F1 LIVE | Mercedes drops 2026 engine teaser as Ferrari shares launch date

Mercedes are heading into the 2026 season after a very difficult spell in the ground effect era.

The German team didn't win a world championship and lagged behind Red Bull and McLaren in particular.

Formula 1's rule change for next year may spark a new lease of life into Mercedes with more of an emphasis on hybrid power.

The engines will now have an equal split between internal combustion and electric power. The MGU-H won't be on the cars, and active aero will be present.

Rumours also suggest that the Germans manufacturer and Red Bull Powertrains have also found a loophole to extract more performance for the power unit. Find out more about the rumour here!

The 2026 season is fast approaching and not long after Lando Norris was crowned world champion in Abu Dhabi.

McLaren set the pace winning both championships while Ferrari had a lackluster campaign. The Italian team didn't win a Grand Prix and fell to fourth place in the Constructors' Championship.

Ferrari will launch their 2026 challenger on the 23rd of January, just three days before pre-season testing kicks off at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The launch event will be at Ferrari's Fiorano test track with both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc set to drive in a shakedown.

The 23 January will be a busy day in Formula 1, as Haas and Alpine are scheduled to reveal their 2026 cars too.

Ferrari will be looking to end a Drivers' Championship drought that stretches back to Kimi Raikkonen in 2007.

The Italian team are also heading into next season looking for their first Grand Prix victory since Carlos Sainz in Mexico in 2024.