The debut of the new era of Formula 1 has been marked by an Australian Grand Prix full of emotions, controversies, and a varied spectacle that has generated diverse opinions. In this scenario, some drivers and teams have stood out more than others in their adaptation to the new 2026 regulations.
Winners: Mercedes on the path of revenge
Toto Wolff, director of Mercedes, has indexed a smile of pride while watching George Russell and Kimi Antonelli cross the finish line. After a difficult period, Mercedes has returned with a competitive proposition. The transition to the new vehicle regulations has tested the team, which has achieved a winning combination. The introduction of the new engine has generated renewed expectations, and the performances on track bear this out.
Losers: The bad vibes of Aston Martin
Conversely, Aston Martin and Honda have experienced a disappointing debut with the new AMR26 car. Vibration problems have severely affected the reliability of the engine, causing both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll to retire from the race. This start to the season has highlighted tensions in the new partnership they have established, leaving the team with little time to learn and scarce resources to face the competition.
Winners: Audi and Red Bull Ford Powertrains
Despite the difficulties of other manufacturers, both Audi and Red Bull have started the season with good results. Red Bull has emerged as one of the surprises, competing closely with McLaren. The reliability and efficiency of their engines have provided good performance at the start of the season, with Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar showing solid performances, despite the latter’s retirement due to a malfunction.
Losers: McLaren loses its advantage
On the other hand, McLaren has been unable to maintain its good moment. Unable to capitalize on innovative improvements, the team has struggled to keep pace with its competitors. The withdrawal of local driver Oscar Piastri before the race was a hard blow for the team that showed up in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
Winners: Cadillac marks a milestone with its debut
In its Formula 1 debut, Cadillac has managed to finish the race, a primary objective. With Sergio Pérez behind the wheel, the American team has shown good adaptation to the intense championship, completing its best stints and achieving respected recognition in the paddock, despite the inevitable setbacks.
Losers: Williams starts with the pendulum against
In contrast, Williams has faced difficulties aligning with its rivals. With reliability problems affecting the performance of its drivers, they finished the standings in a disappointing manner, showing that the new car needs many improvements to achieve competitive performance.
This Australian Grand Prix has just been the beginning of a promising season. There are still many challenges to overcome, and the upcoming races will be crucial to see how the teams adapt to the new regulations.
