Overview
- The Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park on 8 March launches a 24‑race season that includes six sprint weekends.
- Alpine formally revealed the A526 and confirmed Franco Colapinto for his first full season after 352 test laps totaling about 2,452 km.
- The new regulations make cars smaller and lighter, replace DRS with active aerodynamics and an overtake mode, increase the hybrid’s electric output, and require 100% sustainable fuel.
- The grid grows to 11 teams as Cadillac debuts and Sauber becomes Audi, with notable supplier changes including Alpine moving from Renault to Mercedes power units.
- Security developments in the Middle East are under review for the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia rounds, while Australia, China and Japan open the calendar as scheduled.