One race into the season and Formula 1 is under fire from fans and drivers alike over its “flawed” racing that brought plenty of overtaking in Melbourne, but with an artificial taste.
Art the same time, the series is being urged to get a grip over safety fears dues to enormous speed differences between cars that are deploying and harvesting energy at varying times.
Now, change looks to be imminent, with F1 expected to tweak to its regulations before the third race of the year later this month. Mark Hughes explains the controversy and the likely fix in this latest episode of the Motor Sport F1 Show.
With presenter Bryn Lucas, he also explores why McLaren was so much slower than Mercedes, despite having the same engine; reflects back on a fantastic debut for Arvid Lindblad; and looks ahead to this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix.
Plus, Mark answers your questions: is dirty air still an issue with the new generation of cars? How much influence did engine guru Andy Cowell have over Honda’s development of Aston Martin’s underwhelming power unit; and why did the team make Adrian Newey its new boss?
We’ll feature more listener questions next week. Don’t forget to post yours below:
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Motor Sport F1 Show with Mark Hughes
F1 is expected to address criticism of the 2026 cars with a quickfire rule change within weeks. Plus: Arvid Lindblad’s fantastic debut, and why is McLaren lagging Mercedes?
Motor Sport F1 Show with Mark Hughes
Why Adrian Newey’s towering ambitions could come good. Plus: what to look for at the Australian GP; F1 contingencies if Bahrain GP is cancelled; and Mark answers your questions
Motor Sport F1 Show with Mark Hughes
Ferrari’s ingenious diffuser design — and how it works. Plus: why F1 may water down its green ambitions and Mark gives his early predictions for the 2026 season
Motor Sport F1 Show with Mark Hughes
Which teams might be hiding their true pace in F1 testing? And why would they be sandbagging? Plus: drivers’ dismay at cornering 20mph off the pace and your questions answered in our latest podcast episode
Motor Sport F1 Show with Mark Hughes
The Mercedes F1 engine verdict that would devastate the 2026 world championship. Plus: Audi’s impressive sidepods, why drivers are having to rewire their brains; Button’s role at Aston Martin; and your questions answered
Motor Sport F1 Show with Mark Hughes
Why AI is set to become a major factor in F1. Plus: Adrian Newey’s extraordinary Aston Martin; Christian Horner’s potential comeback; and what the drivers really make of their new cars
Motor Sport F1 Show with Mark Hughes
In the first episode of our brand new weekly podcast series, Mark and presenter Bryn Lucas explore the news that’s leaking out of Barcelona testing; the mood at McLaren; and ask what next for Lewis Hamilton?
