In an in-depth interview, Formula 1 race director Marques reflects on his first year in charge amid positive feedback from the drivers

If Williams is able to come good on its promise to be strong in 2026, it has two extremely capable drivers. 2025 was a great year for George Russell who continued his upward trajectory to consistently perform at a high level, even if the car was not always there.

Lando Norris may be champion on the track, but it’s a different story in the race to financial supremacy as F1’s top ten earners revved up an estimated $363 million in salary and bonuses this year.

Formula 1 drivers can earn a huge living from travelling around the world and racing the fastest race cars ever created. With F1’s rising popularity under Liberty Media’s ownership, the sport has grown significantly in terms of audience and global revenue.

There will be 22 drivers on the grid next season — but how many of them will have a home race? In total, 14 out of the 22 drivers are set to contest at least one home Grand Prix in 2026, with Oscar Piastri set to be the first to benefit from a home race thanks to the season-opening round in his hometown of Melbourne.

The international Gold Coast 600 event encouraged a number of former F1 drivers to turn their hands to Supercars. Sebastien Bourdais won with Jamie Whincup in 2011 and 2012, with former Ferrari ace Mika Salo winning with Will Davison for Ford Performance Racing in 2012.

Audi drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto have spoken out after the organisation's first Formula One challenger hit the track for the first time ahead of the 2026 season. The German auto manufacturer held a filming day at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, marking the first time a team turned a wheel this year.

It’s not entirely unusual for F1 drivers to take an enjoyment in motorcycles. Daniel Ricciardo, for example, was always known as a fan of bike racing and even spent time one winter with then-factory Kawasaki AMA Supercross rider Adam Cianciarulo at the test track.

The 2006 Disney film ‘Cars’ is, predictably, a popular movie among Formula 1 drivers, particularly those who belong to Gen Z. Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson is perhaps the biggest fan.