NFL
By: Courtney Walsh
All Gas and NO Brakes baby! Formula One is BACK! And just in time after such an exciting season in 2025, with new teams and drivers looking for glory on tracks spread all across the world. Things start in Melbourne on March 5th with new squads, technology, and rule changes. If you are a hardcore F1 fan or just starting to check the sport out, I have the news you need for the season.
NEW Rules:
We are set for one of the biggest rules shake-ups in sports history, with the goal being make racing closer, more sustainable, and more HYPE for fans. Cars have been redesigned from the ground up, coming smaller and lighter, shedding off 66 pounds/30Kg. Faster laps and quicker handling, which puts aerodynamics to the forefront for teams. Learn the term “active acero,” adjustable front and rear wings that drivers can tweak on the fly. In a high-speed straight, these wings reduce drag for faster bursts, while in corners, ramp up downforce for better grip. I see more strategy, and if you get it wrong, seconds will be lost, and they matter.
Power Units are a true game changer. What is that? Well, I will let AI explain. An F1 power unit is a complex hybrid system combining a 1.6-liter V6 internal combustion engine (ICE) with advanced energy recovery systems, producing over 900-1000 horsepower. It integrates six main components—ICE, turbocharger (TC), MGU-K (kinetic), MGU-H (heat), energy store (battery), and electronics—to optimize fuel efficiency and power.
If you are new to thing these rules are F1 hitting the reset button to keep things unpredictable.
Who Are You?
For the first time since 2016, we get a new team and bump up the grid to 11 teams. General Motors brings Cadillac to the track, we have Red Bull with an in-house power unit made by Ford, and Audi partners with Sauber. Aston Martin sticks with 45-year-old driver Fernando Alonso, and Mercedes brings the kid Kimi Antonelli to the main stage. Many drivers have contracts ending, so how will that affect the choices made throughout the season? Madrid is added to the race calendar, 24 races in all for us to enjoy and breakdown.
Looking at preseason testing, which we know means pretty much nothing, this is some of what I see coming, and that is Mercedes gets some early dubs with Ferrari to fight for the driver’s crown. This season is a greener, bolder jump into a more competitive Formula One season. How will Cadillac do? Do the new rules changes bring fun chaos? Deep strategy for the vets, rookies with a heavy foot, and teams fighting for an edge every race. This sport is changing, and I am here for and so should you. Follow all season for the latest.
