With the war waging in the Middle East, cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian events means a few weeks off between the Japanese Grand Prix and the Miami Grand Prix (May 1-3). That doesn’t stop F1 news from happening though, so we’ll keep that going with regular weekly summaries.
AUDI ADDS 1 & 2 DAY PACKAGE OPTIONS TO MIAMI GRAND PRIX TURN 1 CLUB HOSPITALITY
As we get closer to the Grand Prix of Miami, Audi hospitality has added one and two day packages to its offerings. The original 3-Day Pass includes Friday, Saturday and Sunday at a price of $9,875, while the 2-Day Pass now includes Saturday and Sunday at a price of $7,985. For the more budget-minded, there’s also a 1-Day Pass covering Friday of race week for a price of $1,800.
More information can be found HERE.
F1 LIVE IN SELECT IMAX THEATERS FROM MIAMI GP
Apple is expanding its F1 viewing push for 2026 with a series of live race screenings in IMAX theaters across five marquee Grands Prix, beginning with Miami on May 3. The program will also include Monaco, Silverstone, Monza and Austin, positioning the experience as a large-format, theater-based alternative to traditional at-home viewing.
Tickets are already on sale for Miami, with each screening featuring a 150-minute runtime and a 15-minute pre-race segment. The pitch centers on IMAX’s scale and surround sound, aiming to replicate the sensation of being trackside for fans who aren’t attending in person.
More Information: IMAX.com
F1 STAKEHOLDERS AGREE ON REFINEMENTS TO 2026 REGULATIONS
Formula 1’s key stakeholders — including the FIA, teams and power unit manufacturers — have agreed on a series of targeted refinements to the 2026 regulations, with most changes set to roll out from the Miami Grand Prix following analysis of the opening rounds in Australia, China and Japan.
The biggest focus is on energy deployment and overall drivability. In qualifying and race conditions, adjustments will reduce excessive energy harvesting while increasing peak deployment (up to 350 kW), encouraging more consistent flat-out running and reducing the complexity of energy management for drivers. In races, boost power will now be capped and MGU-K deployment more tightly controlled across different sections of the lap, aiming to limit extreme closing speeds while preserving overtaking opportunities.
Safety is also a central theme, particularly at race starts and in wet conditions. A new system will detect cars with poor launches and automatically deploy additional electric power while triggering warning lights to alert drivers behind. Meanwhile, wet-weather tweaks include higher tire blanket temperatures for intermediates, reduced ERS deployment to improve control, and clearer rear lighting for better visibility. Race start measures will be tested in Miami before full adoption, with all changes pending final approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
Find the full story on formula1.com.
PODIUM FOR FREDDIE SLATER IN STRONG F3 START FOR AUDI DRIVER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Audi Junior driver Freddie Slater made an immediate impression on his FIA Formula 3 debut in Melbourne, converting a front-running qualifying performance into a maiden podium finish. The 17-year-old qualified third, just 0.082 seconds off pole, and after a disrupted Sprint Race, delivered in the Feature Race with a composed drive that saw him battle at the front and secure second place.
Slater showed strong racecraft throughout, briefly dropping position early before reclaiming P2 with a decisive move following a Safety Car restart. A second interruption ultimately limited further progress, but the result marked a confident start to his rookie F3 campaign as he heads into the early-season break.
TEAM QUOTES
Allan McNish, Director of Audi Driver Development Programme
“It’s been a strong start to the season for both Freddie and Emma (Felbermayr in F1 Academy). Freddie handled the Formula 3 season opener well, securing a podium, while Emma made real progress in her second year of F1 Academy with a brilliant win and a podium. With a break in the calendar, it’s a good opportunity to refocus on training and preparation to build on this momentum. Both drivers have shown pace, hard work, and dedication, and we look forward to seeing how they continue to develop in the next stages of their campaigns.”
PHOTO GALLERY
