5 key questions ahead of the start of the 2026 season

The 2026 F1 season begins with the Australian Grand Prix, introducing new technical regulations and sparking numerous questions. Pre-season testing suggests a closely matched 'top four' of McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari, with each team cautiously deflecting favoritism. The midfield battle looks intense, with Alpine, Haas, and Racing Bulls showing early potential.Conversely, Aston Martin endured a tough pre-season due to reliability issues, leading them to avoid setting early targets. Development speed will be paramount as the season progresses. New additions include Cadillac as the 11th team, Audi as a works outfit, and rookies like Arvid Lindblad, while Isack Hadjar joins Max Verstappen at Red Bull.