Verstappen Misses FIA Gala, Sky F1 Channel Replaced by Darts, and Honda Reveals 2026 Engine Sound

A busy Friday in the F1 world saw Max Verstappen miss the FIA's year-end ceremony due to illness, the dedicated Sky F1 channel temporarily replaced by darts coverage, and Honda offer a first listen to the 2026 power unit sound. The day also included political confirmations with Mohammed Ben Sulayem securing a second term as FIA President and the new Concorde Agreement being finalized.

Why it matters:

These developments mark the official transition from the 2025 season into the off-season and the build-up to a pivotal 2026 regulatory change. Verstappen's absence from a formal F1 event highlights the human element post-title fight, while the channel shift underscores the commercial realities of broadcasting. The tangible progress on 2026 engines and governance sets the stage for the sport's next era.

The details:

• Verstappen's Illness: The newly-crowned 2025 vice-champion missed the FIA Prize-Giving Gala in Paris after coming down with the flu. This follows his intense championship battle with Lando Norris, which concluded just days prior at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
• Sky F1 Channel Pause: Sky's dedicated F1 channel in the UK has temporarily gone off-air, replaced by a dedicated darts channel to cover the World Darts Championship. This annual scheduling move occurs during the F1 off-season.
• 2026 Engine Sound Preview: Honda Racing Corporation released a short social media clip providing an initial auditory glimpse of its 2026 power unit. The new regulations mandate 50% electrification and fully sustainable fuels.
• FIA Leadership Confirmed: Mohammed Ben Sulayem was officially re-elected for a second term as FIA President. He effectively ran unopposed, a situation predicted months earlier due to specific electoral rules.
• Concorde Agreement Sealed: Formula 1, the FIA, and all eleven teams have signed the new Concorde Governance Agreement, which will govern the sport's commercial and regulatory framework through the end of 2030.

What's next:

The focus now shifts entirely to 2026. Teams will analyze the new governance agreement's fine print while accelerating development under the new chassis and engine rules. Honda's partnership with Aston Martin begins in earnest, with more technical reveals expected throughout 2025. The off-season continues with driver market movements and the first glimpses of next-generation cars, all while the dedicated F1 broadcast channel will return in time for pre-season testing.