As the final non-race weekend of the winter comes to a close, let us recap the latest major F1 news headlines.<\/p>\n
March 1 represents the homologation deadline for the new engines. David Coulthard, meanwhile, blamed the FIA for the engine compression ratio saga which dominated much of the off and pre-season. All of this and more, so let\u2019s get to it.<\/p>\n
F1 2026 PU homologation deadline explained<\/p>\n
Want more PlanetF1.com coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list<\/a> for news you can trust.<\/p>\n Sunday\u2019s March 1 deadline locks in the foundations of the F1 2026 power units, but what exactly are manufacturers signing off?<\/p>\n PlanetF1.com\u2019s Thomas Maher explains, with Ferrari, Mercedes\u2019 High-Performance Powertrains, Audi, Red Bull Powertrains [RBPT], and Honda all submitting their documentation.<\/p>\n Read more \u2013 F1 2026 power unit homologation deadline explained as March 1 arrives<\/a><\/p>\n Coulthard points finger at FIA for PU loophole<\/p>\n One of F1 2026\u2019s early major talking points revolved around the power units, and talk of a loophole which had been exploited regarding the engine compression ratio.<\/p>\n Reports pointed the finger at Mercedes and Red Bull.<\/p>\n After the FIA moved to close that loophole, David Coulthard said the governing body was to blame for its existence.<\/p>\n Read more \u2013 David Coulthard says FIA wording error sparked F1 compression ratio saga<\/a><\/p>\n Bernie Ecclestone feels sorry for Lawrence Stroll<\/p>\n We are less than a week away from the start of F1 2026 in Melbourne. The time before then is precious for Honda and Aston Martin.<\/p>\n This new partnership has encountered a very challenging start. Former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone feels sorry for Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll.<\/p>\n Read more \u2013 Bernie Ecclestone sympathises with Lawrence Stroll over Aston Martin title quest<\/a><\/p>\n Martin Brundle backs Lewis Hamilton<\/p>\n The situation is looking much brighter at Ferrari after an impressive run through testing. Lewis Hamilton is training harder than ever as he looks to compete for a record eighth World Championship.<\/p>\n Martin Brundle warns that a happy Lewis is a fast Lewis, and is backing Formula 1\u2019s most successful driver for a better season.<\/p>\n Read more \u2013 Martin Brundle backs happier Lewis Hamilton for stronger Ferrari season in 2026<\/a><\/p>\n McLaren just off leading trio?<\/p>\n This is the case, so says former Ferrari race engineer Rob Smedley.<\/p>\n A \u201cclear group\u201d emerged off the front during pre-season, according to Smedley, one which McLaren finds itself behind, but not by much.<\/p>\n Read more \u2013 McLaren trailing \u2018clear group\u2019 at the front ahead of Australian Grand Prix<\/a><\/p>\n Want to be the first to know exclusive information from the F1 paddock? Join our broadcast channel on WhatsApp<\/a> to get the scoop on the latest developments from our team of accredited journalists.<\/p>\n You can also subscribe to the PlanetF1 YouTube channel<\/a> for exclusive features, hear from our paddock journalists with stories from the heart of Formula 1 and much more!<\/p>\n