Formula 1 and FIA 2026 calendar update
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Gulf Weekly
5 days ago
- Gulf Weekly
Antonelli paying price for ‘wrong steps' by Mercedes
Mercedes have made mistakes in developing their Formula One car and teenage Italian rookie Kimi Antonelli's struggles are a consequence of that, according to technical director James Allison. Antonelli, 18, finished third in Canada in June for his first F1 podium but has since failed to score. He has had two retirements since Montreal as well as 17th in a sprint race in Belgium last Saturday and then 16th in Sunday's main grand prix. The Italian, who took a sprint pole in Miami and is the sport's youngest ever race leader, has retired four times in the last seven rounds and admitted in Belgium he was lacking confidence in the car and not driving as he would like. 'I think he's, like the rest of us, massively fed up with a string of results that are well below what we were collectively achieving earlier in the year,' Allison said in an interview. 'I hope he takes some solace from the fact that we tell him, and it's demonstrably a fact, that we have taken the wrong steps with the car, making our team less competitive, and that he is paying the price for that, as is George (Russell). 'If the car isn't where it needs to be, then it will be a struggle getting through the qualifying stages in your rookie season in F1.' Allison said it was 'utterly clear' to everyone that the car needed to be better and Antonelli's fortunes would improve when it was. 'Hopefully he's listening to us as we say those reassuring words because we absolutely know that he is putting in the effort on his side of that bargain,' he added. Mercedes are third overall, 28 points behind second-placed Ferrari, with one win by Russell in Canada. Russell has been on the podium five times and is fourth overall with 157 points to Antonelli's 63. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, whose seat Antonelli took when the Briton moved to Ferrari, showed his support for the Italian after Saturday qualifying at Spa. 'He was telling me to keep my head up, and that it's normal to have bad weekends, and to just keep believing,' the Italian told reporters. Hamilton told Sky Sports television he could not imagine what the rookie was going through. 'He's been doing fantastic. But to be thrown in at the deep end at 18... he hadn't even had his driving licence when he first started racing,' he said.
Biz Bahrain
27-07-2025
- Biz Bahrain
FIA and Formula E sign landmark extension to power Formula E World Championship for another 10 years
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has announced a significant multi-year extension to its agreement with Formula E Holdings Limited (majority owned by Liberty Global) for the continued promotion of the FIA Formula E World Championship (Formula E) within the all-electric single-seater category. This agreement solidifies Formula E's bright future at the forefront of international motor sport. It provides a powerful platform to accelerate the Championship's growth trajectory, attract further investment, scale its global impact and pave the way for sustainable innovation in the wider automotive sector. Under current plans, Formula E is set to continue its ambitious and phased development strategy for its racing cars, delivering faster top speeds, greater acceleration, enhanced aerodynamics and improved tyre performance to continue producing some of the closest and most competitive racing in world motor sport. These developments showcase the increased relevance to consumers and the wider EV market, with greater 'race to road' technology transfer. The long-term extension will enable Formula E to build further on this work, providing the FIA World Championship with the long-term vision and support to thrive in the years to come. It opens the door to strategic long-range partnerships and expanded fan engagement. With electric vehicle sales set rise to over 40% of global vehicle sales by 2030 , and global lithium-ion battery production expected to triple by 2030 , the relevance of Formula E and advancements in this field are more important than ever. At the heart of this shift, the FIA Formula E World Championship, showcases what's possible in modern electric racing and plays a pioneering role in shaping the technologies that will define the road vehicles of the future. The Formula E GEN3 Evo, which launched earlier this year, is already a step-change in performance: 0-60mph in just 1.82 seconds (30% faster than a current Formula 1 car), a 200mph top speed, and almost 50% of energy needed to complete a race regenerated during a race. It is designed with sustainability at its core and includes tyres made with 35% recycled materials and bodywork incorporating recycled carbon fibre and natural fibres. Already backed by a roster of leading manufacturer brands such as Porsche, Jaguar, Nissan, Maserati, Stellantis, Mahindra and Lola-Yamaha, Formula E is the only all-electric single-seater series competing at the highest level – offering a unique blend of intense competition, cutting edge-technology, and sustainability-focused leadership. Since its first race in Beijing in 2014, Formula E has become a global motorsport success story – growing by 20% year-on-year to reach circa 400m fans around the world and attracting a television audience of approximately half a billion. Featuring 11 world-class teams and 22 elite drivers, the Championship races through incredible locations including Monaco, Tokyo, London, Shanghai and Miami, delivering thrilling, purpose-driven sport in the heart of the world's most iconic cities. Solidifying its global standing as a beacon of sustainability Formula E has been ranked the top ESG sport in the world for the third consecutive year . Coupled with substantial annual reductions in freight emissions and the lasting positive legacy of its Better Future Fund in host cities, Formula E is poised for an even stronger and more impactful future. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President at the FIA, said: 'The extension of the agreement governing the FIA Formula E World Championship is a fantastic outcome for the sport and a clear reflection of our ongoing strategy at the FIA to foster long-term stability, innovation, and growth across all areas of motorsport. 'This milestone reaffirms our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and technological progress, which are all central to the Championship's unique identity and purpose. It also aligns with our broader goal of increasing global participation and driving more accessible motorsport for all. We are delighted to be continuing this journey with Formula E, and I look forward to seeing it grow even further, both on and off the track, in the years to come.' Craig Edmondson, Chief Commercial Officer at the FIA, said: 'Formula E has not only demonstrated impressive growth since its inception, but has also led the way on sustainable innovation in our industry. This is a landmark agreement for the FIA and Formula E, and we are excited to be working with the Championship in the years to come.' Mike Fries, CEO at Liberty Global, said: 'We've believed in Formula E since day one, and this extension reaffirms our confidence in where it's headed. This is the motorsport of the future – a championship that combines the very latest technology, close-combat racing, and a mission that really matters. 'With the FIA's continued backing, we can now take the next big steps – scaling the sport, growing its global fanbase, and continuing to push the boundaries of what electric racing can achieve. With this new agreement in place, Formula E is now positioned better than ever to define the future of motorsport – more innovative, more inclusive, more sustainable – and to inspire the next generation of fans, drivers, and partners around the world.' Jeff Dodds, CEO at Formula E, said: 'Formula E's growth since its inception has been nothing short of extraordinary, with hundreds of millions of fans and world-class teams and drivers deciding to choose highly competitive electric racing. This long-term extension of the partnership enables us to continue building the brand, investing in the product and delivering some of the most captivating racing that has made us famous. With this long-term extension, the opportunity that Formula E now has to impact world motorsport will be truly transformational.'
Gulf Insider
24-07-2025
- Gulf Insider
Bahrain: BIC Begins Final 10-Day Countdown On Early Bird Promotion For F1 Bahrain GP 2026 Tickets
Fans have up to August 3 to take advantage of incredible deals of up to 15% off on ticket prices on BIC grandstands All Early Bird ticketholders to enjoy free entry to Bahrain's second F1 Pre-Season Test in February Formula 1 to usher in exciting new era next season with transformative regulations and 11th team on grid Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) announced today the final 10-day countdown for its Early Bird promotion offering up to 15% off on tickets to the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026. This incredible offer has been stirring up excitement since its launch earlier this month, and fans will have up until August 3 to secure their seats at unbeatable rates for next year's F1 extravaganza. The Kingdom's sporting and entertainment spectacle takes place at 'The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East' in Sakhir from 10 to 12 April. It will be the fourth of 24 rounds in the new season, which begins the top flight's new era featuring transformative regulations and an 11th team joining the grid. Following the historic, record-breaking turnout from this year's grand prix in Bahrain, F1 fans all over the world are still buzzing with excitement and are already looking ahead to next year. All are invited to purchase their tickets under this Early Bird offer to make the most of the incredible deals and especially with the huge interest worldwide – which has resulted in complete sell-outs over the past three years at BIC. Furthermore, all those who purchase their tickets during this Early Bird promotion will be able to enjoy free entry to Bahrain's second three-day session of F1 Pre-Season Testing 2026, scheduled for 18 to 20 February next year. This is a fantastic bonus for F1 fans who will be able to experience two major F1 events with one single ticket. To purchase tickets, visit BIC's official website or call the BIC Hotline on +973-17450000. BIC's Early Bird promotion covers all ticket options across the circuit's grandstands. The 15% reduction is available on tickets to the Main Grandstand and Turn 1 Grandstands, while a 10% discount is on offer for the Beyon Grandstand, University Grandstand, and Victory Grandstand. BIC's Main Grandstand and Turn 1 Grandstand are two of the premier locations where fans can experience the most exciting action of the grand prix. The ticket prices are amongst the most affordable in the world for such seats, giving race-goers the best value for money to be a part of one of the most sought-after events in all of F1. The F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 will be the 22nd edition of the Kingdom's race and the 13th time it will be taking place under lights. Aside from F1, there will be plenty more exciting motorsport action with an international support series line-up, along with a world-class, off-the-track entertainment programme for the whole family to enjoy on all three days. For more information on the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026, F1 Pre-Season Testing 2026, or other events and experiences at BIC, visit call the BIC Hotline at +973-17450000, or follow the circuit on social media.
