercedes 1-2 by multiple seconds. That pretty much sums up the 2026 season for me. TBH, the cornering speeds this season aren't all that far from Lewis’ JICA in the 1990's.

But I digress.......

Edit: Tech Revision

I'm rooting for Kimi... lol

 

[Glideslope]

I'm rooting for Kimi... lol

I am as well up to a point. I’ve been a George fan as well as Max for a long time. Kimi will have many opportunities. I’d really like George win a WDC this year with Max out of contention.

 

[CWallace]

FOM is getting roasted on social media over Kimi's "pole lap" where they cut out his approach to 130R due to the super-clipping and speed drop-off. They said "his camera cut out", but people are posting the in-car feed that shows it happening (which, of course, is immediately being DMCA'd, though that is standard practice for FOM when their content is posted).

 

[Glideslope]

FOM is getting roasted on social media over Kimi's "pole lap" where they cut out his approach to 130R due to the super-clipping and speed drop-off. They said "his camera cut out", but people are posting the in-car feed that shows it happening (which, of course, is immediately being DMCA'd, though that is standard practice for FOM when their content is posted).

It’s too late. The truth is out. New regs are a joke.

 

[pachyderm]

I am as well up to a point. I’ve been a George fan as well as Max for a long time. Kimi will have many opportunities. I’d really like George win a WDC this year with Max out of contention.

This is Norris vs Piastri all over again...

 

[Madonepro]

Charles and Lewis were both very vocal in post qualifying. Clipping, not clipping, no speed on the straights, LiCos in the corners, boost mode engaging at 95% throttle instead of 98%. On and on, and on. It's nice to see Lewis feeling better, but he's not there. Charles is clearly quicker.

It’s well known, that Lewis likes to brake late, and the car, in qualifying trim, isn’t there for him.
Amending the rules for qualifying, demonstrates that this years regulations have got it wrong. No one, in F1, wants to see cars that are powered by this much electricity’. We have a Motor Racing Formula for that; E!
Someone in F1 needs to have the guts to define F1 as a formula. Narrower and lighter cars have made for better racing, sprint distances show that too.
How about a Race Weekend, qualifying on a Friday, and 2 GP’s at the weekend, with slightly reduced distances.

 

[Madonepro]

This is Norris vs Piastri all over again...

Well you are in for quite the show today 😉

 

[JustinePaula]

Sorry but this stupid season has to be cancelled... I said it before, we are going to have a fatal accident, there is no way you can race at Spa with this clipping.. Bearman not his fault.. Huge crash, and for what??

Maybe the cancelled races will be a blessing.. this 2026 season is worse than 1950...

 

[Glideslope]

3 most deserving drivers on the podium today IMO. Might have been better racing without the SC. Probably not. Big step up for McLaren. Might have something for Mercedes after the April break? Maybe not.

Didn’t make it on the main feed but some really good racing between Max and Pierre for a lot of laps. Wasn’t expecting that.

Kimi is impressive. 19 going on 29.

 

[Apple fanboy]

That SC ruined Oscar’s day. I wonder how it would have played out without.

But second is a big step up from 2 x DNS (Did not starts). Hopefully they can keep Mercedes honest.

Ferrari look racey through the corners, but underpowered on the straights. Can they find extra HP with the mini break?

I wonder if there was an issue with George? He seamed to be just off the pace all weekend.

The weekend belongs to Kimi. He do everything right (except the start).

Max still driving that dog around. I bet he was on the plane before the Champagne went flat.

 

[Glideslope]

That SC ruined Oscar’s day. I wonder how it would have played out without.

But second is a big step up from 2 x DNS (Did not starts). Hopefully they can keep Mercedes honest.

Ferrari look racey through the corners, but underpowered on the straights. Can they find extra HP with the mini break?

I wonder if there was an issue with George? He seamed to be just off the pace all weekend.

The weekend belongs to Kimi. He do everything right (except the start).

Max still driving that dog around. I bet he was on the plane before the Champagne went flat.

It’s going to be a challenge (IMO) for Ferrari to find more out of their ICE with their small diameter turbos. They will need to decide if they want more on the starts or other sections.