F1 LIVE: Lewis Hamilton verdict as Oscar Piastri tipped for new drive | F1 | Sport

The 2026 Formula 1 season is officially set to ignite next week as the paddock descends on Melbourne for the opening Grand Prix. While pre-season testing in Bahrain has concluded, the real gamesmanship is just beginning under the sport’s massive new regulatory overhaul.

Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull are battling it but few want to completely show their hand. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has called Ferrari and Mercedes the “teams to beat”.

There have been plenty of other big headlines too, with a private conversation between Toto Wolff and Christian Horner aired by the former. Drive to Survive is still offering intense behind-the-scenes footage as well.

Express Sport will keep you up to date with all the latest F1 news before the first Grand Prix weekend of the 2026 season…

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