With the Australian Grand Prix just days away, The Race's team of journalists assesses whether the widespread concerns about the 2026 regulations are justified. Max Verstappen has called the new rules 'anti-racing', Fernando Alonso likened the cars to Formula E, and several teams have struggled with energy deployment. But others, including Lewis Hamilton, have been more positive.

The verdict: it's too early to panic, but the opening races will be crucial in determining whether rule tweaks are needed.