2026 F1 Australian Grand Pre FP3 thoughts...

I have never had a platform before. I do have some silent thoughts that have run through my head when I do watch pre season and practices before the first grand pre when there are new regulations. I would like to put them here ultimately to see how the season compares to my expectations. I love Formula 1 and have dreamed of being able to drive one of these cars. I love the technology and ultimately anything that can be used to help my own vehicles go faster. This is probably going to be the most exciting season of Formula 1 (probably) ever with all the new teams, the fact pretty much everyone has a different engine manufacturer, etc... although I wont be dreaming of driving a Formula 1 car anymore lol.

Why would anyone pull out all the stops and dial their cars all the way up in practice BEFORE the first race of the season. Why do announcers intentionally say such stupid things like "Mercedes really pulled out the stops in practice?" Impressive Mercedes pace in FP3 but the car is probably filled over full with fuel and not running its most aggressive tune. There is definitely more in the tanks performance wise across the board. And there is definitely more pace out of all the other manufacturers cars as they are still learning, and optimizing recharging strategy (which is the only thing really important this season outside of the compression ratio controversy). Even this race isn't enough to tell what everyone has for competitiveness, ultimately. I will say it should be the most interesting race to watch in a while.

Entry speed still matters in the corners. I hate how much this hybrid battery stuff has taken the fastest cars in the world and made them into hypermillers (if you understand the reference). I truly hope lift and coast strategies are no longer required as we go through this season, and in the future ones. Does not seem to be in keeping with the tradition and pedigree of this most prestigious sport. Can you imagine during the race people trying to pass each other while charging their batteries at the end of a straight. The only thing on screen might just be continuous overtaking. If you sacrifice battery charging for top speed they will just be around you a corner or two in (well, if they ever clean the track off the racing line. everyone was talking about dirt on the track during practice)

I would like to see an unlimited class where technological innovation matters once again. This wheel base, this weight, these tires: go nuts. Where are the 6 wheel cars? Where are the all wheel drive cars? Where are the fan cars? The only thing exciting is the use of 3D printing making it possible to increase your compression ratio above what is allowed and still comply with the rules.

I probably wont edit this. Maybe all of this isn't a blog and is more of a middle of the night rant...