US EditionF1's new era demands a new driving style as 'big four' seek opening victory in Australia
The 2026 Australian GP opens a season where Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull face new hybrid rules requiring energy management and altered driving styles, testing their adaptation.
- At the season-opening Australian Grand Prix next week, Formula 1's new regulations could upend the series while Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull remain the 'big four' despite promising testing performances.
- Faced with a mandated 50-50 split, teams changed design and drivers changed technique, revving engines for fast starts, lifting off on straights to charge batteries, and downshifting aggressively in corners.
- Standing starts exposed hardware limits as the hybrid system activates only at 50 kph, prompting procedural tweaks after sluggish launches, while Ferrari revealed a flipping rear wing and mini-wing at the final test.
- Mercedes faces scrutiny after its fast engine in testing amid rivals' legality questions, and George Russell's mix of power and reliability could boost his championship chances while Cadillac struggles in preseason.
- Domenicali said, 'We need to stay calm because, as always when there is something happening as a new regulation, there's always the doubt that everything is wrong,' as the FIA could tweak rules if tracks like Melbourne's Albert Park reveal energy limitations.
21 Articles
21 Articles
The New Era of F1 Demands a Different Driving Style. the 'Big Four' Are Looking to Win in Australia.
By JAMES ELLINGWORTH Chaotic starts, tricky overtaking, lifting off the throttle on the straights. The new era of Formula 1 regulations could shake up the series in unexpected ways when the season gets underway with the Australian Grand Prix next week. Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, the two most successful drivers on the grid, were critical during testing of the cars whose hybrid electric systems encourage unusual driving styles and make rac…
F1's New Era Demands A New Driving Style As 'Big Four' Seek Opening Victory in Australian GP
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, the two most successful drivers on the grid, were critical in testing of cars whose electrical hybrid systems promote unusual driving styles and make racing more strategic
The Toronto Star
The RecordF1’s new era demands a new driving style as ‘big four’ seek opening victory in Australia
Chaotic starts, tricky overtaking, lifting off the gas on straights. Formula 1's new era of regulations could upend the series in unexpected ways when the season begins with the Australian
The kick-off of the 2026 season will be at the Australian Grand Prix next week.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
