Lindblad inches closer to Red Bull options with championship win, How 2026 rule overhaul will change everything, and other big updates

Lindblad inches closer to Red Bull options with championship win

Arvid Lindblad won the Formula Regional Oceania Championship by finishing second at Highlands Motorsport Park. He couldn’t catch race-winner Patrick Heuzenroeder, but his result was enough to secure the title with two races left. Red Bull now sees him as a strong option for an FP1 session in 2025, but he might need an FIA exemption because of his age. Since Red Bull promotes young drivers quickly, this win could help him reach Formula 1 sooner than expected.

Click here to read the full article at f1i.com

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How 2026 rule overhaul will change everything

The 2026 F1 regulations are being called the biggest change in the sport’s history, though similar claims were made for past changes. What makes 2026 different is that both the car designs and power units are changing at the same time. The new rules will create a 50/50 split between hybrid and regular power, while also making the cars smaller, lighter, and easier to follow on track. This change is a big reset, with new cars and engines that will completely reshape how F1 works.

Click here to read the full article by Edd Straw (the-race.com)

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Netflix’s Drive to Survive drops March 7

The new season of the hit docu-series premieres on March 7, just before the 2025 F1 season begins. It will cover the chaotic 2024 season, where seven different drivers won races, and Verstappen fought off McLaren and Ferrari to secure his fourth title. McLaren ended Red Bull’s dominance by winning their first Constructors’ Championship in 26 years. Expect explosive coverage of Hamilton’s shocking Ferrari move, a major FIA controversy, and Verstappen’s heated feud with Russell.

Click here to read the full article by Yara Elshebiny (forbes.com)

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Tracks with expiring deals this season

In recent months, several F1 venues with expiring contracts in 2025, such as Monaco and Monza, secured long-term deals. Zandvoort, however, will only have a one-year extension and will be dropped after 2026 due to financial challenges. The Belgian Grand Prix at Spa has agreed to a rotational contract, hosting races every two years from 2026 to 2031. Meanwhile, Mexico City, Imola, and Las Vegas are still negotiating their futures, with Las Vegas likely to secure an extension beyond 2025.

Click here to read the full article by Dan Lawrence (motorsportweek.com)

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Verstappen takes on the Acura ARX-06

Honda has shared exclusive footage of Max Verstappen testing the Acura ARX-06 GTP a few months ago. This high-performance car, built for the IMSA championship, looks similar to the hypercars in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Verstappen was joined by six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon and IMSA driver Colin Braun, who races for Acura in the series.