Filip Cleeren

A fun start to 2026 that doesn't fully disguise some adjustments that will likely have to be made after China or Japan.

Mercedes edging Ferrari as expected, but thankfully no Brawn GP scenario. Was expecting a little bit more from McLaren.

Lindblad brilliant, Audi more than creditable with new PU.

Alonso is now DNF to conserve components.

Aston is having to nurse his battery into China due to lack of spares.

We spoke to Oscar Piastri, who shouldered part of the blame but also reported an unexpected 100kW power spike...

Aston decided to make "adjustments" to Alonso's car and sent him back out.

But, but, what about the harvesting!

Or, you know, F1 2026 was a masterstroke after all...

The race might not turn out to be great, but I'll take 24 of those starts please.

Oh yeah, I made this exact point to the people at Aston, who are desperate to complete some laps...

Nico Hulkenberg relegated to a pitlane start after not making the grid under his own power. Good start this.

A shell shocked Oscar Piastri grandstand opposite the McLaren garage after his warm-up lap crash. Feel sorry for these people.

Here's a sneak peek of some of the new graphics F1TV has developed to try and explain the new regulations, featuring new widgets for boost, overtake and battery charge.

F1 says it has also doubled down on drone coverage, working with the FIA and local authorities to feature drones at every race

McLaren's theory on Mercedes' concerning Australia F1 advantage Having finally seen Mercedes show its real hand, McLaren is digging into its deficit to its biggest Formula 1 2026 rival

Some thoughts on how McLaren is now discovering where and how works team Mercedes is making the difference, and what that means for the 2026 arms race.

www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mcla...

There are two drivers who like these new cars. I'm sure you can work it out.

Honestly, pretty impressive to see the relatively limited spread across the field. Bodes well.

Good effort, and good lap by Kimi.

Not quite a full rebuild for Antonelli's car, team says it's still hoping to get him out in Q1 and at least scrape through. Chassis and power unit okay. Looks like car got unsettled over a nasty bump, partly due to the huge torque of these cars.

That thump you just heard was the sound of Mercedes' sandbags coming off.

#F1

Full story www.motorsport.com/f1/news/fia-...

Removing the zone, which is huge for energy harvesting, would have been a huge burden on teams, rethinking set-ups, ride heights, aero balance, etc.

Changing the track because one team (believed to be Audi, the team disputes it) was too low on its low-downforce setting, was felt to be unfair.

#F1

I have been told the removal of Melbourne's fourth SM mode has now been reverted for FP3. The track will stay as it is ahead of further analysis. Certain teams very unhappy about the unilateral call from the FIA.

#F1

Aston Martin F1 drivers limited to 25 laps to avoid nerve damage Aston Martin Formula 1 chief Adrian Newey has given a frank insight into the team's crippling vibrations, which will limit its running in Australia.

Story from Adrian Newey's frank explainer on Aston Martin's inability to complete more than a short Australian GP stint www.motorsport.com/f1/news/asto... #F1

Adrian Newey says Aston Martin's Honda engine vibrations are so severe that they are transmitted onto the steering wheel via the chassis. Alonso and Stroll feel they are limited to just 25 and 15 laps respectively before risking nerve damage in their hands....

#F1 #AusGP

A big audience for Adrian Newey and Honda this morning...

F1 scraps mandatory Monaco GP two-stop rule for 2026 Formula 1 drivers will no longer be required to make at least two pitstops in the Monaco Grand Prix, while the FIA has added an extra minute to Q3 in qualifying

Other #F1 2026 rule changes

- Mandatory Monaco GP two-stop is abandoned
- Q3 is now 13 mins instead of 12
- Cooling vests now remain optional instead of mandatory (during heat hazard)

www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mona...

FIA announces clampdown on compression ratio tests from June 2026 Formula 1 constructors and the FIA have reached a compromise to quell the compression ratio saga that has dominated the 2026 pre-season

A compromise on F1 compression ratio checks has been unanimously voted through, the FIA has announced

- Hot AND cold checks from 1 June 2026
- Only checks at operating temps (130C) from 2027

www.motorsport.com/all/news/fia...

Laurent Mekies exclusive: "My job is to protect Red Bull's DNA, not to change it" Sitting down with Autosport ahead of a brave new era for Red Bull and its in-house F1 power unit programme, team principal Laurent Mekies has opened up on his approach picking up the baton left by Chr...

Hear from Red Bull's big boss ahead of the new #F1 season

Everything we learned from Season 8 of F1's Drive To Survive This Friday, Netflix's Drive to Survive documentary returns for its eighth season, featuring eight episodes. This is what we took away from watching its take on the 2025 F1 season

Drive to Survive Season 8 viewing - Here's why Netflix is missing Christian Horner already

www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-d... #F1

F1 and power unit manufacturers to vote on extra engine tests Team bosses expect to get clarity on compression ratio saga very soon

FOM, FIA and the five F1 PU manufacturers are going to vote on an additional hot compression ratio test from 1 August 2026.

Full story here

www.motorsport.com/all/news/f1-...

Their turbo is sandbagging.

I have an idea.