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

WEC has issued a statement regarding its upcoming event in Qatar later this month. Like the FIA and FOM, it is "closely monitoring the ongoing situation in the Middle East." This is of course a given. #F1 1/3

WEC has issued a statement regarding its upcoming event in Qatar later this month. Like the FIA and FOM, it is "closely monitoring the ongoing situation in the Middle East." This is of course a given. #F1 1/3

As things continue to escalate in the Middle East, much of the F1 paddock is Melbourne-bound. Many are arriving over the next 24hrs. That means most will have had their travel impacted by the Middle East situation. #F1 1/3

The Middle East conflict does have some F1 implications - not that, in the grand scheme of what's going on there, it really matters. Firstly, FOM and FIA are taking a watching brief as the situation is constantly changing. #F1 1/3

A key line in the FIA statement on PU compression ratios: "Some aspects of the amendments were concurrently approved unanimously by the Formula One Power Unit Manufacturers." In other words, Mercedes voted for the change... #F1 1/2

Bizarre rule change this morning. Updated FIA regs show changes to compression ratio measurements, but not from August as was initially announced. Instead, it's from June 1 ahead of further changes for next season. #F1 1/3

In its annual earnings call yesterday, F1 (Liberty Media) highlighted the value brands like Cadillac bring the sport, making specific note of the Super Bowl launch ad. There is a strong sense of irony in that. #F1 1/3

McLaren won the title but was only the fourth-best paid team by F1 in 2025. Liberty Media annual report is out, with record revenues for F1's commercial rights holder. That's relayed into an increased prize money fund for the teams. #F1 1/3

That's pre-season testing done. Pecking order has become a bit clearer, with Mercedes and Ferrari seemingly the top two. McLaren and Red Bull are next best, but which order... That's the $100million question. Some key points out of today... #F1 1/3

Stefano Domenicali spoke to us yesterday to offer his opinion into the state of F1 2026. Naturally, he's optimistic despite the criticism of the regulations as they currently are. He reasons we don't yet know enough... #F1 1/5

Another fascinating day at the track. Becoming clearer that the top four are clear of the rest, Mercedes remain favourites. From there? Depends who you're talking to in terms of second, third, and fourth best. #F1 1/3

MotoGP to Adelaide is incredible. If there is one thing Adelaide is exceptional at, it's major events. The city comes alive, turns into a great big party. I grew up in Adelaide during the #F1 era in the 1980s and 1990s. 1/3

MotoGP to Adelaide is incredible. If there is one thing Adelaide is exceptional at, it's major events. The city comes alive, turns into a great big party. I grew up in Adelaide during the #F1 era in the 1980s and 1990s. 1/3

Reaching the end of the opening day of the second Bahrain test. It's been a busy one, and not because of the action on track. Two major developments from the F1 Commission and from a subset of the Power Unit Advisory Committee. #F1 1/3

Tomorrow looks like a crucial day for F1 2026. Along with an F1 Commission meeting, where starts etc will be discussed, the Power Unit Advisory Committee is also set to meet where compression rations will be a hot topic. #F1 1/2

Have been told Christian Horner's planned speaking tour of Australia next month has been delayed. It's now looking like it'll happen in July/August. The reason is a 'scheduling clash' but nothing more than that has been offered. #F1 1/3

Pre-season testing, new Barcelona deal, F1 Commission and Power Unit Advisory Commission. It's a busy time to be an F1 journo! Off the back of last week's test, Thomas Maher stopped to make a bit of sense of it all. #F1

Barcelona is set to remain on the F1 calendar. It will become a rotational event that effectively makes it the other half of the Belgian Grand Prix in 2028, 2030, and 2032 under the new deal. #F1 1/3

At the end of the first Bahrain test, Oscar Piastri suggested McLaren doesn't have the same performance expectations heading to Australia. McLaren dominated in Albert Park last year, only the weather threw a spanner in the works. #F1 1/3

On Friday night, I went out on track to watch cars up close. One spot I visited was the end of the back straight. As they braked and the wings snapped shut, I could see the car almost bouncing as if it had hit a bump. #F1 1/3

At the end of track action last night, F1 performed a start test. Seven cars lined up and, when the lights went out, three got away. Four stayed on the grid. It didn't look like a great start, but... #F1 1/5

First Bahrain test is in the books. Lots to disect but we've got a bit of an idea of the pecking order, and a few other bits that have been flagged. #F1 1/3

First Bahrain test is in the books. Lots to disect but we've got a bit of an idea of the pecking order, and a few other bits that have been flagged. #F1 1/3

Toto Wolff's comments about the RBPT power unit were initially thought to be a diversionary tactic amid mounting pressure on Mercedes over the compression ratio issue. But, we've done some digging, and it turns out there's a bit of truth to the comments. #F1 1/2

The all new regulations are unpopular among drivers, such that Max Verstappen hasn't ruled out leaving F1 because of them. Key to remember is we're very, very early in all this. It's effectively Day 2 of testing. Everyone is still learning. #F1 1/4

Some concerning comments out of Aston Martin with Lance Stroll suggesting the team is more than four seconds off the pace. That is where it sits on the timing screens now, but truth is we don't know how hard everyone is pushing. #F1 1/3

A power unit issue will keep Mercedes in the garage until after lunch, the team tells me. Red Bull is also yet to emerge after a hydraulic leak was found overnight. #F1

Hydraulic leak for Red Bull will delay its appearance on track for Day 2 of testing in Bahrain. Meanwhile, a throttle set up problem halted Sergio Perez on track to trigger an early red flag, but that was quickly resolved and he's back out there. #F1

Heading out to the track for Day 2 in Bahrain. Was fascinating to see cars on track yesterday, was clear they don't have the grip they did. Lap times aren't too far from where we were, but the cars look so much better and more exciting on track. #F1

Lewis Hamilton has just spoken to us following his morning in the Ferrari. It's very early days but the team is happy enough working through its programme. Lewis bemoaned the lack of grip, but reaffirmed the fact that when the car breaks away, it can be caught. #F1 1/2