McLaren team principal Andrea Stella believes Ferrari and Mercedes are “a step ahead” of the field heading into the first F1 race of the season. Pre-season testing for the new campaign concluded last Friday in Bahrain, with Ferrari impressing with their rapid race starts and unique rear-wing design.

Despite McLaren clinching both world championships in 2025, the Papaya squad didn’t claim the biggest slice of Formula 1’s prize money. PlanetF1.com has calculated that McLaren earned almost $166 million in prize money during the F1 2025 season as Liberty Media saw revenues climb to $3.87 billion.

An innovative rear wing solution from Ferrari received plenty of attention on day two of the final pre-season test in Bahrain, as Mercedes again marginally beat McLaren to the fastest time.

Is this Ferrari's year? ESPN examines whether Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc can dream of an F1 title amid new innovations from the Italian team.

"I don't think we're at the front of the big four..."

“Formula One must not be complicit in these efforts,” said the letter addressed to the commercial rights holder, the Formula One Group. Campaigners also sent letters to F1 partners with large youth followings, such as Disney and Lego, calling for a ban on nicotine pouch sponsorships.

The 2026 Formula 1 season is just around the corner and the teams have started to unveil their latest merchandise and apparel ahead of the Australian Grand Prix on March 8