Sport F1 Correspondent Andrew Benson Answers Reader Questions During the Summer Break

BBC Sport F1 correspondent Andrew Benson answers reader questions during the summer break. Aston Martin's new package impressed in Hungary, but the 'Newey effect' remains elusive. Newey joined on 2 March 2025, two months after the 2026 aero rules were published, and asked the team to scrap prior work.

The wind tunnel wasn't ready until mid-April, and Honda's engine lag was discovered in November. The car debuted in Hungary, cutting lap times by about two seconds, with the first Honda upgrade due at the Dutch GP. A full Newey design won't appear until 2027. On Malaysia's return, drivers will adapt time zones, but training for Singapore's humidity suffices.

If Qatar and Abu Dhabi are cancelled due to regional conflict, Imola in early December is the likely replacement, with temperatures less extreme than Las Vegas. Thailand lacks a track.