F1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton grilled as Ferrari exploit 2026 'loophole'

Composite image of Leclerc, Hamilton and Vasseur all in Ferrari kit with a red background — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News Today

F1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton grilled as Ferrari exploit 2026 'loophole'

All the latest F1 news from 2026 pre-season testing in Bahrain

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Thursday 19 February 2026 16:11

An F1 rival attempted to quiz Lewis Hamilton on his love life following the rumours about the seven-time world champion and Kim Kardashian.

The pair have been spotted in the Cotswolds, Paris and then the Super Bowl in the off-season, but are yet to confirm any official relationship.

One F1 star was on the case however, and tried to wheedle information out of Hamilton during the 2026 driver photoshoot.

Article continues under video

➡️ READ MORE

Lewis Hamilton 'in a much better place' after Ferrari F1 reset

Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton has revealed he is feeling much more positive heading into the 2026 season after making some major changes made during the winter break.

Hamilton's first season with Ferrari in 2025 saw him finish all the way down in sixth in the drivers' championship, not picking up a single grand prix podium while his team-mate Charles Leclerc picked up seven in the same car.

The 41-year-old's qualifying performances were particularly poor, and his interviews following the sessions became more and more negative, even at one point suggesting his team should replace him.

➡️ READ MORE

Ferrari exploit loophole with 'beautiful' new feature on 2026 car

A clever trick has been spotted on the Ferrari car during the second week of testing in Bahrain.

F1TV presenter Ruth Buscombe was on hand in the paddock on Wednesday, where she pointed out a specific element of the SF-26 on the broadcast.

Buscombe has suggested that Ferrari may well have found a clever design quirk when it comes to their diffuser.

➡️ READ MORE

F1 Testing Results: Bahrain timesheets as Russell dominates on day FIA proposes new engine test

The second week of F1 testing at the Bahrain International Circuit has commenced with George Russell and Mercedes back on top on the same day that the FIA proposed a new engine test.

The British star topped the timesheets on Wednesday in Bahrain, but bigger news took place off the racetrack that might have implications on Mercedes' season after the controversy surrounding the geometric compression ratio trick in their power unit.

Following a meeting between the FIA and the F1 Commission, a proposal has been put forward to measure compression ratios at both high temperatures and ambient temperatures, with power unit manufacturers due to vote on whether to introduce the rule or not.

➡️ READ MORE

EXCLUSIVE: Naomi Schiff ‘rings alarm bells’ over damning Aston Martin claims

F1 analyst and former driver Naomi Schiff has warned that Lance Stroll's recent comments about the pace of Adrian Newey's AMR26 car spells trouble for Aston Martin.

Speaking exclusively to GPFans on the launch day of the new Up to Speed podcast, Schiff was joined by co-host Jolie Sharpe, with the pair unpacking what fans could expect from their new show as well as giving their thoughts on the upcoming championship.

Though the pair stated they weren't worried about the 2026 regulations overhaul pushing fans away from the sport, Schiff made it very clear that one thing does concern her at this early stage in the year, and that is Aston Martin.

➡️ READ MORE

FIA announce official F1 vote over Mercedes compression ratio controversy

An update has been announced regarding the geometric compression ratio controversy that has hit the start of the 2026 F1 season, following a meeting of the F1 commission.

During the second round of Bahrain pre-season testing this week, the commission met to discuss how geometric compression ratios would be measured within power units, after Mercedes were reported to have found a clever quirk.

The trick allowed the compression ratio to be at 16:1 when the engine is stationary, but then increase to the previously allowed 18:1 when moving, something that could allow roughly an extra 15 brake horsepower.

➡️ READ MORE

Vettel reveals incredible plan to team up with Verstappen

Ever dreamed of a Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen racing link up? You could be in luck.

The German and the Dutchman are both four-time F1 champions, and all eight of their titles have been won at Red Bull.

Now, Vettel has recently suggested that the two legends of the team could pair up for an iconic race on the motorsport calendar.

➡️ READ MORE

Written by

Sheona Mountford - F1 Journalist

Sheona Mountford is a motorsport journalist specialising in F1. As a writer and contributor, she covers a wide range of motorsport series from F1 to F1 Academy, responsible for breaking news, live race coverage and in depth analysis of the sport and the culture around it.

View full biography

F1 Lewis Hamilton Ferrari F1 News Today