Starting procedure, qualifying format… Everything that's changing in F1 from this weekend in Melbourne

We're finally here! For some, the winter period has been long, but this weekend of March 6-8, 2026 marks the grand return of the F1 This new season is here. Everything is changing this year. New teams, new technical regulations, new procedures too – fans of the sport will have to get used to some changes, just like the drivers themselves in their cars. Here's an overview of the main things to note in your diaries before the start of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

A new qualifying format

Although Free Practice provides the very first thrills for drivers and spectators alike with these new F1 cars in the context of a race weekend, the real excitement will come during qualifying. Until 2025, Q1, Q2, and Q3 lasted 18, 15, and 12 minutes respectively. This gave the 20 drivers on the grid the opportunity to distinguish themselves and try to secure a good grid position right up to the final seconds of each of these well-known, and precisely timed, sessions. This year, the rules are changing somewhat. First, there will no longer be 20 cars in the pit lane, but rather 22 at the start. As a direct consequence of this change, six drivers will be eliminated in Q1 and Q2, instead of five as was the case last year.

In terms of duration, Q3 is also changing. Naturally, no eliminations are expected, but the ten drivers still in contention at this point in the weekend will now have 13 minutes instead of 12 to perform. Is this a way to limit congestion at the pit lane exit? Or is it a timeframe given to teams to optimize their setups between runs? Only time will tell. It's also worth noting that teams will now have seven minutes between Q2 and Q3, instead of the previous eight.

A new departure procedure

This was one of the points of contention during the F1 preseason in Bahrain. Enjoying a clear advantage at the start, Ferrari had indeed innovated. By choosing to equip its SF-26 with a shorter turbocharger, the team... Maranello allowed Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, but also to Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman got off to a faster start than the rest of the grid, thanks to the engine regulation change. However, since then, a new rule has been introduced. Instead of coming on as soon as the last driver on the grid entered their position, the lights will now illuminate five seconds after the last driver has come to a complete stop. A signal will appear to allow the turbos to spool up as the engines reach operating temperature, even for those at the back of the grid. The FIA's stated objective? To prevent stalls or delayed starts, which are considered dangerous by the governing body. In short, Mercedes Benz and its customers will likely be less disadvantaged than during testing, while extracting more performance in the race thanks to their turbo.

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The Parc Fermé is evolving in the rain

While restrictive for the teams, it offers strategic advantages and is also subject to change… in the rain. Specifically, the Parc Fermé rule will remain unchanged in dry conditions. However, if race control declares a risk of rain exceeding 40% at least two hours before the start of the race, the Parc Fermé system can be lifted, allowing teams to work on and readjust car settings, such as ride height or wing angles, between qualifying and the Grand Prix. The concept of a specific wet/dry setup will then be eliminated, unless the risk of rain is below 40%… and rain still falls on the track.

ALSO READ > The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix schedule

The DRS is dead… Long live the DRS?

It's no surprise to anyone that DRS, as we knew it until 2025, is no more. In its place, an overtaking mode and a straight-line mode have been introduced, ultimately presenting very few differences from the previous system. In reality, the front and rear wings will now be movable, while an electric performance boost from the engine can be activated to overtake the driver in front, but only within designated activation zones. While DRS zones were often limited to two or three depending on the track, the Melbourne circuit features a total of five straight-line zones and one zone that enables overtaking mode.

Naturally, Arvid Lindblad's F1 debut will be one to watch this first weekend of the season, as will Isack Hadjar's debut at Red Bull For example. The performances of the Audi and Cadillac teams will also be worth watching, while the true pecking order in the paddock is still unclear. The first answers to these questions will come at 2:30 a.m. (French time) this Friday, during Free Practice 1.