Rory Mitchell

I would agree. I expect the teams to get on top of that. In the future, the regs do offer scope to explore different battery technologies (silicon-carbon, etc).

Russell is right, give this a chance to materialise. None of the teams/PU makers have reached their potential yet, and they're all smarter than ever now with AI tools and sophisticated simulations. 3/3 #F1

In 2010, when F1 had no hybrid engines, the Bahrain season opener was branded "an exercise in how to conserve tyres and save fuel." It was boring because they couldn't overtake. It was the same in 2014 and 2017. At least yesterday's race had an element of progression and jeopardy. 2/3 #F1

All this chat about yesterdays race being 'artificial' to 'too Mario Kart' - when has modern F1 ever not had an element of artificial overtaking?

Adjustable front wings, DRS, KERS, high-deg tyres, mandatory pit stops, ban on refuelling.... 1/3 #F1

Verstappen will take part in this years Nurburgring 24 hours (May 14th - 17th), after getting his licence last year.

“The Nurburgring 24 Hours is a race that’s been on my bucket list for a long time, so I’m really thrilled we can make it happen now.” #F1

George Russell kicks off wild F1 2026 opener in Melbourne George Russell's thrilling battle with Charles Leclerc appears to have vindicated the 2026 ruleset, despite heavy criticisms from Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.

Was the battle between Russell and Leclerc a vindication of the 2026 rules or too artificial?

Russell thinks people should give these new cars a chance before making any harsh judgments. #F1

f1debrief.substack.com/p/george-rus...

Vasseur said they were surprised by how long the hard tyres lasted at the end. While it's a valid point (as Mercedes was too), I think it would've been more productive to roll the dice a bit.

Mercedes sent Hywel Thomas up to collect the winning Constructors' trophy. He is the managing director at HPP and oversaw their 2026 engine project. #F1 #AustralianGP

And so it begins... Drivers' Championship after the #AustralianGP:

1. Russell - 25 points
2. Antonelli - 18 points
3. Leclerc - 15 points
4. Hamilton - 12 points
5. Norris - 10 points
6. Verstappen - 8 points #F1

For all the drama around F1 getting it wrong with the 2026 regs, I'd say that was one of the most exciting season openers we've had at Melbourne. #F1 #AustralianGP

A competitive P4 for Hamilton, could be a much better season at Ferrari for him this year.

Norris kicks off his title defence with a conservative P5 for McLaren, Verstappen up to P6 after starting 20th. Points for Lindblad on his F1 debut in P8. #F1 #AustralianGP

Russell leads Mercedes to a one-two at the #AustralianGP with Kimi Antonelli, while Leclerc takes the final podium spot. #F1

Stroll has appeared back on the timing screen, adding to his lap count. Aston Martin really is still in pre-season testing. #F1 #AustralianGP

When you consider that you would gain around 15 seconds pitting under VSC, those earlier pit calls are looking costly for Ferrari as Leclerc sits 15s behind Russell. Strategy, as ever, is a weak link for them. #F1 #AustralianGP

This has been a solid debut from Lindblad. Brilliant start off the line, and now he's fighting with Bearman for P7. #F1 #AustralianGP

Both Aston Martins have now retired from the race properly after 33 laps for Stroll and 21 laps for Alonso. #F1 #AustralianGP

VSC deployed for debris at T8. It was a piece of car from Perez's Cadillac. #F1 #AustralianGP

Ocon will be investigated after the race for driving unnecessarily slowly. #F1 #AustralianGP

Russell passes Hamilton to take the lead of the #AustralianGP. Ferrari finally pits both cars in the last two laps, but is it too late?

Russell team radio: "I think the one-stop is viable." Leclerc 7.9s behind Antonelli. #F1

Alonso has rejoined the race 10 laps down... Aston Martin is treating this as a test session. #F1 #AustralianGP

It's one of the strategy possibilities, but there is a lot of graining.

Leclerc using the boost mode to overtake traffic: "This is like a mushroom in Mario Kart."

Engineer: "That was a funny one!" #f1 #AustralianGP

Ferrari is losing track position to both Mercedes here, as Leclerc and Hamilton are lapping half a second slower than Russell and Antonelli. #F1 #AustralianGP

Hamilton team radio after Bottas stopped:

Engineer: "Virtual Safety Car, Virtual Safety Car. Stay positive."
Hamilton: How did he not call... How did he not call the pit, man?"

Hamilton: "One of us is going to get screwed here if we're double-stacking...." #F1 #AustralianGP

Bottas team radio: "We go again next week, mate. Sorry, a couple of issues there. So, very unfortunate." #F1 #AustralianGP

VSC deployed. Bottas has stopped at pit entry. #F1 #AustralianGP

Ferrari breaks out strategy alphabet:

Engineer: "Russell 10 seconds behind..."
Hamilton: "How are they only 10 seconds?!"
Engineer: "So far we are on plan. We are focusing on plan A." #F1 #MelbourneGP

Alonso pits on lap 15 with a problem and retires. #F1 #AustralianGP

Russell and Antonelli pit under VSC while Ferrari stay out. Lots of time to be gained, especially if you run a two-stop strategy. Hamilton team radio: "At least one of us should've come in..." #F1 #AustralianGP

Hadjar has stopped on track at T9. Lots of smoke is coming out of the back of the car. VSC deployed. #F1 #AustralianGP