Podcast: Has F1 achieved the impossible with its 2026 rules?
Motor Sport F1 Show with Mark Hughes Were we too quick to judge the new 2026 F1 rules? Plus: Why Ollie Bearman is ready for a title bid; can Kimi Antonelli take the fight to his team-mate? And why Aston's woes may mean Fernando Alonso stays in F1 even longer
Formula 1 faced a wave of criticism after the “artificial” Australian Grand Prix. But were we too quick to judge? Last weekend’s race suggests so, as Formula 1 found its happy place in Shanghai, says Motor Sport grand prix editor Mark Hughes.
With sensational racing, appealing to casual fans and purists alike, the series’ new 2026 rules showed that that have potential — despite continued driver complaints. Can the F1 now keep it up for the rest of the season?
In the latest episode of the Motor Sport F1 Show, Mark and presenter Bryn Lucas explore why the Chinese Grand Prix was so much better than in the Australian round.
Also: Can Kimi Antonelli challenge George Russell for the championship? How Ollie Bearman’s showing he’s ready for a top team, and why Aston Martin’s troubles might mean Fernando Alonso stays even longer in F1.
Plus, Mark answers your questions: Should F1 teams be given more power unit freedom? And why can hybrid sports cars in the World Endurance Championship always race flat-out, while F1 cars can’t?
We’ll feature more listener questions next week. Don’t forget to post yours below:
Can’t see the form? Click here
Click to read more from Mark Hughes and don’t miss an episode by subscribing on your favourite platform or YouTube, where a video version accompanies the audio podcast.