Australian Grand Prix: Lando Norris begins his title defense in Formula One
British McLaren driver Lando Norris begins his defense of the Formula One World Championship title, with the new season starting this weekend in Australia under a revamped technical regulation. The calendar will feature 24 Grand Prix races and will conclude on December 6 in Abu Dhabi. Notable races include the Spanish Grand Prix on September 13 in Madrid, the Catalan Grand Prix on June 14 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Barcelona, and the Mexican Grand Prix on November 1 in Mexico City.
TL;DR
- Lando Norris of McLaren starts the 2026 Formula One season defending his title.
- The season begins with the Australian Grand Prix under new technical regulations.
- The calendar includes 24 races, ending in Abu Dhabi on December 6.
- Max Verstappen narrowly missed the title last season but had a strong performance.
- New technical regulations include shorter, lighter cars with reduced aerodynamic downforce and a revised engine power split.
- Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull are noted as competitive teams, with notable driver changes and line-ups.
- Pre-season testing was considered unrepresentative, making early season predictions difficult.
- Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz Jr. had a less positive pre-season.