Let's take a look at the top stories from Formula 1 today, as three drivers head into 2026 with a new number on their car. George Russell has also gone skiing with his partner, Carmen Montero Mundt.
Verstappen is among three drivers with new starting numbers on their cars
Max Verstappen is no longer the Formula 1 world champion as he was outscored by two points as Lando Norris took the title.
This means the Dutchman won't race with the number one on his car in 2026.
He will switch to number three, using a rule tweak that allows drivers to change their race number.
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Norris will move to the number one as the McLaren driver looks to defend his first world championship.
Photo: Race Pictures
Another British driver is joining the grid next year as Arvid Lindblad joins Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls.
Lindblad is stepping up from Formula 2 after just one season at the second tier of motorsport.
Russell has gone skiing in the post-season break
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Russell stepped into the team leader role at Mercedes this year after Lewis Hamilton departed for Ferrari.
The British driver won two races in Canada and Singapore. He also comfortably outscored his rookie teammate, Kimi Antonelli.
Photo: Race Pictures
He was also a consistent threat in and around the top five, spearheading Mercedes' charge to second in the Constructors' Championship.
Russell has now gone skiing in the off-season with his partner, a trip that was posted about on Instagram. The pair marked their fifth year together earlier this year in February.
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Japanese Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 27.03.26
Practice 1
02:30 AM
Practice 2
06:00 AM
Saturday 28.03.26
Practice 3
02:30 AM
Qualification
06:00 AM
Sunday 29.03.26
Race
05:00 AM
Friday 27.03.26
Practice 1
Fri 02:30 AM
Practice 2
Fri 06:00 AM
Saturday 28.03.26
Practice 3
Sat 02:30 AM
Qualification
Sat 06:00 AM
Sunday 29.03.26
Race
Sun 05:00 AM
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F1-stand 2026
Season
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | MercedesMER | 51 | |
2 | MercedesMER | 47 | |
3 | FerrariFER | 34 | |
4 | FerrariFER | 33 | |
5 | HaasHAA | 17 | |
6 | McLarenMCL | 15 | |
7 | AlpineALP | 9 | |
8 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 8 | |
9 | Racing BullsRCB | 8 | |
10 | Racing BullsRCB | 4 |
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