Verstappen Named Driver of the Year as Ferrari Preps for 2026 Overhaul

Max Verstappen has been named Driver of the Year by his F1 peers for the fifth consecutive time, a remarkable show of respect despite narrowly missing out on the 2025 world title to Lando Norris. As the sport looks ahead to a major regulatory reset in 2026, teams are already making significant moves, with Ferrari unveiling a radical steering wheel redesign and the FIA implementing a substantial increase in protest fees, setting the stage for a transformative new era.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's accolade highlights the immense respect he commands from fellow drivers, even in a season where he didn't clinch the ultimate prize. For Ferrari, the aggressive 2026 preparations underscore the team's determination to capitalize on the new rules and end its championship drought. The FIA's fee hike signals a push for greater stability and a reduction in on-track legal disputes, aiming to keep the focus on racing rather than litigation in the highly competitive environment to come.

The details:

• Peer Recognition: Max Verstappen secured his fifth consecutive Driver of the Year award, voted on by fellow drivers, reaffirming his status as a highly respected competitor on the grid despite losing the championship.
• Ferrari's 2026 Push: The Scuderia has revealed a radical redesign of its steering wheel for the 2026 season. The new design, developed with direct feedback from new signing Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, is part of a comprehensive overhaul to adapt to the sweeping new technical regulations.
• Sportsmanship on Display: George Russell publicly expressed his delight for Lando Norris's 2025 title victory, noting that a younger version of himself would have been envious. This highlights a mature and respectful dynamic among the new generation of title contenders.
• FIA Fee Hike: The cost of lodging an official protest in F1 will increase tenfold in 2026, from €2,000 to a substantial €20,000. The move is designed to discourage marginal or tactical protests and streamline the judicial process.

What's next:

The 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent F1 history. With a massive technical overhaul on the horizon, including new power units and aerodynamic regulations, Ferrari's early innovations could provide a crucial edge. Meanwhile, the established driver dynamics, marked by both intense rivalry and mutual respect, will continue to be a compelling storyline as the entire grid adapts to the new era of Formula 1.