The engines will roar at Albert Park Circuit this weekend, setting off the 77th season of the FIA Formula One World Championship with the Australian Grand Prix serving as host to the season opener for the second consecutive year.
In the build-up to the 40th Australian Grand Prix, introducing the biggest technical changes in the sport in over a decade, there are more question marks than usual surrounding the season opener.
Here, we highlight the changes impacting every aspect of a Formula One car design.
The cars will be smaller, lighter, and narrower, featuring a new chassis, power unit, and fuel regulations.
Taking center stage is the aerodynamic package, which brings movable front and rear wings, replacing the Drag Reduction System (DRS).
Overtake Mode will enable drivers within a second of rivals in front to access an extra +0.5MJ of energy, generating additional electrical power.
The active aero providing Straight Mode (SM) will feature in five zones at the season opener in Melbourne, minimizing drag for greater speed available on every single lap.
Furthermore, the Corner Mode configuration sees the wings closing to provide more downforce in slower sections of the track.
Primarily designed to help conserve energy by reducing drag on straights, the new active aerodynamics is pivotal for efficient energy use with the engines.
According to the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), "the revised power unit features an even split of energy from the combustion engine and the electrical side of the power unit supply."
Utilizing 100 percent advanced, sustainable synthetic fuel and a high-performance battery capable of handling high and swift power output as the energy management technology, power unit reliability becomes a critical factor once again in F1, one not often seen in recent decades.
Leading the Pack in 2026?
McLaren enters the new season as the Constructors' and Drivers' reigning champions (Lando Norris), having covered over 1,000 laps in nine days of running during pre-season testing across Barcelona and Bahrain.
In that regard, Andrea Stella, McLaren Team Principal, commented: "This has given the entire team satisfying learnings around the performance and reliability of the MCL40 at this foundation stage of its development.
“The car we bring to Albert Park will largely be the same specification seen in Bahrain, with some minor aerodynamic refinements."
True Pace on the Team’s Sleeve
“This season is an exciting but complex challenge, and it’s great to be back racing again. It’s the reason why we’re in the sport," added Stella.
"We’re looking forward to finally putting the cards on the table in Melbourne and seeing where we truly stand as the first races unfold.”
11-Team Grid
During pre-season testing, featuring a shakedown in Barcelona and further testing in Bahrain, 11 Formula 1 teams hit the track for the first time since 2016, giving glimpses of their potential ahead of an unprecedented campaign.
The Cadillac F1 Team will debut on Australian soil with Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez at the wheel.
"It’s unique to be in a situation where you’re starting with a new team in the sport. It doesn’t really happen every day," remarked Bottas during Thrusday's press conference.
"It’s been hard work, lots of problem solving, but we’ve already made great progress, and really hats off to the whole team being here ready for race one, which I think already is incredible."
German automaker Audi also joins the grid after taking over the legendary Sauber outfit.
Audi driver Nico Hulkenberg spoke about the team's progress, outlining: "Pre-season’s been okay. I think we made good progress. At the same time, still a lot of room for improvement in many areas. Still a young team, especially on the power unit side, obviously, and the only team out there with our package.
"Melbourne, it’s a great track, very different from Bahrain, so I think that could mix things up a little bit. But we do it for the first time in anger with these new cars, Quali, especially the race on Sunday. It could be interesting."
Back to Albert Park
The street circuit, a fast track by essence, spans 5278 km (3.280Â mi), boasting a range of high-speed curves, 14 turns overall, over 58 laps.
Action is guaranteed at Albert Park as soon as the start lights go out, and the cars head into Turn 1 looking for an overtake opportunity at the end of the main straight.
A range of medium and high-speed corners will pose a particular challenge for teams and drivers, testing battery strategies.
The fastest section of the track goes from Turn 9 through Turn 13.
Last season, McLaren took the checkered flag with Norris starting from pole position.