F1 analyst Anthony Davidson lists his six favourite driver duos for 2026, from McLaren’s Norris‑Piastri to Haas’s Bearman‑Ocon, and asks fans to vote on the top pairing before the Australian GP.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown says Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris were free to race at the 2025 Australian GP, emphasizing that a brief pause— not a team order— was required due to mixed wet‑dry conditions.
Aston Martin's 2026 F1 season is in crisis before it starts, with severe Honda engine reliability issues forcing the team to consider skipping the Australian GP. The problems, caused by engine vibrations damaging the hybrid battery, have halted testing and threaten the team's ambitious title plans despite massive recent investment.
Red Bull’s 2019 shift from Renault to a struggling Honda yielded podiums and a blueprint for its 2026 power‑unit debut. Melbourne start shows the team can turn a weak engine into a contender.
Following a US‑Israel strike that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Iran’s retaliation has sparked Gulf attacks. The FIA has cancelled Bahrain testing, reshuffled F1 travel and is reviewing WEC events.
F1 says it’s closely watching the Middle East conflict and will prioritize safety for the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia events, while the Melbourne season‑opener is still slated to run as planned.
F1 is evaluating backup plans for the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix due to regional conflict, with a decision expected in the coming weeks. The sport's freight logistics are designed to allow time for assessment, and European circuits like Imola and Portimão are potential replacements if the Middle Eastern races are canceled.
Martin Brundle says guessing the Australian Grand Prix winner is pointless, as the 2026 technical overhaul and Melbourne’s unique track keep performance unpredictable. The forecast is uncertainty.
Australian GP CEO Travis Auld insists the Melbourne season opener will go ahead as planned, confirming F1 has successfully rerouted personnel amid Middle East travel disruptions. While freight is secured, the conflict raises serious questions about the safety and feasibility of the upcoming races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Melbourne is set to buzz with off-track action for the 2026 Australian GP. From free fan festivals at Federation Square and Albert Park to team activations by McLaren, Williams, and Red Bull, plus concerts and pop-up stores, the city offers a full spectrum of entertainment for every F1 enthusiast.
Aston Martin's Pedro de la Rosa admits the team is "slow" after a troubled pre-season with its new Adrian Newey-designed car but rejects blaming the designer's late arrival or Honda's power unit issues as "very easy" excuses, insisting the focus is now on a concrete plan for recovery.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies admits his squad is not the fastest heading into the new F1 season, believing they trail Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren. This candid assessment comes despite the team's new Ford power unit surprising rivals with its reliability in testing, setting the stage for a tightly contested opening round.
