Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
erratic goes, challenging driving, pulling the car off the oil on straights… When the season kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix next week, Formula 1’s new age of laws may alter the line in unexpected way.
The two most successful drivers on the grid, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, played a significant role in the assessment of cars whose electric hybrid systems promote strange moving styles and improve race strategy.
Verstappen, a four-time hero, said the cars were” no fun” and that retirement may be a possibility, while Hamilton, a seven-time champion, said the rules are too difficult for fans to comprehend.
It’s a critical time for F1, which quickly expanded over the past ten years by placing drivers ‘ personalities in the spotlight rather than focusing on technical details.
According to F1’s CEO Stefano Domenicali,” we need to stay relaxed because there is always a fear that everything is wrong” during testing last week.
The bottom four teams remain unchanged despite significant changes, despite Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull, which all showed promises during testing.
However, the “big four” of 2025– as McLaren director Zak Brown affectionates them– look set to be the “big four” in 2026 as well.
They appear to be roughly comparable in terms of speed, with Mercedes and Ferrari maybe having a slight advantage in testing race models.
Ferrari revealed a rear wing that can be turned upside down for straight-line rate and a cutting-edge mini-wing hidden behind the fuel at the last check. After various groups, particularly Mercedes, were slow off the line, they also stood out as the fastest in process begins.
Competitors have praised Red Bull’s ability to master electric power systems, while McLaren’s champion Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri continue to perform well under their own weight thanks to the use of a Mercedes engine.
George Russell had become a true championship contender thanks to Mercedes ‘ combination of power and dependability. Mercedes ‘ engine, which was quick in testing after weeks of debate from rivals about its propriety, is receiving more attention. Mercedes claims that the concept is entirely legitimate.
Some teams made sacrifices during the 2025 year in order to make significant gains in 2026, but it hasn’t been successful.
Even with Adrian Newey as the head of Aston Martin, the car was soon to testing, dependable, and frequently slower than the new team Cadillac. Haas might be able to challenge the best clubs despite Williams and Alpine’s struggles.
Driving in 2026 is all about sacrifice due to the FIA’s push for a 50-50 divide between power from the engine and electric hybrid technology.
In pre-season screening, drivers were shifting to second gear in corners, lifting off the gasoline on straights to command the on-board battery, and revving the engines forcefully for a quick getaway. If the first few tribes produce ridiculous scenarios, the FIA may step in and change the regulations.
Because the cross program doesn’t start until 50 mph, testing standing starts off the grid was challenging.
After some slow practice starts, modifications have been made to the procedure, but Ferrari may not have been at fault for discovering the issue early and creating a rapid off-the-line engine.
Hamilton blew past four vehicles in a training begin in Bahrain next year, creating one of the most eye-catching moments of the preseason.
If driving is as difficult as some drivers believe, fast starts might be more crucial.
Get ready to learn about 2026 vehicles being “energy-starved” on some lines, including Melbourne’s Albert Park, which has fewer restrictive driving zones and a battery-charged track.
The new “overtake mode” with more authority may be a waste of limited power if cars didn’t use it to their full potential if it takes some laps to fully charge before leaving the overtaking car a sitting duck.
Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, the 11th team, and Cadillac have joined as the 11th team, but they will need to learn something after being consistently slow in the pre-season.
After a takeover by the German automaker, which is producing its own engines, Sauber is now Audi.
Spain’s Grand Prix moves to Madrid’s new Madring street circuit after 35 years, while Italy’s second race at Imola moves to Barcelona and remains the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
