The Monaco pit lane penalty saga is a mess. The failure lies entirely with FOM and the measurement of the first pit lane loop. Everything else is just a consequence—one that has highlighted a massive paradox in the regulations. Let me explain... #F1 1/4

BYD's Stella Li has been in the Monaco F1 paddock meeting with Stefano Domenicali and Mohammed Ben Sulayem. It comes amid increasing interest in F1 from the Chinese manufacturer. Li has spoken exclusively with PlanetF1. Full story here: www.planetf1.com/new... #F1

Rumours surrounding Esteban Ocon and Valtteri Bottas highlight the disparity between real journalism and social media reporting. The world has changed in the last decade and there is a growing push to be first to publish on social media, but with that comes danger. #F1 1/3

Filings with the SEC show Principal Global Investors now holds ~3.8% of Liberty Media, specifically the F1 tracking stock. It's a passive holding, there's no influence associated with it, but it's and interesting development. #F1 1/3

Huge news out of the FIA. Changes to F1 engine rules, with increase in combustion power of 50kW via fuel flow increase, and 50kW reduction in energy recovery system. This, a week on from Miami where, heading in, it was a case of analyse the changes voted through in April. #F1 1/3

The ADUO window has been changed by the FIA. With Bahrain and Saudi cancelled, the first ADUO window now opens after 5 races. Power units more than 2 per cent down at that point will get an opportunity to catch up. #F1 1/3

F1 has posted the best Q1 financial results in the sport's history. Revenue of $617m, up from $403m last year. It could have been better too were it not for the cancellation of Bahrain and Saudi. Teams were paid $184m of that in prize money. #F1 1/3

F1 has renewed its broadcast agreement with Sky in the UK and Italy, the former until 2034 and the latter until 2032. It's another good move, shoring up more of the foundational revenue and insulating FOM from elements like unpopular regulations. #F1 1/3

The FIA has clarified maximum recharge rules for Miami. There is no change this weekend, despite what was announced last week re the rule change. While the maximum figure CAN be reduced to 7 MJ (was 8MJ), the FIA has not done that this weekend. #F1 1/3

Silverstone has offered to host another grand prix this season. I'm confident in saying it won't happen! While there have been two cancelled races, there is no real pressure or need to replace either Bahrain or Saudi Arabia. #F1 1/3

We're seeing something of a power shift in F1 at the moment. Where once the manufacturers could largely dictate terms, the sport is now healthy and strong enough to steer its own destiny, without manufacturers if necessary. Both the FIA and FOM look to have realised that. #F1 1/3

This weekend will show us if the F1 rule changes have done their job, gone too far, or fallen short. A key element of the rules as they were was the yo-yo effect of the battery. While it created closer racing, it felt artificial and contributed to Bearman's crash. #F1 1/3

The Australian GP is set to revert to Round 3 next season as Bahrain returns as the season opener. Turkish GP return has helped firm up the F1 2026 calendar, with Bahrain on March 14 poised to kick things off. #F1 1/3

The latest Turkish GP deal is great news for F1 and fans. Not only is it an amazing circuit, but commercially it's a strong play by Formula One Management. The 5-year-deal is important as it ties up another of the 24 event slots, increasing their scarcity. #F1 1/3

There's an interesting mix of ownership structures on the F1 grid. From privately owned, to publicly traded there is no consistent formula. What there is, however, is growing interest to invest as team valuations soar. It's never been so good to own an F1 team. #F1 1/3

There are a few teams running TPC tests at the moment. Haas, Ferrari, Williams etc. These are all with ground effect era machines, not 2026 spec cars. So what's the value? It's limited because of the rules, but there are some benefits to be had. #F1 1/3

Toto Wolff spoke with us earlier ahead of the F1 Commission meeting today. He urged caution when it comes to any changes, but stressed safety was a key concern despite downplaying Oliver Bearman's crash in Suzuka. #F1 1/3

Key moment for F1 2026 today with an F1 Commission meeting and a vote to follow on possible rule changes to improve the sport before Miami. Don't expect major changes, likely small tweaks with a period of analysis before further revisions if needed. #F1 1/3

The FIA met with drivers yesterday to discuss the current rule concerns. There is alignment between them with the meeting described as 'extremely positive and collaborative'. But, it has no value when it comes to changing the rules. #F1 1/3

2026 engines aren't going to change significantly. The money has been spent and the direction is therefore locked for the short term. The FIA can’t really change engine rules without forcing write-downs for the power unit manufacturers and driving up costs significantly. #F1 1/3

The value of F1 teams continues to soar, despite the negative commentary around the 2026 rules. By my estimates, Ferrari is now worth around $7.1bn, with Mercedes next-best at $6.4bn. There are a few key drivers to rising value of teams... #F1 1/3

India is not poised to return to the F1 calendar in 2027 despite comments made in recent days. India’s sports minister Mansukh Mandanayiva said he is keen to seen a return of F1. However, FOM has gone on the record to deny it will race there in 2027. #F1 1/3

Am reliably told claims Liam Lawson will race a Supercar in New Zealand next weekend are wide of the mark. He won't be in the country for a start, with travel booked elsewhere. Was claimed he had Red Bull backing etc. However... #F1 #Supercars 1/3

I've heard claims that television viewership for the Japanese GP was down in some markets by 50 percent. That's an astonishing number if true. To the best of my knowledge there are no verified numbers available, so I don't know where that figure has come from. Also... #F1 1/3

The change to energy recovery in qualifying this weekend, down to 8MJ from 9MJ, is a good move and a big step in the right direction. It should result in less quali lift and coast and more single lap attack, which we all want to see. It also shows something important. #F1 1/3

Yesterday, I revealed Steve Cohen is among the parties interested in acquiring Otro Capital's stake in Alpine. Cohen is worth $20bn+ and owns the NY Mets baseball team. More than his specific interest, it underscores an important change in F1. #F1 1/3

Christian Horner's efforts to acquire Otro Capital's 24 percent stake in Alpine have become more difficult. The identity of a third bidder for the minority shareholding has appeared: Steve Cohen, owner of the NY Mets. #F1 1/3

Mercedes' offer for Otro's ownership stake in Alpine is making waves in the paddock. Outwardly it doesn't seem a big issue, but such a deal would create issues within the F1 Commission and possibly the EU. Was suggested to me the FIA may block such a move (via Concede). #F1 1/3

Adrian Newey is in the process of recruiting his replacement as Team Principal at Aston Martin. That's been ongoing for some time but there are a couple of names that are emerging as favourites. Newey is currently acting in the TP role but he's basically a caretaker TP. #F1 1/3

The cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi GP (even if FOM hasn't used those specific terms just yet) does not have any cost cap implications despite there being two fewer races. Here's why. #F1 1/3

Max Verstappen's comments about those who like F1 2026 racing shows they don't understand racing cuts to the core of modern F1. Is it a sport, or is it entertainment? On balance, one has to say entertainment for a few reasons. #F1 1/3

A really tough one for McLaren and Oscar Piastri. First time there has been no McLaren on track since San Marino 1982 (not counting US 2005). Before that, Belgium 1966. But it's worse for Piastri - he is the first driver in F1 hostory to DNS from consecutive races. #F1

The cancellation of Bahrain and Saudi GPs was inevitable and predictable. The decision not to hold replacement races is a financial decision. After losing out on the hosting fees from those events, any replacements would be a cost, not profit, to all involved. #F1 1/3

Ferrari's 'Macarena' wing is an expensive bit of kit, likely $100k or more each. But the real cost is the staff developing it, and the resources used in that process. That can be up to $5 million based on complexity and the number of iterations etc it goes through. 1/3

A post-Chinese GP change to energy recovery rules has the potential to have significant impact both on track and off it. That's because teams receive significant prize money based on the finishing order of the constructors' championship. #F1 1/3

Bloomberg has reported BYD is looking at motorsport, potentially F1. There is space on the grid, and OEM backing is favourable for new entries. Chinese involvement has been murmured for some time and F1 is a great way to raise a brand's profile. #F1 1/3

A little more on Alpine, Toto Wolff, and Christian Horner. The Otro Capital stake cannot be sold without Renault's approval prior to September. I understand Renault has first right of refusal for any subsequent sale too. #F1 1/2

News that Toto Wolff has submitted a bid to acquire a slice of Alpine is a fascinating development given Christian Horner is also known to be in the market. One must immediately question the intent of the bid- genuine interest, or a blocking move? #F1 1/3

A post-China review is planned to look at the rules and decide if changes are needed. It's been suggested to me that this will be delayed a little, likely until after Japan. But, what can actually be done? #F1 1/3

Some rough maths on the Australian GP. Total attendance across four days was 484,000. Average ticket price is around AUD $700. It's not as simple as multiplying them together, as there were single and multi-day passes. #F1 1/3

Some rough maths on the Australian GP. Total attendance across four days was 484,000. Average ticket price is around AUD $700. It's not as simple as multiplying them together, as there were single and multi-day passes. #F1 1/3

The 2026 F1 regulations are built on a flawed premise, a compromise to attract OEMs. They were written at a time when the sport was not as healthy as it is now, and car companies were seen as critical to its survival. #F1 1/3

For those who missed it, it's expected Bahrain and Saudi will be cancelled without replacements. Lack of promotion fee and increased costs/pressure for teams are the main reasons. There's also a lack of time and need from F1s perspective. #F1 1/3

No announcement on the Bahrain/Saudi situation doesn't mean no action. There are lots of conversations taking place. The decision will be linked to freight, much of it from China is meant to go to Bahrain via boat. #F1 1/3

Brutal day for Aston Martin. Adrian Newry facing the press was a move to get ahead of the story, would guess the "permanent nerve damage" line was him going off script and not part of the pre-session briefing notes. #F1 1/3

Qatar WEC round has been postponed: "With the safety and security of competitors, personnel and fans of the utmost importance, the decision has been taken to delay the event that had been due to take place on 26-28 March." Two F1 elements in this. #F1 1/3

The other day I suggested a few options for F1 should Bahrain/Saudi be called off. Those events are significant and F1 needs them for a couple reasons - aside from the promotion fee hit. #F1 1/5

Having invested hundreds of millions, Aston Martin's slow start in testing was far from ideal. However, it was entirely predictable. New facilities, a lot of new staff, and a new power unit manufacturer. There are a lot of teething issues to overcome. #F1 1/3

Should Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs be cancelled, where could F1 race instead? India has been floated, but circuit isn't homologated and tax issues make that a no go. There are others that could slot in quickly, though... #F1 1/3

I have also learned that some McLaren staff who were in Bahrain for the Pirelli tyre test remain there. For now they're in their hotel, and safe while they await developments such that they can leave. #F1