WRC'S BIGGEST CHANGE IN OVER A DECADE

 

TYRE SUPPLIERS'' CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS | AFTER ROUND 04 | FIA ERC

 

TOP 3 AFTER SATURDAY | #RALLYPOLAND

FORMER FEDERACIÓN DOMINICANA DE AUTOMOVILISMO PRESIDENT, HENRY KRAUSZ, HAS PASSED AWAY

The FIA is deeply saddened by the passing of Henry Krausz. Henry was made an Honorary Member of the FIA earlier this year having served on the World Motor Sport Council for fourteen years. He had also been a member of the FIA Senate and the Circuit and Safety Commissions, and was the former President of the Federación Dominicana de Automovilismo - FDA. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

- FIA

FIA PUNISH LEWIS HAMILTON AFTER DRAMATIC GEORGE RUSSELL COLLISION AT BELGIAN GRAND PRIX

Lewis Hamilton has been punished by the FIA after a dramatic collision with George Russell at the Belgian Grand Prix.

George Russell was involved in a dramatic collision on the opening lap of the Belgian Grand Prix with Lewis Hamiliton, leading to a punishment for the seven-time world champion.

The Mercedes driver has seen his bid for the 2026 drivers’ championship take another hit as he has had to retire from the race this weekend at Spa.

It means that he will receive no points for his world championship bid, seeing him lose ground on his teammate and title rival Kimi Antonelli if the Italian driver were to finish the race.

Before the red lights went out, the gap between the title rivals was 25 points, but this is expected to grow if all goes to plan for Antonelli.

Hamilton appeared to be at fault for the incident; at least that is the reading from the FIA, as they have given the Ferrari driver a five-second penalty for causing the incident.

The seven-time world champion will now serve that penalty when he enters the pit, with his team not being allowed to touch his car until the car has been sat stationary for five seconds.

Hamilton was straight on the team radio to defend his actions in the incident, as he said: “Car crossed over in front of me. I was right behind another car, so I had no front end.”

Russell appeared to be quite emotional in his interview with Sky Sports after the collision, after getting back to the pits following the collision.

He said: "I just got totally swallowed up down the straight," Russell told reporters back in the Spa paddock, before Hamilton was issued with a five-second penalty by the stewards.

"I lost three positions down the straight down into turn 5 and then the incident was a racing incident. Maybe I could have gone a bit wider or he could have braked a bit more.

"The incident wouldn't have happened if I had the speed down the straight. I'm very, very disappointed."

Hamilton’s Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc was involved in a collision just a number of laps later at the same corner, as he made contact with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri.

Leclerc would then progress past the Australian at the corner, and it appeared that this had an impact on the McLaren car as Hamilton, who was nearby during the incident, also overtook Piastri within a couple of laps following the incident.

However, while the seven-time world champion got a punishment from the FIA for his collision, Leclerc would not.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Images

- Brendan McGilligan

FIA ISSUES HEAT HAZZARD WARNING FOR AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX 2026

 

FIA DECLARES HEAT HAZZARD FOR AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX AS EUROPE BATTLES EXTREM TEMPERATURES

 

Europe’s first major heatwave of the summer has forced the FIA to declare an official Heat Hazard for this weekend’s Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix, as temperatures at Spielberg’s Red Bull Ring are forecast to exceed the regulatory threshold for driver safety.

With Austria among several countries breaking June temperature records, the governing body confirmed that the combination of heat and humidity will push the heat index beyond 31°C, activating additional cooling requirements under Article B1.5.10 of the FIA F1 Regulations.

According to the FIA’s official weather service, temperatures are expected to reach 32°C during Saturday’s FP3 and qualifying sessions, with Sunday’s race start at 15:00 local time predicted to take place in 33°C conditions.

While these figures may appear moderate compared to some of the sport’s historically hottest events, the heat index calculation—combined with cockpit heat soak, altitude, and the Red Bull Ring’s short‑lap intensity—creates a significantly harsher environment for drivers.

The FIA therefore issued a formal statement confirming the Heat Hazard declaration once forecasts showed the heat index surpassing the 31.0°C limit at some point during the competition.

Under the activated protocol, drivers must now choose between wearing an FIA‑approved cooling vest or adding 0.5 kg of ballast to their cars to compensate for not using the device.

The federation had originally intended to make cooling vests mandatory across the grid, but driver feedback over comfort, mobility, and inconsistent effectiveness led to the system remaining optional. Even so, the FIA insists that some form of mitigation is essential, as cockpit temperatures can exceed 50°C during long stints, especially at high‑altitude circuits where reduced air density limits cooling efficiency.

The Red Bull Ring is deceptively demanding in hot conditions. Its short lap—typically around 65 to 70 seconds—offers drivers almost no recovery time, while long full‑throttle sections increase engine and brake temperatures.

The circuit’s elevation of roughly 700 metres further reduces cooling capacity, and the aggressive kerbs add to the physical strain. Combined with the heatwave gripping central Europe, the Austrian Grand Prix is shaping up to be one of the most physically taxing events of the season.

Teams are expected to adjust hydration strategies, cooling system settings, and cockpit airflow management, while drivers will rely heavily on pre‑session cooling routines and grid‑formation ice vests. The Heat Hazard protocol, introduced after several high‑profile cases of driver exhaustion in recent years, will now face a significant real‑world test as the sport continues to adapt to increasingly frequent extreme‑temperature events.

- Balazs Szabo

ABB FIA FORMULA E WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP | SEASON 13 CALENDER

 

FORMULA 1 RETURNS TO THE RED BULL RING FOR THE 12TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Round 8 is here at the heart of the Styrian hills! 🇦🇹

Formula 1 returns for the 12th consecutive year at the Red Bull Ring.

#FIA #F1 #AustrianGP

- FIA

MERCEDES GRANTED FIA HEARING OVER GEORGE RUSSELL'S MONACO F1 PENALTY

The FIA has confirmed Mercedes' request for a review of the Monaco Grand Prix results, with a hearing scheduled for this Saturday ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix

George Russell, Mercedes

Photo by: Erik Junius

The FIA has accepted Mercedes' request for a review of the Monaco Grand Prix result and George Russell's penalties, with a hearing scheduled for this Saturday, following Alpine's successful overturning of Pierre Gasly's penalties.

A document published by the FIA on Wednesday confirmed that Mercedes has lodged a Right of Review petition regarding the decision made by the Monaco stewards following Alpine's successful challenge against the penalties issued during the race.

That puts the Monaco Grrand Prix result in further doubt after it was already amended last week.

The hearing will take place in two stages. As per the regulations, the stewards will first determine whether Mercedes has presented a "significant and relevant new element" that was unavailable at the time of the original decision. If that threshold is met, the case will proceed to a second hearing, where the substance of the challenge will be considered.

The latest development follows the dramatic twist in the Monaco Grand Prix result that saw Gasly's two pitlane speeding penalties overturned.

Several drivers were penalised during the race for allegedly exceeding the 60km/h pitlane speed limit. Gasly received two separate five-second penalties, dropping him from a podium finish to seventh place in the final classification.

Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images
Pierre Gasly, Alpine

However, Alpine successfully challenged those penalties after presenting evidence that the distance used by the official timing system in one of the pitlane timing sectors was incorrect for the Monaco pitlane layout. Formula One Management acknowledged the issue, admitting the timing system had been set up incorrectly, leading the stewards to rescind both penalties and restore Gasly to third place.

That decision immediately raised questions about the cases of other drivers who had received penalties under the same circumstances.

While the FIA stewards have not yet formally established that Russell's penalty was unjustified, the fact that FOM acknowledged the timing system was working incorrectly strongly suggests the Mercedes driver may also have been incorrectly penalised for speeding in the pitlane.

Russell was initially handed a five-second penalty for pitlane speeding. He then attempted to serve that penalty during a pitstop, but the stewards later determined that the penalty had not been served correctly. As a result, he received an additional drive-through penalty, which he served after the final restart.

The sequence dropped Russell out of the points, turning what had been a solid points-scoring afternoon into a point-less finish.

The consequences extended beyond Monaco itself, as Russell lost significant ground in the drivers' championship, with the zero score proving particularly costly in his battle against team-mate Kimi Antonelli.

Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images
George Russell, Mercedes

Two other teams are understood to be challenging what is now a provisional Monaco Grand Prix result, with McLaren having already confirmed on Tuesday that it has formally protested the decision to overturn Gasly's penalties.

Its driver Oscar Piastri was also penalised during the race but, unlike Gasly, served his penalty during the grand prix. As a result, the decision to reinstate Gasly's original race time effectively dropped Piastri from fourth to fifth in the final classification.

Red Bull has not confirmed that it has protested last week's stewards' decision, but it is understood to have done so as well, as it seeks to restore Isack Hadjar's podium finish.

Hadjar originally inherited third place after Gasly's penalties were applied, before losing the position again when the Alpine driver's sanctions were rescinded.

Following the stewards' decision to cancel Gasly's penalties, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed the team's intention to continue challenging the Monaco result.

While admitting it was a long shot to have Russell's result revised, Wolff stressed that Mercedes would explore every possible avenue to secure a better outcome for its driver.

Although Russell ultimately finished outside the top 10 after serving a drive-through penalty, he had been running third on the road before the sanction was applied.

Wolff suggested there may be a mechanism to revisit the result by converting Russell's drive-through penalty into an equivalent time penalty. Under the sporting regulations, a drive-through penalty that cannot be served during a race is converted into a 20-second addition to a driver's race time.

Guido De Bortoli / LAT Images via Getty Images
George Russell, Mercedes, Lando Norris, McLaren

"A drive-through, if it didn't happen at the end, is equivalent of 20 seconds race time," Wolff said. "What would 20 seconds race time have meant for his result? Do we think that we realistically have a position, a chance of reverting the result? I don't think so, but we definitely have to give it a go if we see that there is a millimetre of chance to do so and bring him back to whatever it was before."

Wolff was referring to Article B1.9.6.c.iii of the sporting regulations, which covers situations where a driver is unable to serve a drive-through penalty during a race. In such cases, 20 seconds are added to the driver's final race time.

The Mercedes boss argued that the same principle could potentially be used in reverse if the original speeding penalty is ultimately deemed invalid. Under that interpretation, Russell's drive-through could effectively be converted into a 20-second race-time adjustment, potentially moving him back into the points-paying positions.

Whether the stewards have the regulatory scope to apply such a solution remains unclear, but it is one of the possible avenues Mercedes could pursue in its attempt to recover some of the ground Russell lost in Monaco.

- Oleg Karpov

MONACO APPEAL MONACO GP RESULT AFTER FIA PENALTY REVERSAL SPARKS FAIRNESS ROW

McLaren⁠ have formally lodged a notification of appeal with the FIA International Court of Appeal after the revised Monaco GP result triggered a fresh sporting fairness row in the 2026 Formula 1 season.

The team confirmed it is appealing decisions related to Stewards Document 99, Revised Final Race Classification Document 100 and Revised Championship Points Document 101, following the post-race process that changed the Monaco result after the FIA reviewed pit lane speed penalties.

The controversy centres on the reversal of penalties that had shaped the Monaco finishing order and championship points. Alpine’s successful review restored Pierre Gasly⁠ to the podium, but it also created a wider problem for teams whose drivers had already served penalties during the race or had their strategies affected by the original decisions.

McLaren made clear their appeal is not aimed at any rival team or driver. Instead, the Woking team argued that the way the situation has unfolded raises broader questions over consistency, fairness and the integrity of the championship.

Oscar Piastri during practice for the 2026 F1 Monaco GP | McLaren F1 Team

“McLaren Racing can confirm that it has formally lodged a notification of appeal with the FIA International Court of Appeal regarding the following decisions related to the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix: Stewards Document 99; Revised Final Race Classification Document 100; Revised Championship Points Document 101,” the team said in a statement.

“While we fully respect the FIA’s judicial processes and the role of the Stewards, we believe this case raises important questions concerning sporting fairness, regulatory consistency and the integrity of competition.”

McLaren question sporting fairness after Monaco revision

The Monaco controversy has become one of the most complex regulatory disputes of the 2026 season because it is not simply about whether one penalty was right or wrong.

The issue is what happens when a penalty is removed after others have already served punishments or adjusted their race decisions based on the original rulings.

McLaren’s position is that teams followed the regulations and established practice as they were being applied during the Monaco weekend. If penalties are later removed from some competitors, the team argues that those who accepted the original decisions can be left at a disadvantage.

“Throughout the Monaco Grand Prix weekend – and in every event – all teams operated according to the regulations and established standard practices for what concerns the speed limit in the pit lane as they were applied at the time,” McLaren added. “Competitors adjusted their procedures accordingly and, where required, accepted and served penalties imposed under those regulations.

“In our view, the subsequent removal of penalties creates a situation in which some competitors are disadvantaged by having acted in accordance with the rules and the Stewards’ decisions. Such an outcome risks creating sporting inequity and undermining confidence in the consistent application of the FIA Sporting Regulations.”

That wording is significant.

McLaren are not arguing simply that Gasly should not have regained his position. They are challenging the wider consequence of revising the result after teams had already accepted penalties that could not be fully unwound.

Monaco appeal could test FIA consistency

The appeal now places the FIA’s regulatory process under renewed scrutiny.

Pit lane speeding is usually one of the most straightforward offences in Formula 1, but Monaco’s unique layout and the reported timing discrepancy turned a routine penalty process into a much larger issue.

The problem for the FIA is that the revised classification did not affect every competitor in the same way. Some penalties could be removed after the race through a points and classification change. Others, particularly penalties already served during the Grand Prix, had already shaped track position, strategy and race outcome in ways that cannot easily be reversed.

“Our decision to appeal is not directed at any competitor,” the team said. “Rather, it reflects our belief that the Championship benefits from regulations that are applied consistently, transparently and fairly to all participants.

Oscar Piastri during the F1 2026 Barcelona Grand Prix | McLaren F1 Team

“McLaren remains committed to working constructively with the FIA, Formula One and fellow competitors to protect the integrity of the sport and maintain confidence in its regulatory framework.”

For McLaren, the championship implications matter too. Any revised classification or points adjustment can affect the fight against Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull, especially in a season where small swings have already carried major consequences.

But the bigger question now goes beyond one result.

If the FIA International Court of Appeal takes the case forward, it may have to address how Formula 1 handles errors that are identified after the event, particularly when some competitors can be restored while others cannot be compensated in the same way.

That makes McLaren’s appeal more than a dispute over Monaco.

It is now a test of how the FIA balances correction, fairness and sporting certainty when a Grand Prix result has already been shaped by decisions made in real time.

- John Smith

FERRARI COLLIDES WITH LMP2 CAR | 24 HOURS OF LE MANS 2026 | FIA WEC

 

RACE START AND OPENING LAOS OF 24 HOURS OF LE MANS 2026

 

2027 FIA WEC CALENDER

2027 FIA WEC calendar locked in! 📅

The FIA World Endurance Championship  to nine rounds for 2027, featuring world-class circuits across five regions, including the return of Silverstone for the first time since 2018 🌍

#FIA #WEC

FORMULA 1 TECHNICAL DELEGATE REPORT ON ORACLE RED BULL TEAM

 

FORMULA 1 MONACO GRAND PRIX 2026: MERCEDES RIVALRY HEATS UP, FERRARI LURKING

Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Moving from the thrilling speeds of Montreal to the complex layout of Monte Carlo, Formula 1 shifts gears this weekend, offering a stark difference in racing styles. Monaco stands out as a highly esteemed jewel on the racing calendar, a win every driver wants to put on their resume.

With Mercedes facing internal conflicts, Ferrari exuding confidence, and the FIA implementing subtle rule changes specific to this circuit, the scene is prepared for an exciting Monaco Grand Prix in 2026.

Let’s explore the captivating storylines unfolding as F1 returns to Europe for this legendary race.

The Mercedes Problem Toto Wolff Can’t Ignore Much Longer

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Toto Wolff is grappling with a challenge that most team principals would welcome, with a big caveat.

Kimi Antonelli emerged victorious in Canada for the fourth consecutive time, jumping out to a comfortable 43-point lead in the driver’s championship hunt. But what truly stood out in Montreal was how he won his fourth-straight race. The young Italian and his teammate George Russell engaged in intense battles throughout the weekend in Montreal, constantly exchanging positions during both the sprint race and the Grand Prix until Russell’s engine failed on lap 29. It was captivating drama for race fans but a daunting task for those responsible for keeping both cars intact for the remainder of the season.

There was a close call on Saturday when Antonelli ran wide at Turn 1, skidding across the grass and narrowly avoiding collecting Russell on his return to the track. Wolff intervened over the radio to calm the young driver down. While they raced more cleanly on Sunday, the near-misses continued to accumulate. The upcoming race in Monaco presents a challenging scenario where there is minimal room for error and even less opportunity for recovery.

The pressing question on everyone’s mind is whether Wolff will establish clear rules of engagement before the situation escalates beyond repair. Russell hinted to reporters after the Canadian race that the championship was Antonelli’s to lose, a statement typically made when one is not convinced of its accuracy. Considering Antonelli’s struggles in Monaco last year, Russell must aim to start narrowing the 43-point gap on Saturday.

Ferrari Smells a Win, Leclerc Smells Home

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Following their Montreal outing, Ferrari is entering Monaco with a newfound sense of confidence, hinting at a potential breakthrough this weekend. While Lewis Hamilton’s notable second-place finish stood out in Montreal, Charles Leclerc, though not matching that speed, boasts a strong history at his home race in Monte Carlo. The Monegasque driver typically shines on this renowned track and Ferrari is marking his return with a distinctive race attire and cap.

The Ferrari SF-26 showcased impressive performance in slow turns during the Canadian Grand Prix, a trait that fits well with the demands of Monaco’s circuit. McLaren and Mercedes have both pinpointed Ferrari as the team to challenge in Monaco, highlighting the significance of chassis performance over engine power on this track. With Leclerc’s exceptional skills in single-lap racing and a resurgent Hamilton by his side, Ferrari has an opportunity to clinch its first win of the season at this prestigious location.

A Special Regulation Adjustment for F1 in Monaco

Formula 1 has introduced a temporary change to its regulations for the Monaco Grand Prix to bolster safety. The new measure involves deactivating the active aerodynamics feature called straight mode, which enables drivers to adjust their front and rear wings on straights to lessen drag, akin to the past DRS system.

For the Monaco race, straight mode has been completely disabled by the FIA, prioritizing safety concerns despite the historical use of DRS at Monaco in previous seasons. Drivers will still have access to overtake mode, providing an energy boost to those close to the car ahead. Additionally, the energy deployment plan has been adjusted for the narrow Monaco track, with the MGU-K hybrid boost now tapering off at 200 km/h instead of 290 km/h. This adjustment will lead the cars to produce more downforce than at any other point this season on straight paths, introducing a new challenge for drivers as they approach the harbor. This unexpected change brings an element of unpredictability to a race weekend typically known for its predictability.

The Importance of Qualifying in Monaco

For newcomers to Formula 1 seeking to understand the significance of Saturday at the Monaco Grand Prix, the reason is simple: overtaking is extremely difficult on this track. With 19 corners packed into the 2.074-mile circuit, minimal high-speed stretches, and few overtaking chances, securing a good position on the track is crucial.

Lando Norris is the defending champion, while Ayrton Senna holds the record for the most wins on these demanding streets with six victories. The task is straightforward in theory but demanding in practice. Drivers must deliver during qualifying on each lap, aware that even a small mistake could lead to contact with the barriers and an early end to their race. While strategy, safety car appearances, and track position are vital on race day, the groundwork for success is laid during qualifying, well before the race starts.

Increased Traffic Issues on an Already Crowded Circuit

An important development, though seemingly minor, is the increase to 22 cars competing on the narrowest track in Formula 1.

Cadillac’s entry this season expanded the grid to 22 contenders, heightening the challenge during qualifying sessions, especially in Q1 when all cars are simultaneously aiming for a clear lap. Finding room to set a fast lap without obstructing others is already a tough task for strategists on a regular weekend, but the Monaco circuit makes it even tougher.

Practice sessions offer limited relief, as cars operate at different speeds and fuel loads, potentially disrupting drivers on flying laps. Anticipate hearing frustrated radio transmissions as drivers grapple with blocked laps, which can lead to a significant grid penalty in Monaco, where track position is crucial for race success.

- SCOTT GULBRANSEN

FIA SCRAPS F1 STRAIGHT MODE IN MONACO GP – HERE'S WHAT THAT MEANS FOR THE PECKING ORDER

The FIA has chosen not to use straight mode in Monaco for safety reasons. With fixed aerodynamic profiles, could we see wings designed specifically for Monte Carlo? Or are teams averse to spending their budget cap on a single grand prix?

The news is official: active aerodynamics will not be used at the Monaco Grand Prix. The FIA made the decision with safety in mind. There was a risk of seeing cars become too fast at the exit of the Tunnel, given the limited run-off areas, and it was considered prudent to forgo one of the key features of the 2026 Formula 1 cars.

The race in the principality will therefore be run with fixed aerodynamic surfaces and without straight mode. This is a major change, as there will not even be the DRS option that was available until last year.

Monte Carlo thus becomes a unique event that teams will try to prepare for in a specific way. The race among the manhole covers and curbs of the street circuit becomes a great opportunity for anyone hoping to challenge the otherwise unbeatable Mercedes.

On paper, Monaco should be favourable territory for Ferrari. The SF-26 suffers from a lack of power from its power unit at high engine speeds, but it is widely regarded as the best car in terms of chassis and aerodynamics through medium- and low-speed corners.

Photo: Erik Junius

As a result, the principality could become Ferrari’s chance for redemption. On a track where horsepower is far from the dominant performance factor, and where the aerodynamic efficiency obsessively pursued during the first five races will give way to the search for maximum downforce.

Downforce will once again become the defining characteristic of cars that were otherwise designed to minimise drag. In short, we may see a shift in philosophy that could lead to some surprises. So far, Mercedes has displayed an embarrassingly large advantage over the competition.

Kimi Antonelli and George Russell have won every grand prix so far this year (four to one in favour of the young Itralian), and the latest upgrade package introduced on the W17 in Montreal was specifically aimed at increasing downforce. Mercedes must therefore be considered one of the clear favourites, even if Ferrari will have to play the role of the team whose car seems almost tailor-made for the streets of Monaco.

And McLaren, which has the shortest wheelbase on the grid, can also nurture significant ambitions in Monaco’s roulette wheel of a race. Everyone knows that success here is built on a perfect qualifying lap, since overtaking during the race is practically impossible unless the driver ahead makes a mistake.

Clive Mason/Getty Images 

It will be interesting to see who chooses to invest special resources into the Monaco Grand Prix. Since there is no point in using rear wings such as Ferrari’s “Macarena” design or Red Bull’s reverse-wing concept, could someone develop a solution specifically for Monte Carlo?

McLaren, for example, will assemble the combination of available components that generates the most downforce. However, it appears that the Woking-based team has not been willing to spend additional budget-cap resources to challenge Mercedes’ supremacy. Led by Rob Marshall, the engineers will try to avoid the disappointment of Canada with an MCL40 that should nevertheless feel very much at home in Monaco.

And Ferrari? Team boss Fred Vasseur has promised a second upgrade package for the Spanish Grand Prix, which follows the Monaco race. It therefore seems unlikely that those updates would be brought forward for the event most eagerly anticipated by the home crowd’s favourite driver.

Still, it cannot be ruled out that some teams may unveil special solutions on their cars, hoping to pull off a dramatic surprise in Monte Carlo.

- Franco Nugnes

FINAL CLASSIFICATION | 🇨🇦 CANADA GRAND PRIX 2026

 

WHY WRC DRIVERS EXPECT PORTUGAL TO DELIVER A RALLY THAT HAS “EVERYTHING”

The first pure gravel rally of the season looks set to be one of the most demanding and unpredictable of the season

Oliver Solberg, Elliott Edmondson, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

Photo by: Toyota Racing

Rough gravel stages, long periods without service, changeable weather and increased competition will make Rally Portugal a challenge that will have “everything”, according to World Rally Championship drivers.

The first pure gravel rally of the season looks set to offer up one of the biggest tests of 2026 for crews and teams, and perhaps the hardest-fought rally of the campaign to date.

The reason is down to a number of factors that have combined to make this edition of Rally Portugal particularly challenging.

Rally organisers have made changes to the itinerary this year following criticism from drivers after a packed Friday leg that saw drivers spend 15 hours behind the wheel. It prompted the FIA to introduce mandatory rest periods for 2026. A minimum of 10 hours per day must be dedicated to rest, with one leg featuring at least 12 hours.

As a result, Rally Portugal has now added an extra day of competition to avoid a repeat of last year. While the rally distance remains more or less the same – 344km of stages and approximately 1500km of road sections – it will be spread across four days more evenly.

“There will be everything I think. It is not like Africa, but here the speed is higher. I would expect a very close battle and changing positions," Toyota’s Oliver Solberg told Motorsport.

“I think a lot can happen with punctures and tyres. We don’t have a lot of tyres so tyre wear will be tricky. I think this will be a big topic on Friday and then we will have rain on Saturday and Sunday, so we will have everything.”

The speed-versus-preservation battle 

Crews will have to navigate through Thursday’s three stages and Friday’s seven tests without a return to the service park for a full service. The legs will only be punctuated by remote services where minimal repairs can be carried out, which will increase the emphasis on finding the right balance of speed and preservation on the rough gravel stages, where the puncture risk is high. 

“It is already a very tough rally, and the format – especially Thursday and Friday when you don't have so much support from going to service areas – you have to play the long game,” M-Sport’s Jon Armstrong told Motorsport. “You can’t afford to be too cautious but for sure you want to be as fast as you can be. You need to keep some margin so you don’t abuse the car or damage something.”

On the whole, the drivers see the itinerary change as an improvement from last year, but it has meant the pre-event recce has resulted in the crews doing 700km a day from Monday to Wednesday to prepare the all-important pace notes.

“It is still long but not really in stage kilometres. It is the thing you want to try and avoid, but it is what it is. It is more sensible than last year,” said Toyota’s Elfyn Evans.

Toyota team-mate Sami Pajari added: "I think this year there will be a little bit more rest time, so that is good.”

Increased competition as Hyundai rejoins the fight 

There is a very high chance that this will be the most hotly-contested rally of the season so far, as Hyundai appears to have a package to take the fight to rivals Toyota.

The Korean marque challenged for the victory at this event last year with both Ott Tanak and Adrien Fourmaux before suffering mechanical issues. 

Hyundai has since made improvements to its i20 N Rally that has so far struggled this year, and a new engine upgrade should offer a further boost this weekend. Thierry Neuville, who topped Wednesday’s shakedown, expects this will be the first rally of the year where he can properly fight for Hyundai’s first win of the year. It is a view shared by their rivals Toyota.  

“On paper in shakedown you can see the performance is there and they [Hyundai] were the fastest last year,” Ogier told Motorsport.  

“Ott was clearly the fastest driver here last year and without his problem he would have won the rally. Like always, rallying is about speed but consistency, and let’s see what happens. But on pure speed I think they can definitely be a competition for us.” 

Rain showers expected to shake up the order

It is highly likely that after two dry, gruelling days on Thursday and Friday, rain showers will arrive on Saturday and Sunday to add even more spice to the mix.

The arrival of rain will offer those starting at the top of the road order a reprieve from sweeping duties, but it will create even more treacherous conditions and increase the possibility for mistakes. With crews limited to 16 soft tyres, preserving rubber throughout the rally will also be key to victory.

“The approach we will not change but of course we want to be better [than last year],” said championship leader Evans, who will open the road on Thursday, having had the same duty last year. 

“But sometimes your hands are also quite tied. For sure we want to do as well as we can and maybe with the weather looking unstable it will not help us at the start of the rally, but it might keep things open even if the start is difficult.”

Hyundai’s Neuville added: "I think overall road conditions will not really help us here this weekend but it will not penalise us either. I think the fight is on. The weather will be critical and demanding, and it might turn the leaderboard around, and hopefully it plays in our favour.” 

- Tom Howard

CHARLES LECLERC PENALIZED FOR LEAVING TRACK UNNECESSARILY | FIA

 

Charles Leclerc has been handed a 20-second time penalty for leaving the track on several occasions without a justifiable reason.

He drops down from P6 to P8.

#FIA #F1 #MiamiGP