Exactly. DRS was already an overtaking aid that produced some artificial passes, but most came to accept it as a necessary evil.
No need to overreact to the new rules, they’ll be refined over time and I’m sure the spectacle will improve.
120 overtakes in Melbourne.
But did it actually feel like racing?
Deployment boosts, strange starts and big questions about F1’s new era.
We break down the 2026 regulations after Australia 👇
It’s definitely positive to see a huge increase in overtaking.
My only concern is the quality - watching cars blast past on the straights isn’t what drivers or fans want to see.
Hopefully as the rules are refined and teams understand deployment better, we’ll get some great racing.
Ferrari looked much closer to Mercedes in race trim which is a positive for competition at the front.
Verstappen likely would’ve been in the mix too without the quali issue. Fingers crossed we’re in for a good season, but I fear Merc are still holding something back.
Leclerc and Russell swapping positions in that opening stint was great fun, and not possible with the old DRS system.
Very curious to see how it plays out in China next week with that loooong back straight. Promising signs so far.
Wow. Just seen that hugely impressive avoidance by Colapinto at the start - but that closing speed is scary.
Let’s hope teams sort their starts soon, otherwise I fear we’ll see a big accident.
My thoughts exactly.
It’ll take some getting used to, but it’s not the horror show many expected. As long as overtaking doesn’t become just boosting past on the straights, we could be in for some good racing.
The ease of some overtakes was a little concerning, but that should get ironed out as the rules are refined and teams better understand deployment.
Ultimately, better to have overtaking than not.
First race of the new era done.
What’s the verdict - like or hate the new regs? #F1
This is one of the weirdest races I’ve ever seen #F1
The talking stops now.
Put the sandbags away, turn the engines up.
Let’s see who’s nailed the new regs… and just how bad Aston Martin really are. #F1
Great action off the practice start - Hamilton launches down the inside of Antonelli after a rapid getaway. Clearly he’s enjoying the new 2026 cars.
The more I see the Audi on track, the more I like it. Those vertically sculpted sidepods are a thing of beauty. #F1
In principle, I completely agree. Mercedes found a clever solution around the compression ratio - that’s part of the sport.
But when so many teams push back, compromise is usually inevitable. Forcing a change before the season would’ve been extremely unfair. This proposal avoids that at least.
Verstappen lowers the benchmark in testing with a 1:33.1. The car looks settled - Max riding plenty of kerb without unsettling the RB22.
But do they have the power? #F1
It would be a sensible compromise. Mercedes retain some reward for innovative engineering, while rival manufacturers see their concerns addressed.
Or maybe everyone will be unhappy.
Breaking News 🚨 Following the FIA commission meeting, a proposal has been put forward that from 1 August 2026, PU compression ratio compliance must be demonstrated at operating temperature (130°C), not just ambient conditions.
Approval would effectively close off Mercedes’ current interpretation.
A sensible compromise from the FIA. Mercedes retain some reward for innovative engineering, while rival manufacturers see their concerns addressed.
Or maybe it leaves everyone unhappy.
Red Bull have hit trouble that’s severely limited their running. Hadjar has finally returned to the track - but as the only team running that engine, mileage is arguably even more critical. #F1
My sincerest apologies. Ferrari nevertheless got some great running in during the morning… (touch wood)
FIA commission meeting this morning, plus talks between engine manufacturers - all centered on Mercedes’ PU compression method.
Can the FIA really introduce hot tests 11 days before round one? Feels late.
Nothing beats F1 politics.
On his latest run, Leclerc has a huge sideways moment in T2 and nearly drops it. Sorry for the excitement, Tifosi.
The second official F1 test is underway. Leclerc has already matched Antonelli’s quickest time from last week.
More importantly, the Ferrari looks compliant - a few small corrections, but very driveable. Positive signs for the Scuderia.
Mercedes have found something.
Ferrari might have nailed the start.
Aston look in serious trouble.
Compression controversy. Fuel fumbles. Start procedure drama.
Testing told us plenty - and nothing at all.
Full breakdown ⬇️
backmarkersports.com/playing-game...
I know it’s in every team principal’s interest to play games and point at others as the ones to beat. But how fun would it be if someone like Fred Vasseur just came out and declared: we’re clearly ahead.
Mind games #F1
Intriguing development: Red Bull chief designer Craig Skinner is stepping down. No official reason given as to why, but the timing - on the eve of the F1 season - is raising a few eyebrows.
Poached? #F1
Extremely sad to hear about the passing of John Virgo. A true legend of the sport and the unmistakable voice of snooker.
In tribute, here’s some of his classic humour. RIP.
m.youtube.com/watch?v=gA2F...
I guess HP is a forward step from Marlboro
You’ve nailed it
First look at F1’s new active aero on track during Ferrari’s 2026 shakedown. This will take some getting used to…
