The F1 cars for the 2026 campaign were built under a major regulation change, which reintroduced active aero and saw brand new power units come in play.

It was labelled by many experts as the biggest year-on-year rule change in F1 history and so far, it has generated some surprises.

READ MORE: The weights of every F1 car in 2026

Lance Stroll handed new race seat in fresh career challenge

Lance Stroll is to compete in the opening round of the GT World Challenge Europe at Paul Ricard in a GT3 Aston Martin Vantage.

Aston Martin is fielding seven cars of the 60-strong field, with F1 driver Stroll in the Pro class for Comtoyou Racing’s 4.0 litre V8-powered machine. 

READ MORE: Lance Stroll handed new race seat in fresh career challenge

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© XPBimages

F1 fans torn over Max Verstappen retirement threats

Max Verstappen has thrown a considerable spanner into the works by conceding over the Japanese Grand Prix weekend that he is contemplating retiring from F1.

The Red Bull driver has flirted with the idea of walking away from the championship earlier than most, but had previously rejected the suggestion he could hang up his helmet as soon as the end of 2026.

READ MORE: F1 fans torn over Max Verstappen retirement threats

Toto Wolff may protest, but Kimi Antonelli is in this F1 title fight

To almost quote Hamlet, the Mercedes team principal doth protest too much, methinks. 

If laboured LL Cool J references weren’t tough to stomach (See my previous column), at least Shakespeare showcases some range, right? But I digress…

READ MORE: Toto Wolff may protest, but Kimi Antonelli is in this F1 title fight

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© XPBimages

F1 drivers’ WhatsApp group ‘exploding’ ahead of critical FIA talks

GPDA chairman Alexander Wurz says the F1 drivers’ WhatsApp group is “exploding” with suggestions over adjustments to the technical regulations.

During the April shutdown, talks are planned between F1, the FIA, the drivers, teams and power unit manufacturers over potential adjustments to the energy management demands of the new power units after multiple issues across the first three races.

READ MORE: F1 drivers’ WhatsApp group ‘exploding’ ahead of critical FIA talks

F1 set for key meeting over potential rule changes

A key F1 meeting is due to be held next week, in which discussions over possible rule changes to the sport will be made.

The new technical regulations this year have failed to impress many, including a majority of the drivers who have voiced their early frustrations with the cars.

READ MORE: F1 set for key meeting over potential rule changes