MOTORSPORTS

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Formula 1’s governing body moved to close a suspected loophole in ⁠the new engine regulations on Wednesday by proposing a change from August.

The FIA said in a statement that it had recently launched an e-vote on changing the assessment of the power unit compression ratio in running condition.

It said that from August 1st, compliance with the limit “must be demonstrated not only at ambient conditions but also at a representative operating temperature of 130 degrees Celsius”.

The subject has been a major talking point in the pre-season, with Mercedes – who ⁠insist their engine is completely legal – suspected of exploiting a loophole to gain performance through thermal expansion of components.

Mercedes supply engines to champions McLaren as well as their own works team, Williams and Renault-owned Alpine. If the proposal is accepted for August, that would still give them ⁠and customer teams the first 13 races of the 24-round season before any change.

Red Bull, who are now making their own engines, also supplies sister team Racing Bulls. Audi, Honda (Aston Martin) and Ferrari are the remaining engine manufacturers.

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Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso said on Monday he planned to enjoy every second of the new Formula 1 season and had still not decided whether it would be his last.

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Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies rejected a suggestion on Wednesday that ⁠four-time world champion Max Verstappen could lose interest in Formula 1 because of the sport’s new engine era.

Verstappen has been outspoken about the new crop of cars, saying last week that his Red Bull was not much fun to drive and more like “Formula E on steroids”.

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Formula 1 design icon Adrian Newey believes Aston Martin has taken one of the most daring approaches to the sport’s latest technical regulations, describing the team’s new car as an extreme and distinctive interpretation of the rules introduced for this season. Speaking after Aston Martin’s official launch, Newey made it clear that the team has chosen a path that sets it apart from several of its rivals, while accepting that only performance on track will determine whether the concept is a success.

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Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya will ⁠host a Formula One Grand Prix in 2028, 2030 and 2032 after signing a contract extension to alternate with Belgium, the Liberty Media-owned sport said on Monday.

The race will be known as the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix from this season, with ⁠the Spanish Grand Prix moving to a new street circuit in Madrid.

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Oscar Piastri accepts McLaren gave him a “fair shot” at the Formula 1 title last season and expects the same this year against champion teammate Lando Norris.

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The simmering tension between Ford and General Motors is set to play out on one of the biggest stages in global sport. While both companies have at times downplayed the idea of a direct rivalry in Formula 1, recent comments and strategic moves suggest otherwise. As the 2026 season approaches, the competition between the two American automotive giants is becoming harder to ignore.

At the center of the conversation is Ford’s partnership with Red Bull Racing and the launch of Red Bull Ford Powertrains. On the other side stands General Motors, backing the new Cadillac F1 Team project. Although the two efforts differ in structure and timeline, both represent serious commitments to Formula 1’s new era.

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Formula 1 champion Lando Norris says pre-season favourite George Russell is hungry to take his title and “giddy” at the prospect.