F1 News
F1 Today | Drivers critique new Super Licence rule, Horner talks 2026 regs
There are eight days to go until a big European F1 triple header gets underway. Even though there is no F1 this weekend, motorsport fans are in for a treat. The 92nd 24 Hours of Le Mans began at 3pm BST. In the F1 world, Christian Horner has revealed his opinion of the new 2026 regulations, and the FIA has received backlash with their new Super Licence rule from fans and drivers alike.
Le Mans 24 Hours kicks off
The illustrious Le Mans 24 Hours began at 3pm BST. No less than 15 former F1 drivers are participating in the event at the Circuit de la Sarthe. Here are a few familiar names at Le Mans this weekend: 2009 F1 world champion Jenson Button is driving for Hertz Team JOTA in the Porsche 963, and 2008 Canadian Grand Prix winner Robert Kubica is driving an AF Corse Ferrari 499p. Last year's winner Antonio Giovinazzi is driving the works Ferrari effort. Ferrari F1 team principal Fred Vasseur has joined the Italian's endurance team in the garage at Le Mans this weekend. Romain Grosjean joins them in the hypercar class in the Iron Lynx Lamborghini SC63. Former Red Bull driver Danil Kvyat is also driving a Lamborghini. Mick Schumacher is also competing in the hypercar class with Alpine. The German has been supported by both Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, who are in attendance. Kamui Kobayashi, Nyck De Vries, Sebastien Buemi and Brendon Hartley are competing for Toyota Gazoo Racing, too. You can catch all the action on Eurosport and Discovery+ in the UK.
Drivers hit back at new FIA Super Licence ruling
Yesterday, the FIA changed the Super Licence rules, which dictate whether or not you can drive in Formula 1. Formula 1's governing body decided that drivers would now be eligible for a super licence at 17 years of age instead of 18 if they demonstrate 'outstanding ability and maturity in single-seater formula car competition.' The rule was introduced after Max Verstappen arrived in Formula 1 with Toro Rosso. Former Manor F1 driver and Indy 500 winner Alexander Rossi has criticised the FIA for this new ruling. "Oh, so exceptions can be made? Huh," Rossi wrote on X. The American believes the exception is unfair after former teammate Colton Herta was denied a Super Licence in 2022. It was decided that Herta didn't have enough 'points' to secure a super licence, despite being an IndyCar race winner. Antonelli, who is expected to be an F1 driver next year, is yet to secure an F2 podium.
Could 2026 regs affect F1 before they arrive? Horner thinks so
Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner believes that the 2026 F1 regulations will have a huge effect on F1 before they are introduced. Red Bull, who have partnered with Ford as their engine supplier from 2026 onwards, "It will be interesting for teams to adapt to them. I don't think it will slip a year. There's been enough talk. it's the same for everyone. All focus will be on the 2026 car, it could have a factor on the 2025 championship as well." Horner said. Mercedes is thought to have the best power unit for the 2026 season in what is, in Horner's eyes, "The biggest change F1 has had in 40 years."