The Formula 1 season has concluded another Friday of intense backstage activity, with Mercedes at the center of discussions due to a technical solution related to the engine that became a topic of conversation in the paddock and fueled debates behind the scenes about interpretations and advantages for 2026.
Meanwhile, the FIA reconvened and a new discussion may directly impact the way power unit compression is measured. The possibility of altering the procedure came up for discussion after internal assessments, with indications that the change could affect performance and even bring teams closer together or drive them further apart in terms of power.
At Red Bull, the day’s news was also marked by a new wave of internal changes ahead of the start of the season. The team continues to adjust its structure in key areas, seeking to align processes and functions to enter 2026 with the most well-oiled operation possible.
Still on the topic of “movements,” Liam Lawson will have a new race engineer at Racing Bulls. The switch is part of the team’s reorganization and reinforces the focus on communication and adaptation within the team for the rules cycle that begins in 2026.
Talking about 2026, Toto Wolff praised the look of the new cars and said he hopes to see more overtaking and excitement, citing the end of DRS and active aerodynamics, as well as the use of the “boost” as elements that can change the dynamics of the competitions. “I don’t see any negative points,” said the Mercedes boss when commenting on the changes.
And the day still brought a special story for fans: the Benetton B192, Michael Schumacher’s first winning car in Formula 1, was auctioned for $5.5 million. The model marked the first victory of the seven-time champion, at the 1992 Belgian Grand Prix, and returned to the spotlight due to its historical weight at the beginning of the German’s trajectory.
