Welcome to TJ13’s daily rolling F1 news and comment. Here you’ll find the latest stories, rumours, and paddock whispers. We’ll be updating this page all day as the news breaks and the drama unfolds, so be sure to check back regularly for the latest updates straight from the F1 circus, and please leave a comment at the bottom of the page.
F1 Commission Approves Livery and Driver Number Updates
The F1 Commission met in London today to review changes to the sport’s regulations ahead of 2026. The meeting was chaired by Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA Single-Seater Director, and Stefano Domenicali, the FOM CEO. Key updates to the technical, sporting, financial and operational regulations will be submitted to the World Motor Sport Council on 10 December.
Topics discussed included the potential for mandatory two pit stops, tyre specifications and race compounds, though no immediate changes were made. Aerodynamic testing restrictions are being revised to reflect modern simulation technology while controlling costs.
Significant changes to car liveries and driver numbers were approved. From 2026 onwards, at least 55% of a car’s visible surface area must be covered in paint or decals to improve visual differentiation. Additionally, drivers will be permitted to change their permanent competition numbers throughout their careers, overturning a rule that has been in place since 2014.
The potential introduction of a revised Driving Cooling System (DCS) was also discussed, along with proposals for redesigns and increased weight allowances. Further feedback from drivers will be sought before final approval, and all changes remain subject to ratification by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
Audi boss claims drivers now “enjoying” new 2026 cars – Updated 16:20 UK
For 2026, Formula One will adopt radical new changes in the regulations governing the design of bother power units and chassis, something not seen “for thirty years” says the CEO of Audi.
The power units will remain immensely costly and expensive and the V6 hybrids will receive about a 50/50 split between electrical output and that from the internal combustion engine. The fuels will be 100% carbon free and they too are proving a complex conundrum to solver for F1’s lubricant’s partners.
The cars will feature moveable from and rear wings to allow the drivers to add downforce in the corners and drop the drag for the race along the straights. Yet concerns have been expressed that drivers may run out of electrical power on the longer straights on the F1 calendar, something the FIA attenuated to address earlier this season.
In Bahrain there was a proposal to reduce the electrical element to around 40%, but it required all but one of the powertrain manufacturers to agree. It was not forthcoming given the resistance particularly from Audi and Honda, although the FIA will reserve its right to ‘tweak’ the rules come the start of the season if the spectacle is confusing or disappointing for the fans.
This week there has been further reaction as the teams and drivers prepare for an entirely new era of F1 racing. Testing will begin in just over thirteen weeks in Barcelona, but with no media allowed to attend, fans will need to wait until February for their first glimpse of the new cars in action.
Matteo Binotto, CEO of Audi believes that the skepticism from a number of the drivers over the 2026 rules is slowly giving way to excitement. Charles Leclerc was one of the first to comment on his experiences in the simulator in the summer, reporting of the future car, “its not much fun to drive.”
“It’s the biggest change in 30 years at least,” Binotto claimed as Audi revealed its 2026 concept livery in Munich yesterday. “It’s a big change. Honestly, I believe it’s a great challenge. I think all technicians at the moment are enjoying a change of regulations.”
“I think even drivers, initially, we may have heard some criticism. But overall, what I can see from drivers’ comments, they are starting to enjoy, they are enjoying [the new cars],” he added.
Binotto believes the on track racing spectacle will be much improved from the current era of ground effect cars which struggle when they get with 2-3 10ths of a second behind another. “Overall, the show will improve because we believe that the racing will be improved through the new regulations,” added the former boss of Ferrari.
“So, we may need some patience at the start because big changes may bring discontinuity, may bring gaps between teams. But certainly, there will be a very quick catch-up from all the teams.”
Vowles says Colapinto “earned” his contract with Alpine – Updated 13:55 UK
The Formula One Alpine team have been chaotic in recent years. Management have come and gone and a row between Esteban Ocon and then team boss Bruno Famin, saw the French driver leave the team for Haas F1 this year.
The team’s reserve driver jack Doohan was given six places to prove his worth, but was replaced when F1 returned to Europe in Italy, by Colapinto who had been signed over the winter.
Franco was a Williams academy driver and came in to the team replacing Logan Sargeant for the final nine rounds in 2024. On the whole he impressed with his speed, but too many bog crashes meant the likes of red Bull cooled over recruiting him.
“I’m really proud of what he’s done,” says the Williams boss. “Certainly over the last, let’s say, seven races. It’s a big turnaround for me. He’s showing the world the performance I saw when he was with Williams.”
Franco had out qualified and outraced his experienced team mate Pierre Gasly in four of the weekends Vowles cites and his retention in the team with the huge regulations coming in 2026 – became a no brainer.
Max opposes changes to sporting 2026 rules under discussion – Updated 13:45 UK
The F1 commission is about to consider a proposal that all races in 2026 become mandatory two stop affairs. This is to counter the many one stop races the sport encounters at present, where the pecking order on track can become somewhat processional.
This rule was implemented at this year’s Monaco Grand Prix, only for the teams to abuse its strategic potential. A number of drivers behind their team mates on track deliberately went slowly on a circuit where overtaking is almost impossible. This created a gap for the team mate ahead to build up a pit stop gap and return to the track ahead of their team mate and the train of cars behold him.
When asked about the proposal, Verstappen believed not everyone would appreciate it, “I mean, maybe yes, it will be better [if the mandatory two-stop is adopted], but for sure, people will be screaming as well next year, when it comes at the wrong time, that you have to do a two-stop.”
Given the monumental changes facing the drivers, Verstappen believes adding to the complexity with mandatory two stops each race mayn’t be necessary anyway. “But for next year, there are so many question marks in general about the car, the engine, besides forcing a two-stop, so there are a lot of unknowns.”
F1 veteran and Racing Bulls team boss, Alan Permane was asked about the proposal and whilst not dismissing it out of hand suggests the strategic complexity behind pit stops should be further considered.
“Everyone likes two stops or more, but we have to be careful,” Permane warned in Mexico. “One of the things that makes a two-stop race tricky is when the tyres aren’t really suited for two stops. So you need to have tyres that demand the two-stop race. If you force a two-stop, you can end up with everyone doing the same strategy and actually have the opposite effect.
“And don’t forget, we’ve seen plenty of races with one guy on a one-stop and one guy on a two-stop, and then the guy on a one-stop being chased down by the two-stop – but that will obviously disappear. So I think we need to think very carefully. And we are. And I’m sure the F1 Commission will debate it, and I’m sure we’ll come to the right answer.”
Cadillac to Run First F1 Car Ahead of Pre-Season Test – Updated 11:55 UK
Cadillac plans to conduct the initial engine run of its first Formula 1 car before the Barcelona pre-season test, which is scheduled to take place from 26–30 January 2026. Team principal Graeme Lowdon confirmed that the engine will be fired up in less than 50 days, and the car will likely undergo its first track shakedown in January under promotional event regulations, which allow for up to 200 km of running.
Lowdon acknowledged the tight schedule, noting that Cadillac’s entry was only confirmed in March 2025. The team is facing the challenge of designing, building and manufacturing the car, hiring personnel and completing factory preparations before the season-opening race in Melbourne in March.
The Cadillac project, originally initiated under the Andretti name, coincides with a major overhaul of F1 regulations in 2026. Lowdon said that this presents both advantages and challenges, as no team has a clear performance benchmark under the new rules. He emphasised that the team’s immediate focus would be on establishing smooth operations and improving quickly once on track.
Despite the challenges, Lowdon expressed confidence in the plan, stating that preparations are on schedule and highlighting the excitement of competing in a season of widespread uncertainty for all teams.
Jack Whitehall reveals he needed George Russell’s approval for an F1 joke – Updated 09:45 UK
The comedian has revealed that his script for the F1 75 launch show at London’s O2 Arena was “heavily policed”, forcing him to seek George Russell’s personal permission to keep a joke about the Mercedes driver. Speaking on The Chris Moyles Show, Whitehall said he had been banned from mentioning Bernie Ecclestone or Flavio Briatore, and that he had been told that his joke comparing Russell to the TikTok Trainspotter was off-limits unless the driver approved it.
After sending a voice note of the joke to Russell’s team, Whitehall said the Briton had given the green light, laughing it off as harmless fun. “They all have a sense of humour,” he said. “It’s the people around them who are terrified.”
Ferrari has been named the most valuable team in Formula 1, with an estimated grid worth of over $34 billion – Updated 07:25 UK
Ferrari has topped Sportico’s latest valuation list, with an estimated worth of US$6.4 billion. The combined value of all ten F1 teams now exceeds $34 billion, pushing the sport’s average franchise value to $3.42 billion — higher than Major League Baseball’s average of $2.82 billion, and second only to the NFL and NBA globally.
Mercedes ranks second with an estimated value of US$5.88 billion, followed by McLaren with US$4.73 billion and Red Bull Racing with US$4.32 billion. Even Haas, the least valuable team, is valued at US$1.68 billion. Ferrari also benefits from an additional bonus of tens of millions of dollars each year thanks to its historic status. Meanwhile, total team prize money distributions have risen to $1.27 billion for the 2024 season, reflecting Formula 1’s ongoing commercial success.
McLaren unveils custom Vegas-inspired 750S ahead of Grand Prix – Updated 00:05 UK
McLaren has revealed a one-off 750S supercar, dubbed Project Viva, created by McLaren Special Operations to celebrate the Las Vegas Grand Prix and the team’s dominant F1 season. Finished in a hand-painted blend of Muriwai White and Vegas Nights black, the car swaps the city’s neon excess for a sleek monochrome design featuring artistic tributes to Las Vegas landmarks.
Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris have both signed the car, with Norris writing “I’m all in!” and Piastri adding “Enjoy every mile.” Ten stars on the rear bumper commemorate McLaren’s Constructors’ Championship titles, while the car will be displayed during the Las Vegas race weekend as a showcase of McLaren’s craftsmanship and racing success.
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
