MOTORSPORTIVE

Audi's Gabriel Bortoleto finished ninth in the chaotic season opener, admitting some overtakes happened 'by mistake' due to the unpredictable energy deployment of F1's new cars, highlighting the steep learning curve for drivers in the new era.

A fan poll shows most believe Mercedes' early 2026 dominance will be challenged, with Lewis Hamilton agreeing Ferrari can close the gap. This optimism persists despite Mercedes opening the season with a commanding 1-2 finish and a significant lead in the championship standings.

Alpine's 2026 season is hampered by a high-speed handling 'injury' causing understeer, delaying its midfield progress despite the new Mercedes engine. An upgrade is being fast-tracked for Japan, as the team admits rivals' early developments have left them behind.

Previously unreleased team radio from the Australian GP features Liam Lawson angrily criticizing Sergio Perez during a fierce battle, exposing their ongoing personal rivalry. The clash, which included on-track contact and a reported post-race paddock incident, stems from their 2024 fight for a Red Bull seat.

Toto Wolff and Christian Horner are separately bidding for a stake in Alpine F1, marking a potential power shift. Wolff aims to secure Mercedes' engine partnership, while Horner seeks a return with equity control. The move could rescue the struggling team and redraw F1's technical alliances.