The Australian became only the second driver to commit to a team for that season after Max Verstappen, whose arrangement with Red Bull runs to 2028. For all other drivers on the current grid their deals end in 2024 or 2025, and thus 2026 is a blank page for them. The significance is that the '26 season will see a major chassis rules package introduced, and more importantly, a new power unit formula. And that inevitably triggers memories of 2014, the last time F1 had a big change.
'So it's going to be an interesting journey, and I'm sure all the engine manufacturers are working incredibly hard. 'We've got new manufacturers coming in, and Audi as well. But it is a significantly different challenge to the current set of PU regulations.' One of the most intriguing 2026 packages is that at Aston Martin, which will have Hondas as a works partner.