Many F1 drivers continued to criticize the new 2026 cars after the Australian GP. But there is a split on what works and what does not

The Ferrari F1 driver compared the boost feature of new F1 cars to burning a mushroom in Mario Kart, and the team took his opinion to heart.

F1 cars will look and sound a little different when they line up for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. The new power unit rules mean that there is a heavier reliance on electrical energy within the power units,

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen are among the notable F1 drivers not happy with new rules and hybrid cars introduced for the 2026 season.

The first weekend with the new engine regulations in Formula 1 saw a multitude of reaction from the drivers with many sharing their displeasure with the new driving style. That frustration continued into the Chinese Grand Prix media availability on Thursday with four-time Drivers Champion Max Verstappen joking that he has turned to Mario Kart for Formula 1 practice.

The timesheets at Albert Park in Melbourne provided a stark comparison to 2025

Formula 1 champion Lando Norris is struggling with his new era McLaren car and frustrated to line up only sixth in Sunday’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

The first race of Formula 1's new era is behind us – and opinions are divided