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Ousted Formula 1 driver joins Japanese racing series – Updated 12:05 UK
Jack Doohan has begun a new chapter in his career as he tests in Japan’s Super Formula series this week, following his departure from the Formula 1 grid. The Australian, sidelined by Alpine during the past season, has returned to the team as a test and reserve driver — though his long-term prospects there remain uncertain. His Super Formula outing, arranged through Toyota, could become a key pathway back toward an F1 opportunity.
Toyota’s growing technical links with Haas F1 have opened the door for Doohan to potentially serve as a second reserve driver for the American outfit alongside Ryo Hirakawa. At the same time, he could race full-time in Super Formula in a Toyota-aligned entry, giving him both seat time and visibility.
Williams junior Luke Browning is also taking part in the test, flying to Japan immediately after Tuesday’s Young Driver Test in Abu Dhabi. Williams has not confirmed whether this is a precursor to a Super Formula race seat, but Browning is already locked in as the team’s reserve driver for the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Updated Pirelli tyre design for 2026 – Updated 10:50 UK
Alongside Cadillac’s preparations, Pirelli has revealed a redesigned tyre sidewall graphic for 2026, debuting it during the post-season test in Abu Dhabi. The updated look features a chequered flag motif, and aims to give next year’s tyres a distinctive visual identity while preserving Pirelli’s traditional design language.
The 2026 tyres retain the familiar compound colours—white, yellow, red for dry tyres, and green, blue for wets—but feature smaller dimensions to suit the new regulations. Although overall performance will remain broadly similar, Pirelli has widened the performance gap between compounds to encourage more strategic variety during races.
New Mercedes front wing offers first glimpse of F1 2026 – Updated 10:05 UK
Mercedes has provided the clearest early look yet at Formula 1’s 2026 active-aero era, by running a prototype front wing during the Abu Dhabi post-season test. Using modified mule cars to simulate next year’s reduced-downforce regulations, teams were allowed to trial experimental front-wing concepts that will become part of the new Straight Line Mode system, replacing DRS.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes test car drew the most attention in the pitlane with a visibly crude but functional actuation mechanism. Large external tubing linked the upper wing elements to the nose, enabling the wing to open up and shed drag on the straights. Although rudimentary, it previewed how 2026 cars will actively adjust both front and rear wings to boost straight-line performance. Ferrari has already tested a similar system privately, and is also running its own prototype in Abu Dhabi.
These early tests are vital for Pirelli, too. By comparing cars fitted with the active front-aero device against those without it, the tyre supplier can better understand load profiles and refine 2026 tyre construction. FIA speed limits—roughly 300km/h for mule cars—ensure tyres aren’t overstressed during development.
Teams are also experimenting with transitional, 2026-style wheel rims, though data remains limited because braking systems will change significantly next year. Even so, the combined tests offer the first tangible preview of the radically different aerodynamic and mechanical package set to reshape Formula 1 from 2026 onward.
Valtteri Bottas’ first day at Cadillac ahead of F1 return – Updated 10:00 UK
Valtteri Bottas has officially begun work with Cadillac’s brand-new Formula 1 team, marking the start of his return to the grid in 2026. After a year spent as Mercedes’ reserve driver, the Finn has now completed his first full day at Cadillac’s Silverstone base, including a seat fit and integration sessions with engineers as preparations ramp up for the team’s maiden F1 car.
Bottas, a 246-race veteran, said joining Cadillac feels like “the beginning of a new chapter”, and that he’s eager to use his experience to guide the fledgling programme. Team principal Graeme Lowdon echoed the enthusiasm, praising Bottas’ arrival as a major moment for the project. Cadillac is targeting its first car fire-up by Christmas, followed by an initial shakedown in January ahead of pre-season testing in Barcelona.
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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.
