Anticipation is building ahead of the F1 season opener.

Charles Leclerc isn’t convinced Mercedes have shown their full hand yet (Image: Getty)
The 2026 Formula One season is fast approaching, with anticipation starting to build following the pre-season testing events in Bahrain. It’s given fans a first proper glimpse of the new cars that drivers will be competing with throughout the 2026 campaign.

The new engine regulations are expected to shake things up across the grid, with opinion split on whether they’re a welcome addition to the sport. As that debate rumbles on, Express Sport have rounded up some of the biggest headlines in Formula One as the new season edges closer.

Charles Leclerc fires Mercedes accusation

Mercedes have found themselves front and centre of an ongoing engine debate, with suggestions that they have found a loophole in the regulations. It’s been the big talking point from week one of testing, but having seen the Mercedes car in action, Ferrari man Charles Leclerc believes the Silver Arrows could be holding back. He said: “I think Red Bull showed a little bit more than Mercedes and they’ve been very impressive. I think Mercedes is hiding a massive amount, and only time will tell how much they’ve been hiding.”

Lando Norris tells rivals to stop moaning

World champion Lando Norris is of the belief that the new engine regulations are a welcome addition to Formula One. Max Verstappen is among those who aren’t happy with the changes, but Norris believes they need to quit the moaning. He said: “We get paid a stupid amount of money to drive, so you can’t really complain in the end of the day. Any driver can go and find something else to do. It’s not like he has to be here, or any driver has to be here.”

Aston Martin could fall foul of a lesser-known F1 rule (Image: Getty)

Aston Martin could be disqualified from season opener

It hasn’t been a good week for Aston Martin, who have looked sluggish so far. The arrival of Adrian Newey put plenty of eyes on the Silverstone-based outfit, but they have plenty of work to do. Speaking in Bahrain, Lance Stroll said: “Right now, we look like we’re four seconds off the top team.” If that carries on over to qualifying for the Australian Open Grand Prix, it could see a disqualification, because of a little-known rule that means any driver who is eliminated in the first session and fails to set a lap within 107 per cent of the fastest time in that session will not be allowed to start the race without special permission from the stewards.