The 24-race, 2026 Formula 1 season begins in Melbourne with the Australian Grand Prix today. McLaren and Lando Norris start their respective team and driver championship defences amid new cars and dramatically different technical regulations.

With five total lights now on every F1 car, two at the front and three at the back, they can signal all sorts of important information to the drivers.

F1 has the biggest rule change in its history with engines, chassis, tyres and fuel all subject to new regulations. We look at what it all means.

Through F1’s rewrite of the car design rulebook for 2026, which covers both aerodynamic designs and new engines, things have changed. The cars are now slightly lighter and smaller — and safer — making them more agile for the drivers.

A complete guide to Formula 1’s sweeping new 2026 regulations

Jolyon Palmer believes the 2026 cars could suit Lewis Hamilton better than the ground-effect era, but warns some braking traits may still favour Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen