F1 problems exposed by Australian GP practice

This weekend's Australian Grand Prix ushers in the start of a new era in Formula 1. A major regulations overhaul has brought with it new cars and engines, and with it a multitude of challenges.

That was clearly evident during Friday's opening two practice sessions of the year at Melbourne's Albert Park, where the 11 teams and 22 drivers engaged in far more meaningful running than was the case across the six days of testing in Bahrain. With qualifying just around the corner, it was time to get more serious.

The biggest concern remains the battery, which provides about half the power and, in turn, requires considerable management. After what was experienced in Bahrain, how it would work out was not entirely clear heading into Australia.

The Bahrain International Circuit incorporates numerous braking zones, allowing the drivers to push reasonably hard. Even there, though, they had to lift in certain corners to ensure they had sufficient battery power later in the lap. It resulted in many suggesting Albert Park would be a challenge.

In terms of lap times, compared to practice at the circuit a year ago, there was a difference of more than three seconds. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was fastest on that occasion with a 1:16.439s. Twelve months on, it was home hero Oscar Piastri who set the pace in his McLaren with a 1:19.729s.

Appreciably, at this early stage in the development of the cars, the lap times are not everything. The machinery is very different and possesses less downforce. The biggest problem lies in the influence of the battery.

The drivers were forced to lift like never before at various points, but even then, that was insufficient as they ran out of power on the straights. As a result, there was a staggering difference in top speed, by as much as 40 to 50 kilometres per hour at times.

Qualifying laps of drivers

The data below clearly shows the problems and challenges, especially when compared to 2025. Take Max Verstappen's fastest lap during Friday's second free practice, for example.

The four-time F1 champion used his battery power more on the 'straight' between Turns 8 and 9, providing him with a higher top speed than Piastri, yet still, the engine was clipping, and the speed was decreasing.

This was not an issue at all last year. On the longest 'straight', Verstappen's top speed, when he was then six-tenths slower over the lap than Leclerc, was constantly increasing. Now, the Red Bull driver is losing almost 30 kilometres per hour.

Moreover, compared to last year, he is clearly lifting more in Turn 12 to further recharge the battery. At the bottom of the image, you can see his input on the throttle rapidly decreasing.

All in all, then, it is not possible for the drivers to constantly push the limits with the current cars. Instead, strategy and energy management are more important this year to grab pole positions and win races.

The challenge is obviously different, but also a problem. For the drivers in these early stages, it will undoubtedly feel different and unnatural. Time will tell whether the FIA opts to make any changes further down the line.

View the comparisons between the fastest laps in 2025 and 2026 below!