F1 had a busy Wednesday ahead of the Austrian GP, with new rules confirmed by the FIA, technical updates, and several changes to the cars for TL1. Red Bull, Ferrari, Audi, Williams, Racing Bulls, and Mercedes were among the main highlights of the day.
The FIA formalized changes to the 2026 regulations and also advanced points to be applied in 2027 and 2028. Among the changes are the possibility to declare heat risk separately for Sprint and GP, adjustments in energy use under adverse conditions, and the expansion of pre-season testing to four days in 2027.
At the Red Bull Ring, Max Verstappen arrives betting on the new Red Bull package to close the gap to rivals. The four-time world champion stressed that the circuit demands a balance between high- and low-speed corners, strong traction, and efficiency, and he added that Barcelona has shown the team’s recent progress.
Ferrari will also bring updates to Austria. The team will use its first token from the ADUO system to upgrade the power unit, while Dino Beganovic will replace Charles Leclerc in TL1. The FIA, for its part, has already authorized engine updates for manufacturers enrolled in the scheme, even as Red Bull continues to contest the analysis.
TL1 will feature a strong presence of rookie drivers. Ayumu Iwasa takes Liam Lawson’s car at Racing Bulls, Paul Aron substitutes Gabriel Bortoleto at Audi, and Luke Browning will drive Carlos Sainz’s car for Williams. The sessions are part of the season-long requirement for the participation of young drivers.
Behind the scenes, Mercedes may be forced to alter its diffuser following questions from Ferrari and FIA analysis. The governing body is preparing a regulatory clarification on the concept used by the German team, which is trying to delay a potential application of the measure until after the Austrian GP.
