He says fans love multi-class racing where speed deltas are more common, WEC, N24, etc. Multi-class racing is VERY different, cars are built for that scenario (roofs, guards, etc). In F1, car performance is usually very similar, and faster, with less room for error. #F1
3/3
He's acknowledged the safety element because politically he can't be seen to oppose it, but he still trivialised a 50G crash. "We need to see the Bearman accident for what it was, and it was a misjudgment of a situation." #F1
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Toto Wolff spoke with us earlier ahead of the F1 Commission meeting today. He urged caution when it comes to any changes, but stressed safety was a key concern despite downplaying Oliver Bearman's crash in Suzuka. #F1
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Even then, the FIA can push through changes on safety grounds owing to Ollie Bearman's crash. From the F1 Commission, changes go to FIA World Motorsport Council where they are ratified into the regs. Likely next week before any changes are formalised into the rules. #F1
3/3
The F1 Commission is the FIA, 11 teams, and commercial rights holder (FOM/Liberty). To go through now, the vote must be unanimous. We know FIA and drivers are on the same page, so if a vote fails, it's on the FOM/team side (vested interests). #F1
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Key moment for F1 2026 today with an F1 Commission meeting and a vote to follow on possible rule changes to improve the sport before Miami. Don't expect major changes, likely small tweaks with a period of analysis before further revisions if needed. #F1
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The ace up the sleeve is the FIA can force changes on safety grounds though it would be better to have consensus. Changes are expected to be around harvesting and/or superclipping rates. Key meeting is Monday. #F1
Here's the full story: www.planetf1.com/new...
3/3
The drivers, and the GPDA, have no formal input into the rules. Teams, FIA, and FOM form the F1 Commission. It is they hlwho will vote. But we now know FIA and drivers are aligned. So, if the vote fails, the dissenter is among teams or FOM. #F1
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The FIA met with drivers yesterday to discuss the current rule concerns. There is alignment between them with the meeting described as 'extremely positive and collaborative'. But, it has no value when it comes to changing the rules. #F1
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'Just change the engine rules' isn't a viable answer. Someone has to pay for it all. There is a lead time involved too, for both PUMs and teams. All we can do is fiddle with specifics, but the fundamental rules are locked in, for cost as much as regulatory concerns. #F1
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Everything that's being discussed now is not whether this is the right formula, it is how do we make what we have work such that it doesn't excessively damage the product in the short term. There are cost constraints limiting that. #F1
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2026 engines aren't going to change significantly. The money has been spent and the direction is therefore locked for the short term. The FIA can’t really change engine rules without forcing write-downs for the power unit manufacturers and driving up costs significantly. #F1
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And of course the exclusivity element. There's a maximum of 12 teams on the grid - Cadillac highlights that given it's already worth $1.6bn.
You can read my full article will all 11 teams valued here: www.planetf1.com/fea...
#F1
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First is the guaranteed prize money income and capped annual costs. Enables teams to be run as proper businesses. Then is strong commercial opportunities by growing popularity of the sport, another strong revenue stream. #F1
2/3
The value of F1 teams continues to soar, despite the negative commentary around the 2026 rules. By my estimates, Ferrari is now worth around $7.1bn, with Mercedes next-best at $6.4bn. There are a few key drivers to rising value of teams... #F1
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There is space on the calendar, 24 races max unless 8 or 11 teams agree to more. Asking price for an event these days is around $60m but given F1's experience, that fee will be much higher. India does have 79m F1 fans though, so strong interest and a big market. #F1
3/3
There's a few issues to clear up before F1 does or can return. There is an outstanding $51m in unpaid race fees from Jaypee Group, since acquired by Adani Group. Another issue is a 40 percent income tax on F1 in the country. F1 currently has 23 known events for next year. #F1
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India is not poised to return to the F1 calendar in 2027 despite comments made in recent days. India’s sports minister Mansukh Mandanayiva said he is keen to seen a return of F1. However, FOM has gone on the record to deny it will race there in 2027. #F1
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Supercars has long tried to link itself to F1 with drivers or races, etc. Singapore support bill, a Middle East race. Ricciardo, Bottas, Verstappen at Bathurst... It's all marketing hot air. #F1 #Supercars
3/3
Lots to sort out in little time, car and crew included. And what's in such a move for Liam? Strange cars in a busy season; how could he possibly succeed? It's a concept that draws attention to Supercars, which probably tells you all you need to know about it. #F1 #Supercars
2/3
Am reliably told claims Liam Lawson will race a Supercar in New Zealand next weekend are wide of the mark. He won't be in the country for a start, with travel booked elsewhere. Was claimed he had Red Bull backing etc. However... #F1 #Supercars
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In 2025, global audiences hit 1.83bn. About 75 percent of that was linear, but OTT audiences have doubled in five years and that push is only accelerating. But, let's be honest, F1 2026 is a hard sell. So a viewership drop, verified or not, is (worryingly) plausible. #F1
3/3
Important to note that this is a transitional year of sorts as F1 moves increasingly towards streaming and OTT versus linear broadcasters, especially in Asia and of course in the US with Apple. That makes accurate YoY comparisons extremely difficult. #F1
2/3
I've heard claims that television viewership for the Japanese GP was down in some markets by 50 percent. That's an astonishing number if true. To the best of my knowledge there are no verified numbers available, so I don't know where that figure has come from. Also... #F1
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That is a very positive step. Fans get what they want to see on Saturday and doesn't really impact the race to a great extent. And it might just point us towards a better solution for how these rules need to me managed early on. It's a great development for F1. #F1
3/3
F1 and the FIA have urged patience with the new rules and insisted they'd tweak things as needed, and when they have the data. To make this change needed a unanimous vote of the F1 Commission. Everyone was onboard. All teams, FIA, FOM, etc. Rare unity in the paddock. #F1
2/3
The change to energy recovery in qualifying this weekend, down to 8MJ from 9MJ, is a good move and a big step in the right direction. It should result in less quali lift and coast and more single lap attack, which we all want to see. It also shows something important. #F1
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There's also a scarcity with a maximum of 12 teams. While not franchises, that exclusivity means teams are instantly worth $1bn minimum. An F1 team is now an investment asset. And F1 still has significant growth opportunities, in media rights especially. #F1
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It highlights that F1 is viewed as a secure investment. Rising team valuations coupled with more predictable income through better prize money distribution, increased sponsorship interest, and the cost cap have seen significant growth in recent seasons . #F1
2/3
Yesterday, I revealed Steve Cohen is among the parties interested in acquiring Otro Capital's stake in Alpine. Cohen is worth $20bn+ and owns the NY Mets baseball team. More than his specific interest, it underscores an important change in F1. #F1
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