F1 Gossip

📍 ‘Formula 1’s paddock is simmering with strategic manoeuvres, political friction and regulation-driven intrigue ahead of the 2026 reset — where tomorrow’s opportunities and advantages are shaping up today, before a single car turns a wheel.’

 

◼︎ Ferrari cleared by FIA of regulatory suspicion over energy system after rivals raised concerns.

 

◼︎ Red Bull CEO publicly backs Max Verstappen’s long‑term future with the team amid contract speculation.

 

◼︎ Engine compression rule loophole sparks paddock tension as Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains face scrutiny ahead of 2026.

 

◼︎ F1 Academy commitment renewed with Cadillac’s entry, boosting the female driver development pipeline.

 

◼︎ Concorde Agreement: commercial terms extended from 2026 to 2030, cementing financial stability.

 

◼︎ Ongoing debate over overtaking regs after Verstappen backs current rule clarity despite criticism

 

◼︎ Mercedes insists it won’t be swayed by off-track ‘hair salon’ gossip about 2026 favouritism.

 

◼︎ Sergio Pérez reflects on his Red Bull exit, admitting he always understood his role behind Verstappen.

 

◼︎ F1 pundits fear Yuki Tsunoda’s Red Bull reserve role may end his chances of a race seat.

 

◼︎ McLaren and Mercedes tipped as front-runners in early 2026 performance projections.

 

◼︎ Honda concludes technical support for Red Bull Powertrains, shifting long-standing F1 dynamics.

 

◼︎ Rumours swirl that Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains exploit a 2026 engine compression grey area.

 

◼︎ Mercedes engine boss Ben Hodgkinson is set to join Red Bull Powertrains as Technical Director in May.

 

◼︎ Red Bull leadership under Oliver Mintzlaff defends Christian Horner’s departure as strategic, not impulsive.

 

◼︎ Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Hamilton weigh in on the talent poaching of Mercedes engine staff.

 

◼︎ Reddit chatter suggests turbo lag concerns with 2026 engines and new energy balance strategies emerging.

 

◼︎ Rumours claim Ferrari’s aero package performance deficit may leave it vulnerable early in 2026.

 

❖ Why it matters

 

📍 ‘These developments signal who is positioning for advantage ahead of 2026. Power units, talent movement, and regulatory interpretation will shape competitiveness long before cars hit the track, separating strategically prepared teams from those that react too late.’