Formula 1 News of the Week – December 17, 2025
The Formula 1 paddock may be quiet for now, but behind the scenes, the sport continues to evolve at full throttle. This week brought major contract signings, emotional farewells, and long-awaited recognitions — all shaping what lies ahead for the 2026 season and beyond. As teams reset, drivers reflect, and governing bodies plan for a new era, the off-season is proving just as compelling as any race weekend.
With the 2026 Concorde Agreement now signed by all 11 teams — including newcomers Cadillac — the future of the sport is secured through 2030. Meanwhile, legends like Helmut Marko step aside, rising stars like Yuki Tsunoda move into new roles, and 2025 champion Lando Norris officially receives the trophy that marks the peak of his career to date.
Formula 1, the FIA and All 11 Teams Confirm Signing of 2026 Concorde Agreement
Formula 1, the FIA and all 10 current teams — plus the incoming Cadillac outfit — have confirmed the signing of a new Concorde Agreement that will run from 2026 to 2030.
The Concorde Agreement forms the basis of the working relationship between Formula 1, the FIA and the teams, with the new deal marking a significant milestone for the sport ahead of a brand-new regulatory era.
While the current Concorde Agreement runs until the end of the 2025 season, the new deal sets the long-term foundation for the sport’s continued development, and follows months of collaborative work between the sport’s stakeholders.
Importantly, the agreement also includes the 11th team – Cadillac – who will enter the sport in 2026, and who will be fully incorporated into the agreement from the outset.
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “The signing of this agreement is a significant moment of unity and a milestone in the future of our sport. We are proud of the collaborative work done by Formula 1, the FIA, and all the teams which has led to this point, and we are excited about the direction the sport is headed.
“The new Concorde Agreement will ensure the long-term sustainable future of our sport, continue to provide world-class wheel-to-wheel racing to our fans around the world. With a landmark 24-race calendar for 2026, a new set of technical regulations, and the arrival of an 11th team, the future of Formula 1 has never looked brighter.”
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem added: “Today’s confirmation of the 2026 Concorde Agreement concludes a period of positive and constructive collaboration between the FIA, Formula 1 and all the teams.
“The agreement secures the sport’s long-term future, builds on the foundations of the hugely successful regulations introduced in 2022 which enabled closer racing, and sets out a framework for the continued growth and development of the world’s leading motorsport category.”
Newey Determined Not to Dilute Design Focus Despite New Aston Martin Team Plans
Design legend Adrian Newey insists that his new role with Aston Martin in 2027 will not interfere with his current commitment to Red Bull Racing, vowing not to “dilute” his focus on the team’s present performance and development.
Having previously confirmed his decision to leave Red Bull after decades of dominance, Newey clarified that he remains fully engaged with the current team through 2026. He also reiterated that his work with Aston Martin will only begin after his official duties with Red Bull have concluded.
Speaking with the press, Newey said: “Right now, I remain committed to my role at Red Bull, and we are fully focused on delivering the best results possible during this transition period. My decision to join Aston Martin is about the future, but it will not come at the expense of the present.”
His remarks aimed to dispel concerns that his impending move to Aston Martin could create a distraction for Red Bull during a competitive era. Newey emphasized that the current technical team remains aligned and motivated, and that the transition has been planned to minimize any disruption.
Dr Helmut Marko to Leave Red Bull Motorsport Advisor Role
Dr. Helmut Marko will officially step down from his role as Motorsport Advisor to Red Bull Racing after more than two decades of service. The 81-year-old Austrian has been a defining figure in the Red Bull era, playing a central role in driver recruitment, development, and team strategy since the team’s earliest days.
Marko helped oversee the rise of four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel and current champion Max Verstappen. Known for his outspoken nature and sharp decision-making, Marko’s influence has been both celebrated and polarizing over the years.
The departure follows months of speculation amid shifting dynamics within Red Bull’s management structure. While no direct successor has been announced, the team is expected to reorganize the advisor role or redistribute responsibilities across existing personnel.
Marko released a brief statement, thanking the Red Bull family and acknowledging the success they’ve shared since the team’s launch in 2005.
Norris Reflects on ‘Incredible’ Drivers’ Championship Triumph as He Collects 2025 Trophy
Lando Norris capped off his unforgettable 2025 campaign by officially receiving his Drivers’ Championship trophy at the FIA Prize Giving Gala. The McLaren star took time to reflect on his long journey to the top and shared gratitude for the team that helped him get there.
“This year’s been incredible,” Norris said. “When I joined McLaren, I dreamed of winning a title with them, and now it’s real. The whole team — Zak, Andrea, my engineers, my family — they’ve all had my back.”
Norris won seven races during the 2025 season and took 17 podium finishes. His consistency, racecraft, and resilience ultimately saw him edge out Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri in one of the tightest title fights in recent memory.
He added: “I don’t know if it’s sunk in yet. Holding that trophy… you dream of it your whole life. And now, I just want more.”
Daring Driving, Radio Rants and Paddock Pals – Yuki Tsunoda’s F1 Career So Far
After five full seasons on the grid, Yuki Tsunoda’s race career is hitting pause — but not ending — as the 25-year-old transitions into a Red Bull reserve driver role for 2026. As Red Bull and Racing Bulls move forward with new driver pairings, Formula 1 has published a wide-ranging retrospective on Tsunoda’s time in the sport.
Backed by Honda from a young age, Tsunoda’s meteoric rise from Japanese F4 to F1 in just four years was already remarkable. He debuted with AlphaTauri in 2021 and immediately gained attention for his no-holds-barred aggression, lightning-quick reflexes, and a flair for dramatic radio outbursts. His best result came with a P4 at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but he also shone with a wet-weather P3 qualifying at the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix.
Beyond the racing, Tsunoda became a fan favourite thanks to his vibrant personality and connections within the paddock. His bromance with Pierre Gasly yielded viral karaoke videos and heartfelt team moments. He also shared memorable moments with Daniel Ricciardo, Liam Lawson, and Max Verstappen, bringing humour and humanity into the garage.
Even his fashion — from eye-catching helmet designs to bold paddock outfits — became part of his appeal. Despite stepping back, Tsunoda’s story may not be over. As seen with drivers like Alex Albon and Valtteri Bottas, a reserve role can be the launchpad for a comeback.
Conclusion
As the 2025 season fades into the rearview mirror, this week’s headlines remind us that Formula 1 is always in motion — even when the cars are parked. From structural foundations like the new Concorde Agreement to legacy shifts like Marko’s departure, every decision made now shapes what we’ll see on track in 2026 and beyond.
Lando Norris’s trophy celebration signals the end of one story and the beginning of a new one — a future where McLaren are champions again, and the grid will be hungrier than ever to dethrone them. Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda’s step into a reserve role highlights the cyclical nature of F1 — one year in the shadows could become the launchpad for a dramatic return.
With Cadillac joining the field, Adrian Newey preparing his next act, and the next generation already knocking at the door, 2026 promises to be one of the most transformative years the sport has ever seen.
Sources
- Formula 1, the FIA and all 11 teams confirm signing of 2026 Concorde Agreement
- Newey determined not to dilute design focus despite new Aston Martin team plans
- Dr Helmut Marko to leave Red Bull Motorsport Advisor role
- Norris reflects on ‘incredible’ Drivers’ Championship triumph as he collects 2025 trophy
- Daring driving, radio rants and paddock pals – Yuki Tsunoda’s F1 career so far
