With five total lights now on every F1 car, two at the front and three at the back, they can signal all sorts of important information to the drivers.

Formula 1's biggest technical overhaul isn't just reshaping the cars and the way drivers extract performance from them -- it is also redefining the language of racing.

The Athletic has live coverage of the F1 Australian Grand Prix FP3 and qualifying events. One of the greatest complaints that drivers voiced about the previous generation of Formu

F1 cars have changed in size in 2026 as part of the sweeping new regulations

Formula 1 did not roll into 2026 with the normal year-to-year tweaks. The sport launched a new technical era, added an 11th team, and reshaped several race-weekend mechanics that directly influence qualifying, passing, reliability, and pace management.

But the desire to boost overtaking remains, leading to the introduction of a dedicated Overtake Mode in the new, more powerful hybrid engines. The rules for its use are similar to DRS, with activation points around the track.

Wondering why everyone is locking up and going off track in Australia? Here's what you must know about the brakes and how they affect F1 cars.