Posts

Showing posts from March, 2026

Australia 2026: pre-qualifying

This is up a day earlier than standard due to Australia’s irksome start time (really hope I get up in time for the 4am race start as that could be quite something). Notes A few quick notes I made after testing I missed from the previous post: Williams being a bit on the chunky side could make them sluggish in slow corners, (might be improved since testing, though). McLaren at the final test didn’t have the latest Mercedes engine so were slightly underpowered. Mercedes may be slightly better on cooling than other teams. Likely handy for hot races but could reverse their usually good performance in Las Vegas’ colder conditions. On the engine question, a change to the compression ratio measurement will take effect from 1 June. We will see if this has a real impact. Big Questions Will it be as hard to follow and overtake as widely anticipated? Will the season end up being an engine formula with a huge advantage for Mercedes (or someone else)? Will better energy harvesting/deployment mean...