Formula One enters new era with excitement and uncertainty

LONDON, March 2 : New cars, new power and new teams for a new era - Formula One starts afresh in Australia this week with a heady mix of excitement, uncertainty and apprehension.

Never shy of underselling itself, the high-octane sport appears on the money in billing the 2026 season as the biggest shake-up it has ever seen.

For the first time in decades the chassis and power unit regulations have changed at the same time, a massive challenge even for the biggest teams, with near parity between the electrical and combustion engine elements.

There is also 100 per cent advanced sustainable fuel, Madrid's debut on the 24-race calendar, a new champion in McLaren's Lando Norris and one of the youngest drivers ever to start a grand prix in Racing Bulls' British 18-year-old rookie Arvid Lindblad. 

The last time there was such a significant engine reset, in 2014, Mercedes went on a record run of dominance but this time the campaign could be much more open.

HOW WILL THE FANS RESPOND? 

The list of questions is long.

Will the fans like what is on offer? How has the pecking order changed? Can Ferrari finally end their wait of nearly two decades for a drivers' title? And if they are contenders, could Lewis Hamilton win a record eighth championship?

Will Mercedes' George Russell live up to his pre-season billing as title favourite? Maybe Charles Leclerc's time has come at Ferrari, or will Red Bull's Max Verstappen bounce back with a fifth championship after his run of four in a row ended?

Can Norris become only the second Briton to successfully defend a title after Hamilton, or will Australian teammate Oscar Piastri gain the upper hand? 

How will French youngster Isack Hadjar fare as Verstappen's new teammate in the hottest of hot seats? 

The jury