The 19 hunters of Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen

The drivers

There are 20 drivers at the start again, but six of them either have not raced or at least not yet fully contested. In the so -called rookies, the only 18 -year -old Andrea is particularly in the spotlight Some Antonelli. At Mercedes, the Italian took over the cockpit from the seven -time world champion Hamilton, who will drive for Ferrari from this year.

For quite a few, this is the ultimate dream pairing: the superstar and the only racing team that has been there since the first World Cup year 1950. If Hamilton would also end the Scuderia time, which had almost been two decades, and crown themselves for the eighth time and thus crown themselves for the eighth time and thus the sole record champion – which would be going on in Italy. “You can’t compare me with another 40-year-old Formula 1 driver in history, neither in the past nor in the present,” says Sir Lewis Hamilton.

At Mercedes is George Russell The new leader, and logically, continued to move at Red Bull, who had been received with boos at the big presentation show in London. That will certainly not affect him. Even the upcoming birth of the first child does not – at least he believes. “To be honest, not much will change,” he said. “As far as driving is concerned, it shouldn’t change anything. But it is exciting and it is difficult to put into words until the baby is there. ”

In any case, in the test drives in Bahrain Verstappen, a balanced and sovereign impression left the new car no major problems. However, according to the assessments, the McLaren could be the stronger car.

The cars

The differences to the previous year’s models are only in the details. The large standard reform only follows in 2026. After all, the red of the new Ferrari is a little darker, the Mercedes for it again in silver and black. The most striking new paint is the new racing Bull: it is largely white.

The racing calendar

24 Grands Prix as last year are scheduled. It starts on March 16 in the Australian Melbourne. New courses are not there this year, three times (in Miami, Austin and Las Vegas) are driven in the home of the American Formula 1 owners. The final will increase in Abu Dhabi on December 7th.

The challenge

The big standard break with the aim of a more sustainable Formula 1 will be available next year. Working on the new engines and new cars In addition to the current season, manufacturers and teams will present a challenge this year. The closer the World Cup fight becomes, the longer the top teams will want to develop their current model. The hierarchy will change with the new rules from 2026.