Formula One begins its 77th World Championship with a sense of genuine mystery as the 2026 season launches in March, ushering in a bold new regulatory era that promises to scramble the competitive order.

With revised power unit configurations, new active aerodynamics and fresh technical philosophies across the grid, the opening races in Australia, China and Japan feel less like a continuation of last season and more like the start of a brand-new story.

The season gets underway at Melbourne’s Albert Park with the Australian Grand Prix on 8 March, a circuit that has often delivered drama, surprise podiums and early clues about which teams have adapted quickest.

This time, however, even those clues may be misleading. With regulations reset, testing data limited and design concepts diverging wildly, the first race weekend is likely to raise as many questions as it answers.

Reigning Drivers’ Champion Lando Norris arrives carrying the weight of expectation after a breakthrough 2025 campaign, while McLaren-Mercedes will defend their Constructors’ crown knowing that past success offers no guarantees under new rules.

The chasing pack, meanwhile, smells opportunity. In a season where the margins could be razor-thin and development curves steep, early momentum could prove priceless.

From Melbourne, Formula One heads to Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix on 15 March, a circuit that rewards aerodynamic efficiency, tyre management and straight-line speed — all areas directly influenced by the new regulations.

With active aerodynamics in play, teams will be eager to see how their concepts perform over a full race distance, particularly in varying track conditions. Shanghai could be the first venue where a surprise frontrunner truly announces itself.

The March triple-header concludes at Suzuka with the Japanese Grand Prix on 29 March, a circuit revered by drivers and engineers alike.

It's high-speed esses, precision-demanding corners and relentless rhythm make it an ideal test of balance and confidence. If a team leaves Suzuka on top, they will do so knowing their car is competitive across a wide range of challenges.

Beyond the on-track action, 2026 marks a seismic shift off it. Audi enters the sport as a full works team after acquiring Sauber, bringing its own power unit and long-term ambition.

Cadillac makes its long-anticipated Formula One debut using Ferrari power units, expanding the grid to 11 teams for the first time since 2016.

Honda, through Honda Racing Corporation, forges a new exclusive works partnership with Aston Martin, while Ford returns to Formula One for the first time since 2004, supporting Red Bull Powertrains in supplying Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls.

Renault, meanwhile, steps away from engine supply as Alpine switches to Mercedes power units.

With so many moving parts, predicting early frontrunners feels almost impossible. What is certain is that March will set the tone for a season defined by innovation, risk-taking and relentless evolution. Formula One has pressed the reset button — and the race to define a new era begins now.

Broadcast details
Times GMT

Formula One: Australian Grand Prix
Friday 6 March
01:25: Practice 1 – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport and SuperSport Maximo 1
04:35: Practice 2 – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport and SuperSport Maximo 1
Saturday 7 March
01:10: Practice 3 – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport and SuperSport Maximo 1
04:55: Qualifying – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport and SuperSport Maximo 1
Sunday 8 March
03:55: Race – LIVE on SuperSport Motorsport and SuperSport Maximo 1