The Mazda MX-5 (known as Mazda Roadster in Japan) has won the 2016 World Car Design of the Year award. It is the first time a Japanese model has won the award.
World Car Design of the Year was established by World Car Awards in 2006 to recognize excellence and innovation in car design. This year’s winner was chosen by a panel of design experts and 73 automotive journalists from 23 different countries. The MX-5 was announced victorious over other finalists Jaguar XE and Mazda CX-3 at the New York International Auto Show on March 24. In addition, the MX-5 was the finalist for the title of World Car of the Year 2016 and competed for the honor against the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.
“What a wonderful honor, to have the Mazda MX-5 named World Car Design of the Year,” said Masahiro Moro, President and CEO, Mazda North American Operations, and Managing Executive Officer, Mazda Motor Corporation. “As our iconic MX-5 roadster approaches one-million units of production, this award is proof that it is as young, vibrant, fun and relevant as ever. Our design team has pushed the boundaries of what people thought possible with our KODO—Soul of Motion language. While I accept this award on behalf of the company, I do so representing every Mazda employee, retail partner and customer around the world who has ever felt the joy of driving a pure roadster. We say ‘Driving Matters’ in our advertising,* and we prove it in our cars.”
Ikuo Maeda, Mazda’s Executive Officer and General Manager of the Design Division, said, “I’m very proud to accept this award, proof that our designs can connect with people all around the world. Our new-generation lineup has been designed under the KODO design theme which aims to bring cars to life, and we’ve continually refined the beauty of its forms. Mazda is a proud Japanese brand and we are determined to continue enhancing our designs moving forward.”
The fourth-generation MX-5 is the sixth model in Mazda’s new-generation lineup of vehicles featuring the full range of SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and KODO—Soul of Motion design. Launched globally in 2015, the model has found favor with customers thanks to its vastly reduced curb weight, human-centered design and “Jinba-ittai” fun-to-drive feel. The new MX-5 has won over 30 awards so far, including 2015-2016 Car of the Year Japan and 2016 UK Car of the Year. The retractable hardtop version of the model, Mazda MX-5 RF, made its world premiere at this year’s New York International Auto Show.
Mazda will continue making cars that are fun to drive, aiming to become a “one-and-only” brand customers will choose again and again.
* The “Driving Matters” slogan is used in North America only.
Lando Norris praised McLaren’s latest upgrades after winning the Hungarian Grand Prix, saying the team now has the pace and confidence to fight for more victories in Formula 1.
Lando Norris McLaren confidence is at its highest point of the season following victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix. After returning to the top step of the podium, the British driver praised the team’s latest upgrades and said the car now has the pace needed to continue fighting for wins.
Moreover, Norris described his race pace as one of the strongest performances of his Formula 1 career.
A Fast Recovery After a Difficult Opening Lap
Norris did not enjoy the ideal start to the race.
He lost the lead to teammate Oscar Piastri during the opening lap after struggling with rear grip. However, he refused to give up and pushed hard throughout the first stint, believing the McLaren had enough speed to recover the position.
As a result, his consistent pace kept him within striking distance of the race leader.
Lando Norris recovered after a difficult opening lap to win the Hungarian Grand Prix.
McLaren’s New Upgrades Made the Difference
The latest McLaren upgrade package played a major role in the victory.
According to Norris, the car delivered exceptional balance and confidence throughout the race. Therefore, the team was able to extend its stints and execute a successful overcut strategy that ultimately secured the win.
Furthermore, Norris believes the improvements could allow McLaren to remain competitive at upcoming Formula 1 races, even if some circuits prove more challenging.
McLaren’s latest upgrades gave Norris the confidence to push throughout the race.
Norris Believes More Wins Are Possible
Although Norris acknowledged that the Hungaroring has traditionally suited McLaren, he remains optimistic about the rest of the season.
Meanwhile, he praised the effort made by everyone at the factory to develop a race-winning car. He also stressed that the team cannot slow its development because rivals such as Ferrari continue to improve.
Consequently, McLaren plans to introduce additional upgrades after the summer break as it continues its fight near the front of the grid.
Norris believes McLaren can continue fighting for victories after the summer break.
Lando Norris McLaren Partnership Is Gaining Momentum
The Lando Norris McLaren combination appears stronger than ever after the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Overall, the team’s latest upgrades have provided a significant performance boost while giving Norris renewed confidence behind the wheel. If McLaren continues developing at this pace, the British driver believes more Formula 1 victories are well within reach during the remainder of the 2026 season.
The Hungaroring is famous for making overtaking difficult, yet Formula 1 history reveals that starting from pole position is far from a guarantee of victory.
The Hungarian Grand Prix pole position has long been considered one of the most valuable starting spots in Formula 1. Because overtaking is notoriously difficult at the Hungaroring, many expect the pole sitter to control the race from lights out to the checkered flag.
However, the statistics tell a different story. History shows that winning from pole is far less common than many fans might expect.
Pole Position Has Produced Only 40% of Winners
Across 40 editions of the Hungarian Grand Prix, the pole sitter has won 16 races.
That means 40% of Hungarian Grand Prix winners started from first on the grid. Meanwhile, the remaining 24 races, or 60%, were won by drivers who started from another position.
As a result, qualifying on pole provides an advantage, but it certainly does not guarantee victory.
Pole position has produced 16 winners in 40 Hungarian Grand Prix races.
Recent History Favors Drivers Starting Behind Pole
The recent trend is even more surprising.
The last driver to convert pole into victory at the Hungaroring was Lewis Hamilton in 2020. Since then, every Hungarian Grand Prix has been won by a driver who started elsewhere on the grid.
Furthermore, recent winners have come from a variety of starting positions. Lando Norris won from third in 2025, Oscar Piastri from second in 2024, Max Verstappen from second in 2023 and an incredible tenth place in 2022, while Esteban Ocon claimed victory from eighth in 2021.
Several recent Hungarian Grand Prix winners started well behind pole position.
Winning From Different Grid Positions Is Possible
The statistics highlight just how unpredictable the Hungarian Grand Prix can be.
Eight winners have started from second, while nine have won from third on the grid. In addition, victories have even come from eighth, tenth, twelfth and fourteenth, proving that strategy, tire management and race circumstances can outweigh qualifying position.
Therefore, although track position remains important, Sunday often tells a different story than Saturday.
Formula 1 history shows that multiple grid positions have produced winners at the Hungaroring.
Hungarian Grand Prix Pole Position Is Helpful, Not Decisive
The Hungarian Grand Prix pole position remains a valuable advantage because overtaking opportunities are limited.
Overall, decades of Formula 1 history demonstrate that qualifying first is only part of the equation. Strong race pace, strategy, tire management and well-timed decisions have repeatedly allowed drivers starting behind the pole sitter to fight their way to victory.
Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu believes Formula 1 has become too complex, arguing that the 2026 regulations make it difficult for fans to understand a driver’s true performance.
The F1 2026 rules have sparked fresh debate over the balance between driver skill and technology. According to Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu, modern Formula 1 has become so complex that fans can no longer accurately judge a driver’s true performance during a race weekend.
Moreover, Komatsu believes the sport should simplify its regulations and return more control to the drivers.
Software Is Playing a Bigger Role
The current regulations place significant emphasis on energy deployment and software management.
As a result, tiny differences in throttle application or braking can create major variations in straight-line speed, even between teammates driving identical cars. Consequently, lap time differences may not always reflect a driver’s actual performance.
Furthermore, these hidden variables make it difficult for viewers to understand why one driver suddenly gains or loses time.
Haas believes software has become too influential under the current Formula 1 regulations.
Komatsu Wants Drivers Back in Control
Ayao Komatsu argues that Formula 1 should become easier for both drivers and fans.
According to the Haas boss, drivers should be able to rely on instinct instead of constantly managing complex software systems. Therefore, the sport needs regulations that reward driving ability rather than intricate energy-management strategies.
In addition, Komatsu believes fans should be able to understand what they are watching without needing advanced technical knowledge.
Ayao Komatsu says Formula 1 should place greater emphasis on driver skill.
Future Rule Changes Could Reduce Complexity
Formula 1 has already introduced adjustments to improve the current regulations.
However, Komatsu says those changes are only a temporary solution. Meanwhile, future rule revisions are expected to reduce the reliance on electrical deployment while increasing the contribution from the internal combustion engine.
As a result, the balance between software and driver input could become more straightforward over the coming seasons.
Future Formula 1 regulations aim to simplify energy management and improve racing.
F1 2026 Rules Continue To Divide Opinion
The F1 2026 rules remain one of the most discussed topics in the paddock.
Overall, Haas believes Formula 1 must simplify its technical regulations so fans can better appreciate the skill of the drivers. If future rule changes achieve that goal, the sport could become both easier to follow and more rewarding to watch.
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