F1 2026: Australian GP

GuidoK · 03-04-2026, 10:49 AM

F1 2026: Australian GP - Melbourne (Mar 8)

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2025:

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(source: HERE)

Schedule:
https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2026/australia
(adjusts to your local time/date depending on your browsers/internet settings)

Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit:

Circuit stats:
First Grand Prix: 1996
Number of Laps: 58
Circuit Length: 5.278 km
Race Distance: 306.124 km
Lap Record: 1:19.813 (Charles Leclerc 2024)

Onboard Lap:
(2025 Lando Norris pole lap)
HERE

2025 thread:
https://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2165506

2025 race highlights:
HERE

2024 Lollipopman Comics:

GuidoK · 03-04-2026, 10:57 AM

So welcome to the new season!

I just followed the tech developments half-half, as so much changed and in reality it's not until the first qualifying session that we really know what the cars are made of.
That is true between seasons with minor changes, but now.... totally new cars, totally new engines, and....totally new driving strategies for the drivers!

Anyone dare any predictions?

my guess:
1. RUS
2. NOR
3. VER
4. LEC
5. ANT
6. PIA
7. HAD
8. HAM
9. ALO
10. LAW

Who knows what's really gonna happen.....

///M Power-Belgium · 03-04-2026, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuidoK

So welcome to the new season!

I just followed the tech developments half-half, as so much changed and in reality it's not until the first qualifying session that we really know what the cars are made of.
That is true between seasons with minor changes, but now.... totally new cars, totally new engines, and....totally new driving strategies for the drivers!

Anyone dare any predictions?

my guess:
1. RUS
2. NOR
3. VER
4. LEC
5. ANT
6. PIA
7. HAD
8. HAM
9. ALO
10. LAW

Who knows what's really gonna happen.....

Thank you GuidoK

=> https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=994

GuidoK · 03-04-2026, 12:58 PM

So many silly references...

.....NightMaxes

G30M · 03-04-2026, 01:40 PM

Aston Martin's Honda EV is so bad they are just going to not race apparently. *edit: not so easy

Honda should have practiced making EVs beforehand, all their EVs i've tested are rubbish.

first time ever I'm interested to watch FP1 and FP2 ...

* apparently they face severe penalty for not racing. so they have to race but will retire the car early ...

https://www.nine.com.au/sport/motors...03-p5o6zz.html

M5Rick · 03-04-2026, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuidoK

So welcome to the new season!

I just followed the tech developments half-half, as so much changed and in reality it's not until the first qualifying session that we really know what the cars are made of.
That is true between seasons with minor changes, but now.... totally new cars, totally new engines, and....totally new driving strategies for the drivers!

Anyone dare any predictions?

my guess:
1. RUS
2. NOR
3. VER
4. LEC
5. ANT
6. PIA
7. HAD
8. HAM
9. ALO
10. LAW

Who knows what's really gonna happen.....

Welcome back GuidoK.
Prediction for Melbourne..

1. MAX (a dead cert
2. HAD
3. LEC
4. LEW
5. RUS
6. PIA
7. NOR
8. BEA
9. ANT
10. SAI

///M Power-Belgium · 03-04-2026, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G30M

Aston Martin's Honda EV is so bad they are just going to not race apparently.

Honda should have practiced making EVs beforehand, all their EVs i've tested are rubbish.

first time ever I'm interested to watch FP1 and FP2 ...

=> https://www.m3post.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=948

///M Power-Belgium · 03-04-2026, 02:40 PM

Killed by Death

Davil · 03-04-2026, 08:36 PM

Great you are back on the merry go round Guido!

I?m in the lounge waiting for my flight right now. And yes I am wearing an Aston shirt. Stiff upper lip old chap what.

As per G30?s post above I am also genuinely excited to watch practice tomorrow. My expectations are not high for Aston but I?m just curious about everyone.

I wonder if the Aston garage visits will still take place? If so, as our man in Melbourne I will post a few pics whilst cutting the air with a knife.

From what I can glean it looks like the goal is to challenge the front this year instead of the midfield which is not even on the radar for the team. So the first half of the season will be sacrificial for the greater good. The gardening leave did not help and everything is behind. Time will tell.

M5Rick · 03-05-2026, 02:46 AM

The latest in what's happening, teams are working all through the night and Piastri is the latest to have sent a warning to when the lights change to green.

M5Rick · 03-05-2026, 03:01 AM

He's saying that removing the MGUH which keeps the turbo spooled up and instead relying on battery power with higher engine revs is a recipe for disaster, especially for those mid pack and at the back seing an advantage when the ones at the front are saving for after the turn.

M5Rick · 03-05-2026, 03:08 AM

Even without the 50/50 but a similar scenario which could happen.

///M Power-Belgium · 03-05-2026, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M5Rick

He's saying that removing the MGUH which keeps the turbo spooled up and instead relying on battery power with higher engine revs is a recipe for disaster, especially for those mid pack and at the back seing an advantage when the ones at the front are saving for after the turn.

Alonso : The latest..

The Honda PU vibrations are so strong that it feels like an electrocution (!)

Davil · 03-05-2026, 06:28 AM

Tonight was an Aston cocktail party. On the way out there was an Italian chap walking through the hotel lobby that seemed like he had enjoyed some vino. Or perhaps it was jet lag. He was nice enough to agree to a photo.

In other news, apparently our car has severe vibrations that make the car very hard to endure.

Practice tomorrow. Must sleep.

Car-Addicted · 03-05-2026, 10:54 AM

New opening for Formula One, kind of a new direction?

https://twitter.com/elliotgcfc/status/2029...yephMs4AAKHg3Q

///M Power-Belgium · 03-05-2026, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Car-Addicted

New opening for Formula One, kind of a new direction?

https://twitter.com/elliotgcfc/status/2029...yephMs4AAKHg3Q

I'll go for the 2nd opening video (It's not too late to change it)

Car-Addicted · 03-05-2026, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ///M Power-Belgium

Alonso : The latest..
The Honda PU vibrations are so strong that it feels like an electrocution (!)

Alonso after Australian GP
https://twitter.com/ScrewderiaF1/status/20...352944/video/1

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afadeev · 03-05-2026, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M5Rick

Prediction for Melbourne..

I'm going with the basics - fewer than 15 cars will finish the race. Points for most of the finishers!

2 Aston Martins are vibrating self-destructing dildos. 100% attrition likely. Congrats, Newey.
2 Williams are porky and under-tested. 50+% attrition likely.
2 Audi's have brand new power-trains and are under-tested. 50+% attrition likely.
2 CadiRarri's are new and under-tested. 50+% attrition likely.
1 rookie in the field (Lindblad)
21 other drivers are still figuring out how to drive under new rules.
Super-powerful overtake mode in 2026 - more fun, but also more chance to misjudge the overtake moves.

Practice 1 starts in ~7 hours.
Let the show (chaos?) begin!

a

MoeTE87 · 03-05-2026, 12:26 PM

Calling it now...Max will be champ in 2026!

M5Rick · 03-05-2026, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by afadeev

I'm going with the basics - fewer than 15 cars will finish the race. Points for most of the finishers!

2 Aston Martins are vibrating self-destructing dildos. 100% attrition likely. Congrats, Newey.
2 Williams are porky and under-tested. 50+% attrition likely.
2 Audi's have brand new power-trains and are and under-tested. 50+% attrition likely.
2 CadiRarri's are new and under-tested. 50+% attrition likely.
1 rookie in the field (Lindblad)
21 other drivers are still figuring out how to drive under new rules.
Super-powerful overtake mode in 2026 - more fun, but also more chance to misjudge the overtake moves.

Practice 1 starts in ~7 hours.
Let the show (chaos?) begin!

a

That's 1 AM here, I'll catch up when I arise.

M5Rick · 03-05-2026, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoeTE87

Calling it now...Max will be champ in 2026!

I can't argue with that Moe

Killed by Death · 03-05-2026, 12:29 PM

Just in time for the season opener

03-04-2026, 10:49 AM	#1
GuidoK #buildnotbought 20186 Rep 6,449 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0i ESS TS2+ Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Tinkering in the garage iTrader: (0)	F1 2026: Australian GP - Melbourne (Mar 8) F1 2026: Australian GP - Melbourne (Mar 8) 2025: (source: HERE) Schedule: https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2026/australia (adjusts to your local time/date depending on your browsers/internet settings) Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit: Circuit stats: First Grand Prix: 1996 Number of Laps: 58 Circuit Length: 5.278 km Race Distance: 306.124 km Lap Record: 1:19.813 (Charles Leclerc 2024) Onboard Lap: (2025 Lando Norris pole lap) HERE 2025 thread: https://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2165506 2025 race highlights: HERE 2024 Lollipopman Comics: __________________ Z4 3.0i \| ESS TS2+ supercharger \| Quaife ATB LSD \| Brembo/BMW performance BBK front/rear \| Schrick FI cams \| Schmiedmann headers+cats \| Powerflex/strongflex PU bushings \| Vibra-technics engine mounts \| H&R anti rollbars \| KW V3 coilovers/KW camber plates \| Sachs race engineering clutch \| tons of custom sh#t Last edited by GuidoK; 03-04-2026 at 11:02 AM..
	Appreciate 9 ///M Power-Belgium88827.00 Hartside389.50 Car-Addicted10201.50 jaffles791.50 M5Rick90260.50 DrFerry9495.00 Killed by Death21271.50 wizardofOz5449.00 Artemis41420.50 Tweet Quote

03-04-2026, 10:57 AM	#2
GuidoK #buildnotbought 20186 Rep 6,449 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0i ESS TS2+ Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Tinkering in the garage iTrader: (0)	So welcome to the new season! I just followed the tech developments half-half, as so much changed and in reality it's not until the first qualifying session that we really know what the cars are made of. That is true between seasons with minor changes, but now.... totally new cars, totally new engines, and....totally new driving strategies for the drivers! Anyone dare any predictions? my guess: 1. RUS 2. NOR 3. VER 4. LEC 5. ANT 6. PIA 7. HAD 8. HAM 9. ALO 10. LAW Who knows what's really gonna happen..... __________________ Z4 3.0i \| ESS TS2+ supercharger \| Quaife ATB LSD \| Brembo/BMW performance BBK front/rear \| Schrick FI cams \| Schmiedmann headers+cats \| Powerflex/strongflex PU bushings \| Vibra-technics engine mounts \| H&R anti rollbars \| KW V3 coilovers/KW camber plates \| Sachs race engineering clutch \| tons of custom sh#t Last edited by GuidoK; 03-04-2026 at 11:06 AM..
	Appreciate 6 ///M Power-Belgium88827.00 M5Rick90260.50 DrFerry9495.00 Killed by Death21271.50 Davil8585.50 wizardofOz5449.00 Quote

03-04-2026, 12:58 PM	#4
GuidoK #buildnotbought 20186 Rep 6,449 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0i ESS TS2+ Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Tinkering in the garage iTrader: (0)	So many silly references... .....NightMaxes __________________ Z4 3.0i \| ESS TS2+ supercharger \| Quaife ATB LSD \| Brembo/BMW performance BBK front/rear \| Schrick FI cams \| Schmiedmann headers+cats \| Powerflex/strongflex PU bushings \| Vibra-technics engine mounts \| H&R anti rollbars \| KW V3 coilovers/KW camber plates \| Sachs race engineering clutch \| tons of custom sh#t
	Appreciate 6 Car-Addicted10201.50 M5Rick90260.50 DrFerry9495.00 ///M Power-Belgium88827.00 Killed by Death21271.50 wizardofOz5449.00 Quote

03-04-2026, 01:40 PM	#5
G30M Major General 8113 Rep 6,608 Posts Drives: M550i; ex M340i Touring Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: Australasia iTrader: (0)	Aston Martin's Honda EV is so bad they are just going to not race apparently. edit: not so easy Honda should have practiced making EVs beforehand, all their EVs i've tested are rubbish. first time ever I'm interested to watch FP1 and FP2 ... apparently they face severe penalty for not racing. so they have to race but will retire the car early ... https://www.nine.com.au/sport/motors...03-p5o6zz.html Last edited by G30M; 03-04-2026 at 02:55 PM..
	Appreciate 2 Killed by Death21271.50 DrFerry9495.00 Quote

03-04-2026, 02:40 PM	#8
///M Power-Belgium General 88827 Rep 30,500 Posts Drives: ///M3-E92-DCT Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Belgium iTrader: (0)	Killed by Death __________________ "MAX VERSTAPPEN" IS THE 2021+2022+2023+2024 F1 WORLD CHAMPION - #UnLeashTheLion - BPM DEV-Tune & DCT Software-Tune & Servotronic & coding ///Alpine HID Angeleyes ///Oem.exhaust mod.
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03-04-2026, 08:36 PM	#9
Davil Brigadier General 8586 Rep 3,604 Posts Drives: 21 Vantage, 18 Vantage, 00 WRX Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2021 Aston Martin V ... [9.94] 2018 Aston Martin V ... [8.35] 2000 Subaru WRX GC8 [7.83]	Great you are back on the merry go round Guido! I?m in the lounge waiting for my flight right now. And yes I am wearing an Aston shirt. Stiff upper lip old chap what. As per G30?s post above I am also genuinely excited to watch practice tomorrow. My expectations are not high for Aston but I?m just curious about everyone. I wonder if the Aston garage visits will still take place? If so, as our man in Melbourne I will post a few pics whilst cutting the air with a knife. From what I can glean it looks like the goal is to challenge the front this year instead of the midfield which is not even on the radar for the team. So the first half of the season will be sacrificial for the greater good. The gardening leave did not help and everything is behind. Time will tell. Last edited by Davil; 03-04-2026 at 08:36 PM..
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03-05-2026, 02:46 AM	#10
M5Rick General 90261 Rep 27,068 Posts Drives: M5 F10 DCT Gunmetal Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: GB iTrader: (0)	The latest in what's happening, teams are working all through the night and Piastri is the latest to have sent a warning to when the lights change to green.
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03-05-2026, 03:01 AM	#11
M5Rick General 90261 Rep 27,068 Posts Drives: M5 F10 DCT Gunmetal Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: GB iTrader: (0)	He's saying that removing the MGUH which keeps the turbo spooled up and instead relying on battery power with higher engine revs is a recipe for disaster, especially for those mid pack and at the back seing an advantage when the ones at the front are saving for after the turn.
	Appreciate 4 ///M Power-Belgium88827.00 Killed by Death21271.50 GuidoK20185.50 wizardofOz5449.00 Quote

03-05-2026, 03:08 AM	#12
M5Rick General 90261 Rep 27,068 Posts Drives: M5 F10 DCT Gunmetal Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: GB iTrader: (0)	Even without the 50/50 but a similar scenario which could happen.
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03-05-2026, 06:28 AM	#14
Davil Brigadier General 8586 Rep 3,604 Posts Drives: 21 Vantage, 18 Vantage, 00 WRX Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2021 Aston Martin V ... [9.94] 2018 Aston Martin V ... [8.35] 2000 Subaru WRX GC8 [7.83]	Tonight was an Aston cocktail party. On the way out there was an Italian chap walking through the hotel lobby that seemed like he had enjoyed some vino. Or perhaps it was jet lag. He was nice enough to agree to a photo. In other news, apparently our car has severe vibrations that make the car very hard to endure. Practice tomorrow. Must sleep. Attached Images
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03-05-2026, 10:54 AM	#15
Car-Addicted Colonel 10202 Rep 2,748 Posts Drives: 2026 X5 \| 2020 M4 CS Join Date: Jun 2023 Location: Central PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW M4 CS [9.91]	New opening for Formula One, kind of a new direction? https://twitter.com/elliotgcfc/status/2029...yephMs4AAKHg3Q
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03-05-2026, 12:26 PM	#19
MoeTE87 OHIO STATE 2520 Rep 1,362 Posts Drives: 2021 BMW M340i Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Cincinnati iTrader: (3) Garage List 2008 BMW 135i [0.00] 2018 BMW 340i MSpor ... [0.00]	Calling it now...Max will be champ in 2026! __________________ Present: 2021 BMW M340i Mineral White Past: 2018 BMW X5 Mineral White \| 2018 BMW 340i Alpine White \| 2016 BMW F15 X5 xDrive / Glacier Silver \| 2011 BMW 335xi / Alpine White \| 2008 BMW 135i Sedona Red
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03-05-2026, 12:29 PM	#22
Killed by Death Major General 21272 Rep 5,284 Posts Drives: '25 Jeep Wrangler Recon Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Just in time for the season opener Attached Images
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