Formula 1’s 2026 season begins this weekend at the Australian Grand Prix, opening a new era for the championship following a major overhaul of both chassis and power unit regulations.
After nine days of pre-season testing across Barcelona and Bahrain, teams arrive at Melbourne’s Albert Park with only limited data on the competitive order. Early indications suggest McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull Racing and Ferrari could again be among the frontrunners, although the new rules leave plenty of scope for surprises.
