Thursday\u2019s fast-paced F1 news includes Max Verstappen suggesting that Audi F1 could spring a surprise after its Formula 1 entry as Christian Horner\u2019s impact on the Red Bull-Ford engine program is uncovered.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s charge through the day\u2019s main headlines at breakneck speed\u2026<\/p>\n
Max Verstappen reckons Audi F1 team could spring a surprise<\/p>\n
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen believes the new-look Audi F1 team could spring a surprise in Formula 1.<\/p>\n
Audi became the first team to take to the track with its 2026 car last week after completing its full rebrand of the previous Sauber team.<\/p>\n
Jonathan Wheatley, Red Bull\u2019s former sporting director, joined Sauber last year ahead of the team\u2019s Audi transition.<\/p>\n
Read more:\u00a0Verstappen\u2019s intriguing prediction ahead of first F1 2026 test<\/a><\/p>\n Red Bull praises Christian Horner influence ahead of RBPT engine debut<\/p>\n Red Bull boss Oliver Mintzlaff says Christian Horner deserves \u201ccredit\u201d for \u201cfinding the right people\u201d to work at the team\u2019s new engine division.<\/p>\n It comes as Red Bull prepares to reveal the livery of the new RB22 car, to be driven by Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar in F1 2026, later today (Thursday).<\/p>\n Red Bull will produce its own engines for the first time in 2026 via its Powertrains, which is working in conjunction with Ford after the team\u2019s partnership with Honda concluded at the end of last year.<\/p>\n Read more:\u00a0Red Bull boss hails Christian Horner as Ford engine era kicks off<\/a><\/p>\n McLaren confirms two reserve drivers for F1 2026 season<\/p>\n Leonardo Fornaroli and Pato O\u2019Ward will share reserve duties for McLaren in the F1 2026 season, it has been announced.<\/p>\n Fornaroli was snapped up by McLaren\u2019s driver development scheme after winning the prestigious F2 title in 2025.<\/p>\n The Italian claimed four victories en route to the 2025 championship.<\/p>\n Read more:\u00a0McLaren confirms new name joining F1 reserve driver roster for 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Mario Andretti reiterates faith in Ferrari amid F1 2026 engine loophole rumours<\/p>\n Cadillac board member Mario Andretti says \u201cthere\u2019s no concern\u201d for Ferrari amid rumours that rival manufacturers have identified a loophole in the F1 2026 engine regulations.<\/p>\n Cadillac will compete with customer Ferrari power units in its debut season in 2026 as development work continues on the marque\u2019s own F1 engine.<\/p>\n Rumours last month claimed that rival manufacturers have identified a loophole related to the engine compression ratio for 2026.<\/p>\n