Autosport magazine: F1 2026 and Britain’s next ace

Formula 1’s new rules, the state of play at Red Bull and interviews with rising stars Freddie Slater and Oliver Solberg feature in the February issue of Autosport magazine, out today (15 January).

Nobody is quite sure how the new F1 era will look, but we’ve made an educated guess to bring you a sneak preview in this month’s issue. Jake Boxall-Legge is your guide to the 2026 regulations and highlights some of the areas that could become key battlegrounds – and ponders likely trends.

There have been many major rule changes in F1 history and we take a look at some of the biggest, as well as recall how Brabham nailed the ‘Return to Power’ in 1966.

One of the fascinating storylines of F1 2026 is likely to be how Red Bull gets on following major staff changes and its decision to build its own engines, with the help of Ford. Stuart Codling outlines the state of play at the six-time constructors’ championship-winning squad.

Alpine is also stepping into a new era – with Mercedes power. Managing director Steve Nielsen talks about his incredible career in F1 and how he has found his way back to the team in this month’s big interview.

Someone just at the start of what he hopes will be a journey towards F1 is Slater. He may only be 17, but has already racked up five titles and looks set to follow in the footsteps of 2025 world champion Lando Norris. Slater talks to Stephen Lickorish ahead of the reigning Formula Regional European champion’s step to F3.

Swedish talent Solberg gets the biggest chance of his career so far in 2026. He speaks to Tom Howard about his patient wait for a shot at the top tier of the World Rally Championship with Toyota ahead of the upcoming season opener in Monte Carlo.

Many enthusiasts look back at the 1990s with fondness and we have two articles for nostalgia fans this month. John Oreovicz hears from some of the major players of the 1999 CART Indycar season, which was filled with excitement and tragedy, while Gary Watkins charts the history and impact of an underrated Ferrari sports-prototype: the 333SP.

We had a few loose ends to tie up on the 2025 UK season, so our 28-page National section includes an interview with the winner of the Autosport National Rankings, a list of 2025 champions, and an analysis of how the clubs got on.

For the best motorsport coverage, from F1 to Britain’s club-racing scene via the Le Mans 24 Hours, why not get Autosport magazine delivered to your door each month? Subscribe today and never miss your fix of motorsport: autosportmedia.com/offer/Autosport