F1 2026 season

[shaft10]

A four-time world champion for Red Bull struggling in a new set of regulations, while his teammate is performing well, relative to him. Sound familiar? It’s eerily mirroring Vettel’s arc, and like Vettel I think Max will be gone after this season, especially when you listen to his post-qualifying comments.

I said previously that I think Kimi will be more of a problem for George than many anticipate and this is already proving to be true. It’s going to be interesting to see how Mercedes manage this dynamic.

If Verstappen was to leave F1 then the FIA should hang their heads in shame. Love him or loath him, he's box office. I heard his post qualy comments, he sounds proper disillusioned by it all, he's a pure racer but as we know its not pure racing now ..

[Watts.E.Dunn]

1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)

2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

4. George Russell (Mercedes)

5. Lando Norris (McLaren)

6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)

7. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)

8. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

9. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)

10 Esteban Ocon (Haas)

This Kimi bloke looks troublesome for a lot of peeps!...

[Monaco]

If Verstappen was to leave F1 then the FIA should hang their heads in shame. Love him or loath him, he's box office. I heard his post qualy comments, he sounds proper disillusioned by it all, he's a pure racer but as we know its not pure racing now ..

I think most would be glad to see the back of the whining prick myself he can't win without a vastly superior car simple as that and now the toys are being thrown.
Fair play to Toto for picking Antonelli who didn't look particularly outstanding in junior formula but is clearly the real deal.

[Vice Admiral]

In the Japanese Grand Prix all five British drivers finished behind their team-mates (or, in Oliver Bearman's case, didn't finish).  Doesn't often happen.

[ratedj]

Fair play to Toto for picking Antonelli who didn't look particularly outstanding in junior formula but is clearly the real deal.

You sure about this? Kimi excelled in junior formula, particularly F4 and formula regional, and although he didn’t set the world alight in F2 you also have to account for the fact that Mercedes chose for him to skip F3 altogether. Kimi had been spoken about for years, and Toto wasn’t going to have a repeat of the Max situation in 2014.

[Blackpool Rock]

I think most would be glad to see the back of the whining prick myself he can't win without a vastly superior car simple as that and now the toys are being thrown.
Fair play to Toto for picking Antonelli who didn't look particularly outstanding in junior formula but is clearly the real deal.

+1 

[Monaco]

You sure about this? Kimi excelled in junior formula, particularly F4 and formula regional, and although he didn’t set the world alight in F2 you also have to account for the fact that Mercedes chose for him to skip F3 altogether. Kimi had been spoken about for years, and Toto wasn’t going to have a repeat of the Max situation in 2014.

Well the really junior formula don't really mean much he didn't exactly set the F2 world alight which is what I was referring to.

[Zebedee70]

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I found this explanation of the 2026 cars fascinating, F1has some big decisions to make I think

[Blackpool Rock]

OK so it's not F1 2026 but the BBC had a poll recently to vote on the best looking F1 car of all time, and the winner is the Lotus 79 

Probably a good case for all of them but that black Lotus is fairly iconic, I remember back at the time there was a big increase in talk about cigarettes killing people and people referring to JPS as John Slayer Special 

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[mr.bluesky]

OK so it's not F1 2026 but the BBC had a poll recently to vote on the best looking F1 car of all time, and the winner is the Lotus 79 

Probably a good case for all of them but that black Lotus is fairly iconic, I remember back at the time there was a big increase in talk about cigarettes killing people and people referring to JPS as John Slayer Special 

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I posted some time ago that the JPS lotus came up for sale. I don't know how much it sold for 
A great looking car.

[scouting]

OK so it's not F1 2026 but the BBC had a poll recently to vote on the best looking F1 car of all time, and the winner is the Lotus 79 

Probably a good case for all of them but that black Lotus is fairly iconic, I remember back at the time there was a big increase in talk about cigarettes killing people and people referring to JPS as John Slayer Special 

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I voted for the Lotus 79 in the poll 

[Vice Admiral]

According to an article in the Sunday Times Magazine, Arvid Lindblad, who's 18, hasn't yet passed his driving test.

"I want to have a car by the summer," he says. "I’ve been having Ubers and getting my mum to drive me around for long enough.”

It must be a riot when he takes a girl out on a date.  ("What's my job?  I'm in Formula One.  Oh and, by the way, my mother will pick us up after the film.")

More seriously, it's all very worrying if some of the learner drivers I see practising round here are anything to go by.  And at least they don't (usually) drive at 230 mph.

Anyway, let's hope that young Arvid remembers the "mirror, signal, manoeuvre" routine if he needs to overtake Max Verstappen at Silverstone at the start of July.  We don't want any nasty accidents on British roads.

[Blackpool Rock]

According to an article in the Sunday Times Magazine, Arvid Lindblad, who's 18, hasn't yet passed his driving test.

"I want to have a car by the summer," he says. "I’ve been having Ubers and getting my mum to drive me around for long enough.”

It must be a riot when he takes a girl out on a date.  ("What's my job?  I'm in Formula One.  Oh and, by the way, my mother will pick us up after the film.")

More seriously, it's all very worrying if some of the learner drivers I see practising round here are anything to go by.  And at least they don't (usually) drive at 230 mph.

Anyway, let's hope that young Arvid remembers the "mirror, signal, manoeuvre" routine if he needs to overtake Max Verstappen at Silverstone at the start of July.  We don't want any nasty accidents on British roads.

Perhaps it's changed but I recall many years ago Damon Hill (from memory) got caught speeding and had to go to court as there was a risk he would lose his UK driving licence.
At the time it was reported that if he lost his driving licence then he couldn't race F1 as it was a requirement to have one in order to have the "Super" licence required for F1

[Blackpool Rock]

A quick Google indicates that you do need a driving licence however it doesn't state whether it needs to be a full licence or whether a provisional would do, anyway i've then found this link which indicates that the rules have recently been changed and it's at the discretion of the FIA

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How do drivers get a Super Licence?
Until midway through 2024, the rules stated that drivers must be the holder of a current FIA International Grade A licence, be the holder of a valid driving licence and be at least 18 years old at the start of their first F1 competition.

However, the requirement to hold a driving licence was then dropped, with a note being added that “at the sole discretion of the FIA, a driver judged to have recently and consistently demonstrated outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competition may be granted a Super Licence at the age of 17 years old”.

[Punting2022]

One more week.
Ferrari have upgrades so do toxic rbr.
Merc have tgis year wrapped up. May be kimi

[ratedj]

One more week.
Ferrari have upgrades so do toxic rbr.
Merc have tgis year wrapped up. May be kimi

There’s also the first tweaks of the technical regs. The harvesting limit will be reduced to 7 MJ for qualifying, and the battery charge limit will be increased to 350 KW. Qualifying should feel more natural to the drivers, and overall there should be less lifting and coasting, though the changes are still not where they need to be.

Ferrari will be bringing their spec b version of the ‘Macarena’ wing to Miami and it should address the initial issues, but Red Bull have also developed their version of it.

[mr.bluesky]

Great result for Antonelli in an incident packed race and a bit of F1 history made turning three consecutive pole positions into wins. A busy day for the race stewards with so many drivers exceeding track limits and other incidents. Liam Lawson likely to get a grid penalty for Canada after spearing Gasley and flipping his car over 
Time penalties handed out to Max brat and Leclerc after the race. Russell was probably pre season favourite to win the championship but Antonelli is out performing him so far. Mclaren back strong after upgrades and race strategy costing Lando a win. Miami walls proving to be unforgiving for some drivers. 

[mr.bluesky]

Getting a bit tasty between Russell and Antonelli in the Canadian sprint race 

[Watts.E.Dunn]

George has just piped ant to pole..

[cunningman]

Lewis is not, somehow, a written off old guy, and seems to have some mojo left.
Who knew?
As an old guy past my prime, I'm pumped.

[chuck_88]

Delighted to see Russell DNF

[Watts.E.Dunn]

Well good result for old Lewis be intersting if his car keeps its  mojo  then he can see his  old  team not do so well;!..

[mr.bluesky]

Well good result for old Lewis be intersting if his car keeps its  mojo  then he can see his  old  team not do so well;!..

Great drive by Hamilton, Max brat seems to have calmed down this season as he didn't force Hamilton off the track when he was being overtaken. Bad luck for Russell, Antonelli drives with a maturity way beyond his 19 years once he calms down. A weekend to forget for Mclaren. Next up Monaco, a circuit where out and out speed doesn't matter.

[scouting]

Delighted to see Russell DNF

Why? 

[chuck_88]

Why? 

This sums it up

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[Blackpool Rock]

This sums it up

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Let's face it you could probably do a similar montage for most of the drivers 

[mr.bluesky]

Let's face it you could probably do a similar montage for most of the drivers 

Especially Verstappen but the roles reversed, although to be fair he has calmed down a lot now. I thought his dual with Hamilton in Canada was going to end in tears for Hamilton.

[shaft10]

Antonelli is starting to sound like he's getting a bit cocky (over the radio) .. he's a had 4 wins granted but he's carried a lot of luck to get them

[mr.bluesky]

Leclerc has extended his Ferrari contract until 2030. You have to admire his loyalty but he won't win the Championship unless he goes to McLaren , Red Bull or Mercedes. Ferrari have made some steps improving the car this season but still prone to making race strategy mistakes and still lag behind Mercedes for pace

[Punting2022]

Leclerc has extended his Ferrari contract until 2030. You have to admire his loyalty but he won't win the Championship unless he goes to McLaren , Red Bull or Mercedes. Ferrari have made some steps improving the car this season but still prone to making race strategy mistakes and still lag behind Mercedes for pace

Things may change  But merc is the best choice.

[scouting]

Antonelli is starting to sound like he's getting a bit cocky (over the radio) .. he's a had 4 wins granted but he's carried a lot of luck to get them

Have you seen him trying to reverse a tractor & trailer on Clarkson's Farm S5 ?

[mr.bluesky]

Monaco grand prix this weekend. A circuit where flat out speed is not much use around the twisty streets of Monaco. They say it's the jewel in the crown of F1 but for me it's usually the most boring race of the year with very little overtaking.

[scouting]

Monaco grand prix this weekend. A circuit where flat out speed is not much use around the twisty streets of Monaco. They say it's the jewel in the crown of F1 but for me it's usually the most boring race of the year with very little overtaking.

I went to a GP there in the 90's. There is certainly a magical feel to the place, especially if you also go on days before or after so access is less restricted. However I do agree with you. The only real point of interest in my race was that Schumacher and Hill had offset strategies. Hill was leading through the middle of the race but it was clear he would come 2nd by a comfortable margin once all the stops were done.

Hungary is another boring race with little chance of overtake and without the glamourous surrounds of Monaco.

[mr.bluesky]

Antonelli takes pole for Monaco , can he convert it to 5 wins in a row, he looks unstoppable at the moment.
Max brat next to him on the front row ,could be a bit tasty going into turn one  .

[john122350]

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[mr.bluesky]

Antonelli takes pole for Monaco , can he convert it to 5 wins in a row, he looks unstoppable at the moment.
Max brat next to him on the front row ,could be a bit tasty going into turn one  .

Well that turned out well for Antonelli, Max brat didn't even reach the first corner .

[Vice Admiral]

The age-old Formula One debate – car or driver?

If George Russell had three more points, Noah’s Ark syndrome (the animals going in two by two) would apply for the first eight cars in the drivers’ table as it stands after the Monaco Grand Prix:

1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 156 points
2. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) - 90 points
3. George Russell (Mercedes) - 88 points
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 75 points
5. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) - 60 points
6. Lando Norris (McLaren) - 58 points
7. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 43 points
8. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) - 29 points

[webpunter]

The age-old Formula One debate – car or driver?

If George Russell had three more points, Noah’s Ark syndrome (the animals going in two by two) would apply for the first eight cars in the drivers’ table as it stands after the Monaco Grand Prix:

1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 156 points
2. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) - 90 points
3. George Russell (Mercedes) - 88 points
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 75 points
5. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) - 60 points
6. Lando Norris (McLaren) - 58 points
7. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 43 points
8. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) - 29 points

Well observed Sir 

KA is very much looking like a generational talent

The Wolf had GR bring him on last season
An inspired driver selection
GR ain't gonna win the WDC with Kimi in the team tho £30m a year in 2026 & 2027 will soften the blow
GR could become the ideal experienced wingman for KA like Bottas to LH
Between the two of them clocking up points a-plenty for the manufacturer title

Generational talent

- LH [Sir]
- MV [he's becoming quite likeable]
- & now KA

Good to see LH enjoying himself & his racecraft + speed to be admired

The wheels have come orf @ McLaren at least @GoLando has his WDC

& the fat orange bloke [FAB] is about as successful as another looky-likey in 👁️ ran
The new entrant Cadillac scored points before them oh dear
It goes to show that nepotism really doesn't work out very well
Alonso is on about 15mill + bonuses ... face bothered 
Pretty sure that FAB's son would rather be spending daddy's money doing something else [Key West or Province Town could be ideal locations]

[webpunter]

There is some good news for AstonM
Stroll had an excuse for crashing today
The tarmac

[timsussex]

F1 have admitted that they incorrectly penalised Gasley for pit lane speeding - and presumably the 5 others - apparently they measure the distance  wrong !

[Watts.E.Dunn]

Lewis wins it! all britsh podium George and  Lando an amazing race!..

[john122350]

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[mr.bluesky]

Lewis wins it! all britsh podium George and  Lando an amazing race!..

First all British podium since 1968  since Jackie Stewart, Graham Hill and John Surtees US grand prix

[Watts.E.Dunn]

Indeed it is history in the making!..

[Vice Admiral]

Lewis wins it! all britsh podium George and  Lando an amazing race!.

Many of us, including me, often incline towards the view that Britain today is a bit of a shambles.  We may have a point, but if too many people think that there is a danger that it could become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

There is much at which we excel.  Formula 1 (which, according to Google AI, is “the world's most popular annual sporting series, boasting a total global fanbase of approximately 827 million people”) is a sport at which – due both to our engineering excellence, with most FI teams based in England, and to our brave and intelligent drivers – Britain leads the field.

Formula 1 world championships:
1.  UK – 21
2.  Germany – 12
3.  Brazil – 8

Individual world champions:
1.  UK – 11
2.  Brazil, Finland, Germany – 3 each

Meanwhile, drifting around the TV channels on Saturday evening, I found myself watching some of the repeat showing of Trooping the Colour.  OK, there are a fair few republicans and anti-monarchists about, but even they cannot deny that no other nation in the world still carries out the age-old splendours of monarchical ritual with a fraction of the style and aplomb that Britain does.

[Watts.E.Dunn]

Well done George First   

Max 2nd

Antonelli 3rd!

[mr.bluesky]

Well done George First   

Max 2nd

Antonelli 3rd!

Great tussle between Max brat and Hamilton and unlike the old days Max Brat didn't run him off the track .He must be getting mellow in his old age

[mr.bluesky]

British Grand Prix this weekend. Can Russell make it back to back wins or will his team mate Antonelli  get back into the winning groove or will Sir Lewis get his second win of the season. Should be an intriguing race.

[mr.bluesky]

Hamilton takes pole position from Antonelli and Max Brat for the sprint race tomorrow.

[john122350]

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