Lewis Hamilton has been backed by former F1 driver Riccardo Patrese to claim his eighth World Championship. Along with that, GPblog understands there has been another development in the engine saga, and Red Bull has made some more senior figure changes.

Hamilton handed 'secret' to eighth drivers' title at Ferrari

According to Riccardo Patrese, Lewis Hamilton could be the man to beat in 2026.

For the first time in his 18-year career in the pinnacle of motorsport, the seven-time World Champion missed out on a Grand Prix podium in a dreadful debut season with Ferrari.

However, the Brit made a positive start to the 2026 season, topping the timing sheets during the week-long test in Barcelona, and Patrese believes more is to come from Hamilton

"I think Lewis Hamilton can do it. He has to start thinking that he can be competitive and win races. And then, if he does that, he can start aiming for an eighth world title,” the Italian explained.

Lewis Hamilton in action during winter testing in Barcelona - Photo: Ferrari

Ferrari comes up empty again as F1's engine saga continues

Talk around the new regulations and the power units continue t ramp up after Ferrari, Audi and Honda have called upon the 'trick' reportedly used by Mercedes and Red Bull to be banned.

A loophole has possibly been found in regard to compression ratio, with Mercedes and Red Bull engines designed to reach a higher limit and produce more power, all while staying in the rules.

GPblog understands that the efforts from Ferrari, Audi and Honda have so far proven unsuccessful, with just a month to go until the Australian Grand Prix gets the 2026 season underway.

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Red Bull shake-up continues as more senior figures exit

Several staff members have left Red Bull, just four weeks before the team will travel to Melbourne for the opening race of 2026.

GPblog understands that as many as four administrative figures have left their roles, all departing from the team's headquarters at Milton Keynes.

The reasons for these moves remain unclear, but they are believed to form part of a wider internal reshuffle as the team continues to streamline operations.