F1 2026 - Watchalong Thread

[Brazilianadventure]

Happy New Year.

This is going to be an interesting year with the regulation change.

Rumours are Mercedes and RB engines are exploiting a loophole and so may have the most powerful engines.

AM will have a car with significant input from Adrian Newey.

Sauber becomes Audi and we have an 11th team, Cadillac.

Christian Horner seems very keen to get back into F1, preferably Alpine with Flávio - they deserve each other.

There is closed door testing in Barcelona then open testing from 11 February at Sakhir.

Edited for typo and thread title.

The entire surrounding area is vehicle free sport from official coaches/buses etc. Dd travelled from Amsterdam on the train and walked from the station but she was camping and arrived the day before when it’s quieter.

We have parking at the apartment, just waiting for the stickers to get access to the town. We will likely walk, but bikes are definitely an option.
I can't remember exactly where we are staying but we will look at the weekend.
Ferry is in Amsterdam early Friday am so we may need to park somewhere else until we can access our parking space.

Still no wet race this season. I wonder when it will come. Could be chaos if Malaysia serves up a tropical downpour. A proper Malaysia storm would be a red flag and with the race starting at 3pm could end up struggling to finish before dark.

Can't remember which race it was (possibly miami?) but they made it earlier when rain was forecast for the original start time.

We are planning on walking as it isn’t too far and looks like a nice walk across paths through the dunes.

I think we need to get passes to even bring the car to the camp site on Thursday, they are taking the whole no car zone very seriously.

I hope you all have a fantastic time and a good race.

Comefromaway's DD here, I will warn you that basically all traffic in Zandvoort and all the surrounding towns stops on Friday morning apart from permanent residents (who have specific passes that they get with proof of address and work) and the teams/FIA/F1 Media/emergency services. People in campervans at the campsites have to get there on Thursday. You might have issues with getting into the area on the Friday, as the pass you will have been given is most likely only for proof of parking, not getting into the area. Even if you do manage to get in, the roads get flooded with people and bikes, even emergency services struggle to get through.

https://dutchgp.com/en/vervoer/car-motorcycle/?_gl=17u635m_upMQ.._gaMjU4MjcyNTEzLjE3NDYwMjUwNTA._ga_CFLTGN6TS6*MTc0NjAyNTA1MC4xLjAuMTc0NjAyNTA3MC4wLjAuNjcwOTA1NzI1

https://visitzandvoort.com/circuit/parking/ According to the town's website, the visitor passes only apply to stays of 7 nights or more. Whilst they haven't updated the page for 2026, the rules have been the same every year and it is consistent with what's on the DGP website.

new experience today

Formula E

Picture

my daughter’s favourite formula e driver got his first win. The driver from the team she supports didn’t win the championship but her friend’s one did.

I don’t know why the pics didn’t attach

we missed a very eventful end of the race but got to the podium area.

Race week after the break and we have a sprint as we say goodbye to Zandvoort.

I hope everyone going to the race has good journeys and a fantastic time.

Breaking news: Hadjar may not be racing this weekend due to a wrist injury.

Alex has re-signed for Williams for 2027.

Graham Lowdon has left Cadillac, which seems a bit harsh.

Isack is reported to have a broken wrist! We might see a return for Yuki. Wonder if Nicole Piastri will be there if so to support her boy!

So Liam is driving up for Red Bulls and Yuki makes a comeback for Racing Bulls. Interesting.

More interesting is - will it rain?

A broken wrist is not good and may see Isack miss more than one race.

Interesting Liam to RB rather than Yuki. Is this Laurent Mekies taking a different approach giving Liam a second chance or that Liam knows the new regs.

Rain would be good, particularly as it’s a sprint weekend but a bit miserable for spectators.

Breaking news Carlos has signed a multi year deal with Williams.

I had thought he might wait to see if Max announced his plans. Personally I think Max will stick with RB or go to a different racing series that lets him spend more time with Lily.

I wonder if he has an exit clause.

Shame for Isack, but I love Yuki.
@JamesWebbSpaceTelescope the BBC would suggest we will get wet at some point. DS loves the unpredictability of a wet race so he's pleased. Doesn't help my packing plans.

The totally unreliable sources on X suggest he has an exit clause, is being paid £30m a year but no bonus’ for points/wins etc.

Breaking News - Max has re-signed with Red Bull until 2030. So all the speculation about Max and Toto holidaying together was wishful thinking by the media.

It also explains Carlos re-signing for Williams, as there were no seats at the top teams.

That is unexpected. Such a long extension.

I really think Max is Red Bull for his F1 life. He'll retire or go and drive a completely different type of car.
I think he's happier with the new team structure.

We thought he was going to retire in 18 months or go to another series. Seems not.