{"id":500870,"date":"2026-02-24T11:30:14","date_gmt":"2026-02-24T11:30:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/500870\/"},"modified":"2026-02-24T11:30:14","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T11:30:14","slug":"motorsport-overnight-testing-tension-nascar-momentum-endurance-builds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/500870\/","title":{"rendered":"Motorsport Overnight \u2013 Testing Tension, NASCAR Momentum, Endurance Builds"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img width=\"875\" height=\"623\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/F1-2026-Testing-Ferrari-Mini-Wing-GettyImages.jpg\" class=\"attachment-featuredImage size-featuredImage wp-post-image\" alt=\"Ferrari F1 car showing the wing on the gearbox\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\"  \/><\/p>\n<p>By Andrew Clarke<\/p>\n<p class=\"postdate\">Date posted: 24 February 2026<\/p>\n<p>Formula 1 \u2013 Melbourne Looms as the First Real Test<\/p>\n<p>Pre-season testing may be complete, but the conversation hasn\u2019t cooled.<\/p>\n<p>Teams are now shifting from controlled Bahrain mileage to preparing for the far less predictable demands of Albert Park. Unlike testing, Melbourne punishes poor traction, aggressive kerb riding and unstable rear ends. That\u2019s why engineers are poring over long-run balance data rather than headline lap times.<\/p>\n<p>Ferrari\u2019s intriguing rear-wing architecture remains a talking point, particularly how it manages load under DRS activation. Mercedes appears structurally solid over longer stints, while others are still ironing out drivability concerns tied to the new hybrid deployment characteristics.<\/p>\n<p>The beauty of Melbourne is that posturing and jockeying for the underdog tag will no longer be relevant.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-105837\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105837\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/SVG-and-Kyle-Larson-GettyImages-2263036092.jpg\" alt=\"Kyle Larson and Shane Van Gisbergen\" width=\"875\" height=\"623\"  \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-105837\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 Valvoline Chevrolet, spins after an on-track incident ahead of Shane Van Gisbergen, driver of the #97 Red Bull Chevrolet, during the NASCAR Cup Series Autotrader 400 at Echo Park Speedway on February 22, 2026 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Sean Gardner\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p>NASCAR \u2013 Reddick\u2019s Early Statement and Superspeedway Debate<\/p>\n<p>Tyler Reddick\u2019s strong start to the season continues to build momentum. Even in races marked by contact and attrition, he has shown an ability to stay positioned when it counts. That combination of pace and race craft is beginning to shape early championship narratives.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, superspeedway package debate remains active. Veterans continue to question whether the current aerodynamic configuration overly compresses the field, limiting natural separation and forcing reactive driving rather than strategic drafting.<\/p>\n<p>The sport remains caught between spectacle and control.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, Shane Van Gisbergen continues to grow on ovals, and a sixth place at Echo Park in Altanta is making a big noise after an impressive run at Daytona.<\/p>\n<p>IndyCar \u2013 Subtle Shifts in Team Structure<\/p>\n<p>Behind the scenes, IndyCar teams are reshuffling personnel ahead of the season\u2019s opening stretch. Engineering swaps, crew changes and internal promotions suggest several teams are seeking marginal gains before the first green flag.<\/p>\n<p>These adjustments often go unnoticed until performance swings on race day, but small operational refinements can define tight championships.<\/p>\n<p>The early mood: refinement rather than revolution.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-105834\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105834\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WEC-2025-Cadillac-Hertz-Team-at-Le-Mans-24-GettyImages-2219529828.jpg\" alt=\"The #38 Cadillac at Le Mans in 2025\" width=\"875\" height=\"623\"  \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-105834\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The #38 Cadillac Hertz Team Jota Cadillac V-Series.R of Earl Bamber, Sebastien Bourdais and Jenson Button driving during the Le Mans 24 Hours race at the Circuit de la Sarthe on June 14, 2025 in Le Mans, France. (Photo by Jakob Ebrey\/LAT Images)<\/p>\n<p>Endurance Racing \u2013 Le Mans Picture Filling In<\/p>\n<p>The 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans is building into one of the most competitive editions of the modern Hypercar era.<\/p>\n<p>The provisional entry list confirms a 62-car field, headlined by 18 Hypercars from eight manufacturers, a remarkable show of top-class strength. The outright contenders span factory and factory-backed programs from Porsche, Ferrari, Toyota, Cadillac, Peugeot, BMW, Alpine and Lamborghini, underlining just how deep the manufacturer commitment now runs at the front of endurance racing.<\/p>\n<p>Behind them, the support categories are equally robust, with 19 LMP2 entries and 25 LMGT3 cars, ensuring traffic management and class strategy will again play a defining role across the 24-hour chess match.<\/p>\n<p>What stands out isn\u2019t just the number of cars, it\u2019s the balance. The Hypercar field blends proven winners with emerging factory efforts still refining long-run consistency. Reliability, tyre management and pit discipline, rather than raw pace alone, are likely to define the outright result.<\/p>\n<p>From an Australian perspective, Matt Campbell is currently the lone confirmed Aussie on the entry list, competing in the Hypercar class with Porsche Penske Motorsport. Campbell remains one of the few Australians in the modern era racing for overall victory at Le Mans, placing the country\u2019s hopes squarely in the top category rather than the class ranks.<\/p>\n<p>MotoGP \u2013 Final Testing Insights Emerging<\/p>\n<p>In Thailand, final pre-season preparations are sharpening. Teams are focusing heavily on tyre longevity and race simulations rather than chasing headline times.<\/p>\n<p>Aprilia\u2019s technical creativity has drawn attention, particularly in aero detailing and chassis integration. Ducati remains structurally strong, but the margins appear slimmer than in previous campaigns.<\/p>\n<p>The tone heading into round one: competitive, not dominant.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/autoactionmagazine.myshopify.com\/products\/12-month-subscription\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"square\" onclick=\"if (!window.__cfRLUnblockHandlers) return false; window.dataLayer.push({&quot;event&quot;:&quot;aa_click&quot;,&quot;ad&quot;:&quot;Podcast ads \u2013 D&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;square&quot;});\" data-cf-modified-4063c8a4f1ed03a7855eb71b-=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AA_300x250_Subscribe_01.26.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/autoaction.com.au\/home\/find-a-store\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"square\" onclick=\"if (!window.__cfRLUnblockHandlers) return false; window.dataLayer.push({&quot;event&quot;:&quot;aa_click&quot;,&quot;ad&quot;:&quot;AAP1915-D&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;square&quot;});\" data-cf-modified-4063c8a4f1ed03a7855eb71b-=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AA-MREC_300x250-31.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\"\/><\/a><br \/>\nRecent Storiesarray (<br \/>\n  0 =&gt;<br \/>\n  WP_Term::__set_state(array(<br \/>\n     &#8216;term_id&#8217; =&gt; 37,<br \/>\n     &#8216;name&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;F1&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;slug&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;f1&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;term_group&#8217; =&gt; 0,<br \/>\n     &#8216;term_taxonomy_id&#8217; =&gt; 37,<br \/>\n     &#8216;taxonomy&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;category&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;description&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;An Introduction to Formula One (F1)&#13;<br \/>\nFormula One, or F1, is the highest class of single-seater auto racing, governed by the F\u00e9d\u00e9ration Internationale de l\\&#8217;Automobile (FIA) and is owned by Liberty Media. The name &#8220;Formula One&#8221; refers to the set of rules or formula that all cars and drivers must comply with.&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\nThe F1 season consists of a series of races, known as Grands Prix, held on purpose-built circuits or public roads around the world. The results of each race are combined to determine two annual championships: one for drivers and one for constructors (teams).&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\nThe history of Formula One can be traced back to the pre-war Grand Prix racing, which featured open-wheel cars with supercharged engines. The first World Championship of Drivers was organised by the FIA in 1950, following the end of World War II. The first race was held at Silverstone, England, and was won by Giuseppe Farina, driving an Alfa Romeo. The first constructors\\&#8217; championship was introduced in 1958 and was won by Vanwall.&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\nFormula One has seen many changes and innovations over the years, both in terms of technology and regulations. Some of the most notable developments include the introduction of rear-engined cars in the late 1950s, the use of aerodynamic wings in the late 1960s, the adoption of turbocharged engines in the late 1970s, the emergence of electronic driver aids in the late 1980s, the switch to V10 and then V8 engines in the 1990s and 2000s, and the introduction of hybrid power units in 2014.&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\nFormula One has also produced some of the greatest drivers and rivalries in the history of motorsport. Some of the most famous names include Juan Manuel Fangio, Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, and Sebastian Vettel. Some of the most intense battles for the championship have been between Fangio and Stirling Moss in the 1950s, Lauda and James Hunt in the 1970s, Senna and Prost in the late 1980s, Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen in the late 1990s, and Hamilton and Vettel in the 2010s.&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\nFormula One is widely regarded as the pinnacle of motorsport, attracting millions of fans and viewers worldwide. The sport is also a huge business, involving billions of dollars in revenue and expenditure. The teams compete for prize money, sponsorship deals, and media rights, while the drivers earn millions of dollars in salaries and endorsements. The sport is also influenced by politics, regulations, and controversies, such as doping scandals, espionage cases, safety issues, and environmental concerns.&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\nThe following is a list of all F1 World Drivers Champions by year, from 1950 to 2020:&#13;<br \/>\n1950-1959&#13;<br \/>\n1950: Giuseppe Farina (Italy) &#8211; Alfa Romeo 158, Alfa Romeo&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1951: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) &#8211; Alfa Romeo 159, Alfa Romeo&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1952: Alberto Ascari (Italy) &#8211; Ferrari 500, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1953: Alberto Ascari (Italy) &#8211; Ferrari 500, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1954: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) &#8211; Maserati 250F, Maserati \/ Mercedes-Benz W196, Mercedes-Benz&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1955: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) &#8211; Mercedes-Benz W196, Mercedes-Benz&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1956: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) &#8211; Ferrari D50, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1957: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) &#8211; Maserati 250F, Maserati&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1958: Mike Hawthorn (United Kingdom) &#8211; Ferrari 246, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1959: Jack Brabham (Australia) &#8211; Cooper T51, Cooper-Climax&#13;<br \/>\n1960-1969&#13;<br \/>\n1960: Jack Brabham (Australia) &#8211; Cooper T53, Cooper-Climax&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1961: Phil Hill (United States) &#8211; Ferrari 156, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1962: Graham Hill (United Kingdom) &#8211; BRM P57, BRM&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1963: Jim Clark (United Kingdom) &#8211; Lotus 25, Lotus-Climax&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1964: John Surtees (United Kingdom) &#8211; Ferrari 158, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1965: Jim Clark (United Kingdom) &#8211; Lotus 33, Lotus-Climax&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1966: Jack Brabham (Australia) &#8211; Brabham BT19, Brabham-Repco&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1967: Denny Hulme (New Zealand) &#8211; Brabham BT20, Brabham-Repco&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1968: Graham Hill (United Kingdom) &#8211; Lotus 49, Lotus-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1969: Jackie Stewart (United Kingdom) &#8211; Matra MS80, Matra-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n1970-1979&#13;<br \/>\n1970: Jochen Rindt (Austria) &#8211; Lotus 72, Lotus-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1971: Jackie Stewart (United Kingdom) &#8211; Tyrrell 003, Tyrrell-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1972: Emerson Fittipaldi (Brazil) &#8211; Lotus 72D, Lotus-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1973: Jackie Stewart (United Kingdom) &#8211; Tyrrell 006, Tyrrell-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1974: Emerson Fittipaldi (Brazil) &#8211; McLaren M23, McLaren-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1975: Niki Lauda (Austria) &#8211; Ferrari 312T, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1976: James Hunt (United Kingdom) &#8211; McLaren M23, McLaren-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1977: Niki Lauda (Austria) &#8211; Ferrari 312T2, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1978: Mario Andretti (United States) &#8211; Lotus 79, Lotus-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1979: Jody Scheckter (South Africa) &#8211; Ferrari 312T4, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n1980-1989&#13;<br \/>\n1980: Alan Jones (Australia) &#8211; Williams FW07B, Williams-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1981: Nelson Piquet (Brazil) &#8211; Brabham BT49C, Brabham-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1982: Keke Rosberg (Finland) &#8211; Williams FW08, Williams-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1983: Nelson Piquet (Brazil) &#8211; Brabham BT52, Brabham-BMW&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1984: Niki Lauda (Austria) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/2, McLaren-TAG&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1985: Alain Prost (France) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/2B, McLaren-TAG&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1986: Alain Prost (France) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/2C, McLaren-TAG&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1987: Nelson Piquet (Brazil) &#8211; Williams FW11B, Williams-Honda&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1988: Ayrton Senna (Brazil) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/4, McLaren-Honda&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1989: Alain Prost (France) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/5, McLaren-Honda&#13;<br \/>\n1990-1999&#13;<br \/>\n1990: Ayrton Senna (Brazil) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/5B, McLaren-Honda&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1991: Ayrton Senna (Brazil) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/6, McLaren-Honda&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1992: Nigel Mansell (United Kingdom) &#8211; Williams FW14B, Williams-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1993: Alain Prost (France) &#8211; Williams FW15C, Williams-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1994: Michael Schumacher (Germany) &#8211; Benetton B194, Benetton-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1995: Michael Schumacher (Germany) &#8211; Benetton B195, Benetton-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1996: Damon Hill (United Kingdom) &#8211; Williams FW18, Williams-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1997: Jacques Villeneuve (Canada) &#8211; Williams FW19, Williams-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1998: Mika H\u00e4kkinen (Finland) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/13, McLaren-Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1999: Mika H\u00e4kkinen (Finland) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/14, McLaren-Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n2000-2009&#13;<br \/>\n2000: Michael Schumacher (Germany) &#8211; Ferrari F1-2000, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2001: Michael Schumacher (Germany) &#8211; Ferrari F2001, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2002: Michael Schumacher (Germany) &#8211; Ferrari F2002, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2003: Michael Schumacher (Germany) &#8211; Ferrari F2003-GA, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2004: Michael Schumacher (Germany) &#8211; Ferrari F2004, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2005: Fernando Alonso (Spain) &#8211; Renault R25, Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2006: Fernando Alonso (Spain) &#8211; Renault R26, Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2007: Kimi R\u00e4ikk\u00f6nen (Finland) &#8211; Ferrari F2007, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2008: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) &#8211; McLaren MP4-23, McLaren-Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2009: Jenson Button (United Kingdom) &#8211; Brawn BGP 001, Brawn-Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n2010-2020&#13;<br \/>\n2010: Sebastian Vettel (Germany) &#8211; Red Bull RB6, Red Bull-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2011: Sebastian Vettel (Germany) &#8211; Red Bull RB7, Red Bull-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2012: Sebastian Vettel (Germany) &#8211; Red Bull RB8, Red Bull-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2013: Sebastian Vettel (Germany) &#8211; Red Bull RB9, Red Bull-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2014: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) &#8211; Mercedes F1 W05 Hybrid, Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2015: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) &#8211; Mercedes F1 W06 Hybrid, Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2016: Nico Rosberg (Germany) &#8211; Mercedes F1 W07 Hybrid, Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2017: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) &#8211; Mercedes F1 W08 EQ Power+, Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2018: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) &#8211; Mercedes F1 W09 EQ Power+, Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2019: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) &#8211; Mercedes F1 W10 EQ Power+, Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2020: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) &#8211; Mercedes F1 W11 EQ Power+, Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n2021-&#13;<br \/>\n2021: Max Verstappen (Netherlands) \u2013 Red Bull RB16B, Honda&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2022: Max Verstappen (Netherlands) \u2013 Red Bull RB18, Red Bull Power Trains Honda&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2023: Max Verstappen (Netherlands) \u2013 Red Bull RB19, Red Bull Power Trains Honda&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2024: Max Verstappen (Netherlands) \u2013 Red Bull RB20, Red Bull Power Trains Honda&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;parent&#8217; =&gt; 660,<br \/>\n     &#8216;count&#8217; =&gt; 3103,<br \/>\n     &#8216;filter&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;raw&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;cat_ID&#8217; =&gt; 37,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_count&#8217; =&gt; 3103,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_description&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;An Introduction to Formula One (F1)&#13;<br \/>\nFormula One, or F1, is the highest class of single-seater auto racing, governed by the F\u00e9d\u00e9ration Internationale de l\\&#8217;Automobile (FIA) and is owned by Liberty Media. The name &#8220;Formula One&#8221; refers to the set of rules or formula that all cars and drivers must comply with.&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\nThe F1 season consists of a series of races, known as Grands Prix, held on purpose-built circuits or public roads around the world. The results of each race are combined to determine two annual championships: one for drivers and one for constructors (teams).&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\nThe history of Formula One can be traced back to the pre-war Grand Prix racing, which featured open-wheel cars with supercharged engines. The first World Championship of Drivers was organised by the FIA in 1950, following the end of World War II. The first race was held at Silverstone, England, and was won by Giuseppe Farina, driving an Alfa Romeo. The first constructors\\&#8217; championship was introduced in 1958 and was won by Vanwall.&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\nFormula One has seen many changes and innovations over the years, both in terms of technology and regulations. Some of the most notable developments include the introduction of rear-engined cars in the late 1950s, the use of aerodynamic wings in the late 1960s, the adoption of turbocharged engines in the late 1970s, the emergence of electronic driver aids in the late 1980s, the switch to V10 and then V8 engines in the 1990s and 2000s, and the introduction of hybrid power units in 2014.&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\nFormula One has also produced some of the greatest drivers and rivalries in the history of motorsport. Some of the most famous names include Juan Manuel Fangio, Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, and Sebastian Vettel. Some of the most intense battles for the championship have been between Fangio and Stirling Moss in the 1950s, Lauda and James Hunt in the 1970s, Senna and Prost in the late 1980s, Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen in the late 1990s, and Hamilton and Vettel in the 2010s.&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\nFormula One is widely regarded as the pinnacle of motorsport, attracting millions of fans and viewers worldwide. The sport is also a huge business, involving billions of dollars in revenue and expenditure. The teams compete for prize money, sponsorship deals, and media rights, while the drivers earn millions of dollars in salaries and endorsements. The sport is also influenced by politics, regulations, and controversies, such as doping scandals, espionage cases, safety issues, and environmental concerns.&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\nThe following is a list of all F1 World Drivers Champions by year, from 1950 to 2020:&#13;<br \/>\n1950-1959&#13;<br \/>\n1950: Giuseppe Farina (Italy) &#8211; Alfa Romeo 158, Alfa Romeo&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1951: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) &#8211; Alfa Romeo 159, Alfa Romeo&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1952: Alberto Ascari (Italy) &#8211; Ferrari 500, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1953: Alberto Ascari (Italy) &#8211; Ferrari 500, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1954: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) &#8211; Maserati 250F, Maserati \/ Mercedes-Benz W196, Mercedes-Benz&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1955: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) &#8211; Mercedes-Benz W196, Mercedes-Benz&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1956: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) &#8211; Ferrari D50, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1957: Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) &#8211; Maserati 250F, Maserati&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1958: Mike Hawthorn (United Kingdom) &#8211; Ferrari 246, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1959: Jack Brabham (Australia) &#8211; Cooper T51, Cooper-Climax&#13;<br \/>\n1960-1969&#13;<br \/>\n1960: Jack Brabham (Australia) &#8211; Cooper T53, Cooper-Climax&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1961: Phil Hill (United States) &#8211; Ferrari 156, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1962: Graham Hill (United Kingdom) &#8211; BRM P57, BRM&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1963: Jim Clark (United Kingdom) &#8211; Lotus 25, Lotus-Climax&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1964: John Surtees (United Kingdom) &#8211; Ferrari 158, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1965: Jim Clark (United Kingdom) &#8211; Lotus 33, Lotus-Climax&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1966: Jack Brabham (Australia) &#8211; Brabham BT19, Brabham-Repco&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1967: Denny Hulme (New Zealand) &#8211; Brabham BT20, Brabham-Repco&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1968: Graham Hill (United Kingdom) &#8211; Lotus 49, Lotus-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1969: Jackie Stewart (United Kingdom) &#8211; Matra MS80, Matra-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n1970-1979&#13;<br \/>\n1970: Jochen Rindt (Austria) &#8211; Lotus 72, Lotus-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1971: Jackie Stewart (United Kingdom) &#8211; Tyrrell 003, Tyrrell-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1972: Emerson Fittipaldi (Brazil) &#8211; Lotus 72D, Lotus-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1973: Jackie Stewart (United Kingdom) &#8211; Tyrrell 006, Tyrrell-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1974: Emerson Fittipaldi (Brazil) &#8211; McLaren M23, McLaren-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1975: Niki Lauda (Austria) &#8211; Ferrari 312T, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1976: James Hunt (United Kingdom) &#8211; McLaren M23, McLaren-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1977: Niki Lauda (Austria) &#8211; Ferrari 312T2, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1978: Mario Andretti (United States) &#8211; Lotus 79, Lotus-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1979: Jody Scheckter (South Africa) &#8211; Ferrari 312T4, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n1980-1989&#13;<br \/>\n1980: Alan Jones (Australia) &#8211; Williams FW07B, Williams-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1981: Nelson Piquet (Brazil) &#8211; Brabham BT49C, Brabham-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1982: Keke Rosberg (Finland) &#8211; Williams FW08, Williams-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1983: Nelson Piquet (Brazil) &#8211; Brabham BT52, Brabham-BMW&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1984: Niki Lauda (Austria) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/2, McLaren-TAG&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1985: Alain Prost (France) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/2B, McLaren-TAG&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1986: Alain Prost (France) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/2C, McLaren-TAG&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1987: Nelson Piquet (Brazil) &#8211; Williams FW11B, Williams-Honda&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1988: Ayrton Senna (Brazil) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/4, McLaren-Honda&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1989: Alain Prost (France) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/5, McLaren-Honda&#13;<br \/>\n1990-1999&#13;<br \/>\n1990: Ayrton Senna (Brazil) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/5B, McLaren-Honda&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1991: Ayrton Senna (Brazil) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/6, McLaren-Honda&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1992: Nigel Mansell (United Kingdom) &#8211; Williams FW14B, Williams-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1993: Alain Prost (France) &#8211; Williams FW15C, Williams-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1994: Michael Schumacher (Germany) &#8211; Benetton B194, Benetton-Ford&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1995: Michael Schumacher (Germany) &#8211; Benetton B195, Benetton-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1996: Damon Hill (United Kingdom) &#8211; Williams FW18, Williams-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1997: Jacques Villeneuve (Canada) &#8211; Williams FW19, Williams-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1998: Mika H\u00e4kkinen (Finland) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/13, McLaren-Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n1999: Mika H\u00e4kkinen (Finland) &#8211; McLaren MP4\/14, McLaren-Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n2000-2009&#13;<br \/>\n2000: Michael Schumacher (Germany) &#8211; Ferrari F1-2000, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2001: Michael Schumacher (Germany) &#8211; Ferrari F2001, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2002: Michael Schumacher (Germany) &#8211; Ferrari F2002, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2003: Michael Schumacher (Germany) &#8211; Ferrari F2003-GA, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2004: Michael Schumacher (Germany) &#8211; Ferrari F2004, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2005: Fernando Alonso (Spain) &#8211; Renault R25, Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2006: Fernando Alonso (Spain) &#8211; Renault R26, Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2007: Kimi R\u00e4ikk\u00f6nen (Finland) &#8211; Ferrari F2007, Ferrari&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2008: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) &#8211; McLaren MP4-23, McLaren-Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2009: Jenson Button (United Kingdom) &#8211; Brawn BGP 001, Brawn-Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n2010-2020&#13;<br \/>\n2010: Sebastian Vettel (Germany) &#8211; Red Bull RB6, Red Bull-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2011: Sebastian Vettel (Germany) &#8211; Red Bull RB7, Red Bull-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2012: Sebastian Vettel (Germany) &#8211; Red Bull RB8, Red Bull-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2013: Sebastian Vettel (Germany) &#8211; Red Bull RB9, Red Bull-Renault&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2014: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) &#8211; Mercedes F1 W05 Hybrid, Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2015: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) &#8211; Mercedes F1 W06 Hybrid, Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2016: Nico Rosberg (Germany) &#8211; Mercedes F1 W07 Hybrid, Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2017: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) &#8211; Mercedes F1 W08 EQ Power+, Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2018: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) &#8211; Mercedes F1 W09 EQ Power+, Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2019: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) &#8211; Mercedes F1 W10 EQ Power+, Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2020: Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom) &#8211; Mercedes F1 W11 EQ Power+, Mercedes&#13;<br \/>\n2021-&#13;<br \/>\n2021: Max Verstappen (Netherlands) \u2013 Red Bull RB16B, Honda&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2022: Max Verstappen (Netherlands) \u2013 Red Bull RB18, Red Bull Power Trains Honda&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2023: Max Verstappen (Netherlands) \u2013 Red Bull RB19, Red Bull Power Trains Honda&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\n2024: Max Verstappen (Netherlands) \u2013 Red Bull RB20, Red Bull Power Trains Honda&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;cat_name&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;F1&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_nicename&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;f1&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_parent&#8217; =&gt; 660,<br \/>\n  )),<br \/>\n  1 =&gt;<br \/>\n  WP_Term::__set_state(array(<br \/>\n     &#8216;term_id&#8217; =&gt; 1530,<br \/>\n     &#8216;name&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;Indycar&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;slug&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;indycar&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;term_group&#8217; =&gt; 0,<br \/>\n     &#8216;term_taxonomy_id&#8217; =&gt; 1530,<br \/>\n     &#8216;taxonomy&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;category&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;description&#8217; =&gt; &#8221;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;parent&#8217; =&gt; 660,<br \/>\n     &#8216;count&#8217; =&gt; 456,<br \/>\n     &#8216;filter&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;raw&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;cat_ID&#8217; =&gt; 1530,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_count&#8217; =&gt; 456,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_description&#8217; =&gt; &#8221;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;cat_name&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;Indycar&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_nicename&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;indycar&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_parent&#8217; =&gt; 660,<br \/>\n  )),<br \/>\n  2 =&gt;<br \/>\n  WP_Term::__set_state(array(<br \/>\n     &#8216;term_id&#8217; =&gt; 11,<br \/>\n     &#8216;name&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;Latest News&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;slug&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;latest-news&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;term_group&#8217; =&gt; 0,<br \/>\n     &#8216;term_taxonomy_id&#8217; =&gt; 11,<br \/>\n     &#8216;taxonomy&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;category&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;description&#8217; =&gt; &#8221;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;parent&#8217; =&gt; 0,<br \/>\n     &#8216;count&#8217; =&gt; 17635,<br \/>\n     &#8216;filter&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;raw&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;cat_ID&#8217; =&gt; 11,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_count&#8217; =&gt; 17635,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_description&#8217; =&gt; &#8221;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;cat_name&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;Latest News&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_nicename&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;latest-news&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_parent&#8217; =&gt; 0,<br \/>\n  )),<br \/>\n  3 =&gt;<br \/>\n  WP_Term::__set_state(array(<br \/>\n     &#8216;term_id&#8217; =&gt; 4811,<br \/>\n     &#8216;name&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;NASCAR&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;slug&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;nascar&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;term_group&#8217; =&gt; 0,<br \/>\n     &#8216;term_taxonomy_id&#8217; =&gt; 4811,<br \/>\n     &#8216;taxonomy&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;category&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;description&#8217; =&gt; &#8221;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;parent&#8217; =&gt; 660,<br \/>\n     &#8216;count&#8217; =&gt; 356,<br \/>\n     &#8216;filter&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;raw&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;cat_ID&#8217; =&gt; 4811,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_count&#8217; =&gt; 356,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_description&#8217; =&gt; &#8221;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;cat_name&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;NASCAR&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_nicename&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;nascar&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_parent&#8217; =&gt; 660,<br \/>\n  )),<br \/>\n  4 =&gt;<br \/>\n  WP_Term::__set_state(array(<br \/>\n     &#8216;term_id&#8217; =&gt; 1923,<br \/>\n     &#8216;name&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;WEC&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;slug&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;wec&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;term_group&#8217; =&gt; 0,<br \/>\n     &#8216;term_taxonomy_id&#8217; =&gt; 1923,<br \/>\n     &#8216;taxonomy&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;category&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;description&#8217; =&gt; &#8221;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;parent&#8217; =&gt; 660,<br \/>\n     &#8216;count&#8217; =&gt; 116,<br \/>\n     &#8216;filter&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;raw&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;cat_ID&#8217; =&gt; 1923,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_count&#8217; =&gt; 116,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_description&#8217; =&gt; &#8221;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;cat_name&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;WEC&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_nicename&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;wec&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_parent&#8217; =&gt; 660,<br \/>\n  )),<br \/>\n  5 =&gt;<br \/>\n  WP_Term::__set_state(array(<br \/>\n     &#8216;term_id&#8217; =&gt; 2029,<br \/>\n     &#8216;name&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;ZZZ-Email&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;slug&#8217; =&gt; &#8217;email&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;term_group&#8217; =&gt; 0,<br \/>\n     &#8216;term_taxonomy_id&#8217; =&gt; 2029,<br \/>\n     &#8216;taxonomy&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;category&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;description&#8217; =&gt; &#8221;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;parent&#8217; =&gt; 2031,<br \/>\n     &#8216;count&#8217; =&gt; 8196,<br \/>\n     &#8216;filter&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;raw&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;cat_ID&#8217; =&gt; 2029,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_count&#8217; =&gt; 8196,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_description&#8217; =&gt; &#8221;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;cat_name&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;ZZZ-Email&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_nicename&#8217; =&gt; &#8217;email&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_parent&#8217; =&gt; 2031,<br \/>\n  )),<br \/>\n  6 =&gt;<br \/>\n  WP_Term::__set_state(array(<br \/>\n     &#8216;term_id&#8217; =&gt; 2031,<br \/>\n     &#8216;name&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;ZZZ-RSSFeeds&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;slug&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;zzz-rssfeeds&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;term_group&#8217; =&gt; 0,<br \/>\n     &#8216;term_taxonomy_id&#8217; =&gt; 2031,<br \/>\n     &#8216;taxonomy&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;category&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;description&#8217; =&gt; &#8221;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;parent&#8217; =&gt; 0,<br \/>\n     &#8216;count&#8217; =&gt; 7554,<br \/>\n     &#8216;filter&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;raw&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;cat_ID&#8217; =&gt; 2031,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_count&#8217; =&gt; 7554,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_description&#8217; =&gt; &#8221;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;cat_name&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;ZZZ-RSSFeeds&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_nicename&#8217; =&gt; &#8216;zzz-rssfeeds&#8217;,<br \/>\n     &#8216;category_parent&#8217; =&gt; 0,<br \/>\n  )),<br \/>\n)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"By Andrew Clarke Date posted: 24 February 2026 Formula 1 \u2013 Melbourne Looms as the First Real Test&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":500871,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[572],"tags":[64,63,806,805,803,804,85],"class_list":["post-500870","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-motosport","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-motor","tag-motor-sports","tag-motosport","tag-motosports","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/500870","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=500870"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/500870\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/500871"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=500870"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=500870"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=500870"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}