Formula One Freaks-this is it!

Get_Right

Hectic practices and qually in Australia. The mercedes team and Kimi's drive in qually was impressive after the crash. It will take time for the drivers to get the rhythm of the new energy, braking, and aero systems. The rule in Aus is do not touch the paint! Not the best track in damp conditions with new paint in the turns.

I enjoyed the the first three Aus sessions because there was more drama than usual during practice sessions, including Max hitting the wall. That just tells me that teams have work to do and there are a teams that are simply not ready. Surprised at the lack of reliability with the Aston Martins. Maybe it is just a Honda issue, but it is a Newey car that has been development for 2 years. 

Russell's pole time was 4 seconds slower than the 2025 pole time. That could be two laps at many races. Are we trying to slow down the cars in the interest of competition, environmental concerns, safety, fuel development, better views for the fans, or more content for social media? I cannot say it is safety given the number of red flags. It's only the first race so I remain optimistic and glad to see the spectacle of the Grand Prix return. Maybe there will be more passing and competition, I would applaud that.

goldrush

Piastri just binned it on the way to the grid! The car is wrecked and he’s out of the race before it even starts.

erebus

Definitely some bugs to work out, but the drivers seemed to adapt quickly throughout the race.

goldrush

The first few laps were fun as Russell and Leclerc were figuring out how to make the passes stick.

Get_Right

I enjoyed the action all weekend, but surprised so many teams had technical issues. The Mercs and the Ferraris look light years ahead. Hadjar and Bortoletto can drive. 

Rygar

Those first 10 laps were great fun.
Hopefully the Mercedes advantage doesn't turn out to be a permanent thing.  From a sporting perspective, knowing the winner of the race before the weekend starts takes a lot of my enthusiasm for the sport out of it.
There was some confusion about whether or not the start timing would remain the same but I see FIA changed the starting procedure to give the cars more time to spool up, kind of bummed they did that.

I am also pretty pessimistic about Honda's turnaround time, that car well could be a disaster for the most part of the year.

lastexitlondon

It looks like it's not made it better in my opinion 

eddiec

There are usually issues after a big rules change. There was that crazy porpoising problem, especially for Mercedes, in '22.
I still have hope teams will sort out the battery deployment. If they don't, that would suck as the battery becomes more important than driving skills.

Pap

Laura Mueller and Hannah Schmitz become first women to have corner named after them at Australian Grand Prix

Cliffy6745

This is awesome 

erebus

Cliffy6745 said:

This is awesome 

For two teams anyway. Those 4 drivers have adapted to the new cars and changes quickest and good for them. It will take a little longer until the rest of the field is competing at the same level. 

I just hope that Russell does not build an insurmountable lead. 

Now that Ferrari is near the top, maybe Hamilton can hang in there and pull off one last championship.

Get_Right

I enjoyed the Shanghai GP. Entertaining. Spoiler: But I missed why the McLarens were not in the race. What happened?

erebus

Congratulations Kimi!
Everyone loves a first time winner. 

McLaren had electrical issues. 

I am no enjoying the power button/boost. Maybe it will grow on me

Get_Right

erebus said:

Congratulations Kimi!
Everyone loves a first time winner. 

McLaren had electrical issues. 

I am no enjoying the power button/boost. Maybe it will grow on me

I suppose the technology is impressive. But all of this "harvesting" business is not racing IMHO.

Pap

Get_Right

I am happy for Lewis. But no McLarens. Looking forward to Japan!

erebus

A decent race as more drivers are figuring out their cars.

Hopefully some other winners other than Mercs over the season,  but the racing is getting better. 

Pap

Get_Right

Those samurai outfits are insane!
Too bad they are Ferrari fans 

I enjoyed the race. I am warming up to the 50/50 hybrid formula, other than the fact that BOR recharging his battery may have contributed to BEA's accident. Cars may be slower, but there is definitely more passing opportunities and more action on the track. I think the engineers will eventually figure out the deploying/recharging rhythm. Not thrilled about having a month off, but support the reasons why.

Pap

Get_Right said: Those samurai outfits are insane! Too bad they are Ferrari fans 

Look out for the upgraded Ferrari cars in Miami