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Overview
- The new rule set reshapes the cars with a roughly 50/50 hybrid power split, lighter chassis, narrower tyres, flat floors, active front and rear wings, and the removal of DRS.
- Preseason running in Bahrain suggested McLaren, Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari still hold a clear edge, with Ferrari drawing notice for a smaller turbo and a reversible rear wing test.
- Travel to Australia was complicated by widespread flight cancellations linked to the Middle East conflict, but freight is on site and teams are being routed in, including via chartered aircraft.
- FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said safety and well‑being will guide decisions on upcoming Middle East rounds, with the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix under close review.
- Cadillac joins as an eleventh team using Ferrari power units initially, and Red Bull promotes French driver Isack Hadjar to partner Max Verstappen.