By Gavin Huet, Chelsea Wintle, and Aiden McLaughlin
What are you looking forward to this season?
Aiden: The unpredictability of it all. The biggest regulation changes in the history of F1 are here and no-one really has any idea what we’re going to get when the action starts this weekend. I’m sure things will settle down but right now, it’s potentially chaotic.
Chelsea: Spins, baby! Under the new rules, the cars are smaller, lighter and run higher, meaning downforce will be reduced. Combined with the fact that they will feel completely different to the drivers, I anticipate plenty of chaos in the first third of the season as they bed in. My initial answer was going to be around Aston Martin, but I’m given to believe I shouldn’t be getting my hopes up there…
Gavin: Firstly, just for the season to start. Secondly, the new cars. Thirdly, a brand new team. No one really knows what will happen on Sunday so for now everything will be unpredictable—exactly what every armchair pundit has demanded over the last few years. Of course they will now whinge about how they can’t predict anything.
Which Grand Prix are you most looking forward to?
Aiden: Australia, because I have no idea what’s going to happen. As that’s a bit obvious, I’m also going to choose Belgium, as I’m fascinated as to how the cars are going to cope with the elevation changes and the high speeds parts of the circuit.
Chelsea: Madrid. The circuit name (Madring) and logo are both genuinely awful, but I love a street circuit, and particularly a new one. Season-wise, we’ll be two thirds through by then, and the leadership battle should be heating up.
Gavin: Speaking of armchair pundits whinging, I present Monaco. Why would I not want to watch these super-fast new cars pootle around the track with the finesse of a Pak’nSave shopping trolley with only three wheels? This season the FIA have dropped their 2025 rule for a mandatory two stops in the race so at least there is that. I love Monaco and would shed a tear if it was removed from the calendar but it is more a massive advertising event than a sporting event at this stage. Until the cars are small enough to overtake on those streets it is just not going to be worth it as a sporting endeavour, but I am still going to watch every second of it.
Who is your driver to watch?
Aiden: I can see Pierre Gasly going well in 2026. After years of underachievement, Alpine now have the Mercedes power unit which looks to be the best out there and they have been preparing for these regulations for quite some time. Gasly has steadily rebuilt his career after leaving Red Bull and I think he’ll be a 2026 race winner.
Chelsea: Isack Hadjar in that second Red Bull seat brings high hopes, and George Russell is the most broadly spruiked as the one to watch, but… I’m going to go with Lewis Hamilton. This is his year. It has to be.
Gavin: Sergio Perez. I know he will be in a car that is an unknown quantity but he has a point to prove after losing the Red Bull seat and spending a year out in the cold. Also Lewis Hamilton, I want his time at Ferrari to be successful and this is really the last chance saloon isn’t it?
Which is your team to watch?
Aiden: Ok, ok, don’t laugh….Aston Martin. Because they have such a high ceiling from the absolute disastrous start they’re almost certain to have this weekend. I’m not really sure when, but at some stage this season I think they’ll be up there in the points – well, Fernando Alonso will be…
Chelsea: I’ll be keeping a close eye on Aston Martin. Apparently Adrian Newey’s efforts are not looking too rosy, but I’m excited to see how they develop through the season, even if they start off plum last. More from a novelty perspective, Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas in the Cadillacs! 22 drivers on the grid! Bring it on.
Gavin: Predictably, I will be viewing all the races through red tinted glasses. Early testing certainly showed some promise for Ferrari but it was just a year ago we said the same about Williams, so there is that. I think Lewis will be more competitive but being Ferrari they will cause their own issues
Who is your rookie to watch?
Aiden: Editors note: Aiden did not submit this answer but hey, there is only one driver to choose from so we will assume it’s Arvid Lindblad.
Chelsea: Unlike the last few years, there’s a crop of precisely one to choose from. Based exclusively on interviews, Indian-British-Swede Arvid Lindblad appears entirely prepared for what’s ahead of him. More significantly for Kiwis, if he consistently dominates his teammate, it’s sure to be Liam Lawson’s final season in F1.
Gavin: Dunno, this is a real tough one, kind of has to be Arvid Lindblad doesn’t it?
Predictions for Drivers’ Championship
Aiden: I think it’s George Russell’s time to shine. He joined Mercedes at the start of their decline, but has performed strongly year in, year out and I think he’ll get there with a race or two to spare.
Chelsea: Based on recent form I would have to agree that George Russell has the best hope. He had a phenomenal 2025 and the Silver Arrows are the team that all the other teams are talking about. Kimi Antonelli isn’t quite experienced enough yet to challenge his teammate, and even if he were, Team Principal Toto Wolff would have absolutely no qualms about dishing out team orders
Gavin: Let’s go for gold here, Charles Leclerc for the win. With the new regulations and all the upheaval it could literally be any of the top drivers so why not Charles? Do it for little Leo Leclerc!
Predictions for Constructors’ Championship
Aiden: As well as George, I think Kimi Antonelli will score enough points for Mercedes to see them stop McLaren getting their three-peat.
Chelsea: Hedging my bets here, but I’ll go McLaren for the third season running. They have a solid driver lineup, and will bring home loads of points, but will ultimately be undone by that poreless doe-eyed lawnmower man, George Russell.
Gavin: You would think Mercedes wouldn’t you… but I still think McLaren are the team to beat as they have two drivers in peak form which will make the difference. I just can’t see both Ferraris being competitive enough all season long to get them up there.
