Verstappen doesn’t expect Red Bull to win opener, Who’s truly fastest for Melbourne?, and other big updates

Verstappen doesn’t expect Red Bull to win opener

Max Verstappen does not believe he will win the season opener, saying McLaren looks stronger based on testing. He admitted Red Bull had issues with the RB21 but expects improvements soon. Verstappen and Pierre Wache acknowledged the team didn’t make as much progress as expected, and the car still struggles over bumps and curbs. Verstappen said the rough track in Australia will be a big test for this weakness.

Click here to read the full article by Keith Collantine (racefans.net)

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Who’s truly fastest for Melbourne?

Pre-season testing times can be adjusted for tire compounds and fuel loads to estimate the true F1 pecking order. McLaren showed strong race pace, but single-lap speed was inconsistent, with signs of rear instability affecting qualifying performance. The methodology accounts for errors and fuel strategies, but assumptions still leave room for uncertainty, especially for teams like Williams and Haas. Melbourne will be the first real test, and with major regulation changes coming in 2026, teams must balance short-term performance with long-term development.

Click here to read the full article by Gary Anderson (the-race.com)

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Five women rising in motorsport

F1 has had only five female drivers in 75 years, and no woman has raced in a grand prix since Lella Lombardi in 1976. The F1 Academy started in 2023 to help more women move up in motorsport. Abbi Pulling, Doriane Pin, Chloe Chambers, Alisha Palmowski, Alba Hurup Larsen, and Luna Fluxa are rising stars, with Pulling earning a fully paid GB3 season after winning F1 Academy. These young drivers are making progress, bringing hope for a woman in F1 soon.

Click here to read the full article by Lewis Larkam (crash.net)

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Cadillac loses unlimited development advantage

Cadillac has officially joined the F1 grid for 2026, expanding the field to 11 teams for the first time since 2016. The team will use Ferrari power units until 2028, when General Motors plans to introduce its own, which will increase the number of engine suppliers to six. Under the new team principal, Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac has assembled its technical staff, including Nick Chester and Pat Symonds. However, the team must adhere to F1’s Aerodynamic Testing Restrictions, losing the unlimited development advantage it previously had.

Click here to read the full article by Jake Nichol (racingnews365.com)

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Susie Wolff pushes for more women in F1

Susie Wolff wants more women in Formula 1, nearly 50 years after the last female driver raced. The F1 Academy, under her leadership, is now backed by all 10 F1 teams, creating real opportunities for female racers like Abbi Pulling and Bianca Bustamante. Wolff once said it could take 8-10 years for a woman to reach F1, but now she regrets that prediction. She believes the talent is there, but getting one of the 20 spots is tough. She also pushes for changes like power steering in junior series, saying physical challenges shouldn’t stop skilled women from moving up.

Click here to read the full article by Rebecca Clancy (motorsport.com)