Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Oracle Red Bull Racing team principal Laurent Mekies has predicted that interest in Formula 1 will be “off the charts” when the 2026 season opens in Melbourne, following a sweeping regulatory overhaul.
Pre-season testing concluded in Bahrain this week, with teams now analysing extensive data ahead of the Australian Grand Prix. The 2026 regulations introduce major changes to both chassis and power unit architecture, presenting drivers and engineers with a fundamentally new technical challenge.
Mekies described the combined test programmes in Barcelona and Bahrain as particularly revealing, highlighting developments in power unit technology, sustainable fuel integration, aerodynamic philosophy and revised tyre dimensions.
“For the sport as a whole, the three sessions across Barcelona and Bahrain have been fascinating from so many different perspectives,” Mekies said.
“The PU technology, the fuel, the aero, different tyre sizes and, as always at the heart of it all, the drivers leading the narrative as to what these cars are like on track.”
“I believe interest in F1 by the time we get to Melbourne will be off the charts.”
Red Bull attracted attention during testing with promising indications from its new package, particularly in power unit integration. However, Mekies cautioned against drawing firm conclusions before competitive sessions begin.
“Performance? Even with all our technology and simulation tools, everyone will only start to get a partial idea of the pecking order down the pit lane after Saturday’s qualifying session in Albert Park,” he said.
“Next, we go racing. We know we have a lot of very hard work ahead of us to be at the level we want to be.”
“That’s our next mountain to climb, and all of us will be climbing it together as one team.”
With a transformative regulation cycle now in effect, the opening round in Melbourne is widely expected to provide the first meaningful indication of competitive balance in the 2026 Formula 1 season.
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