The F1 world is buzzing with significant developments as the season prepares to resume. From Lewis Hamilton's unwavering belief in Ferrari to Oscar Piastri's championship confidence, alongside Cadillac's ambitious F1 entry plans and new FIA regulations, the landscape of Formula 1 is constantly evolving.
Why it matters:
These stories highlight critical shifts in driver dynamics, team strategies, and the sport's future direction, impacting championship races and technical regulations.
The big picture:
- Hamilton's Ferrari Belief: Despite a challenging start at Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton remains convinced the team possesses "every ingredient" for success. This declaration comes amidst a period where the initial optimism surrounding his arrival has waned, with Hamilton finding himself without a podium finish and consistently outperformed by Charles Leclerc, suggesting a "vicious" trap in the tightly contested qualifying field.
- Piastri's Championship Advantage: Oscar Piastri, currently leading McLaren teammate Lando Norris by nine points, points to his experience winning multiple junior series championships as a crucial edge in their ongoing F1 title battle. With 10 rounds remaining, this psychological advantage could be pivotal.
- Cadillac's F1 Entry Prep: Cadillac is actively planning to test a previous year's F1 car from a rival team ahead of its 2026 championship debut. New driver Sergio Perez and team principal Graeme Lowdon confirmed this, as the team does not yet have its own older machinery. Perez, set to partner Valtteri Bottas at Cadillac, remains defiant about his Red Bull departure, stating he has "nothing to prove."
- FIA's 2026 Power Regulations: Reports indicate the FIA intends to introduce strict safety rules for 2026, including limiting the amount of power F1 cars can generate. The electrical systems are set to significantly increase to 350kw, nearly tripling from 2025's 120kw, producing around 475 brake horsepower.
What's next:
As the season resumes at the Dutch Grand Prix, all eyes will be on how these narratives unfold. Hamilton's performance at Ferrari, the McLaren teammates' rivalry, Cadillac's progress, and the implications of the new FIA rules will be key topics.