Tom Clarkson is joined in the Albert Park paddock by former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and Channel 10’s Richard Craill to reflect on an entertaining season opener in Melbourne.

Mercedes took the first victory of this new era of Formula 1, with George Russell leading Kimi Antonelli to a 1-2 finish. George might be the favourite to become World Champion, but could Kimi challenge him for the duration of the season?

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished third, ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton in fourth. Can they take the fight to Mercedes this year? And could we see Hamilton back on the top step?

Plus, the guys discuss how far behind Red Bull and McLaren are, a sensational F1 debut from Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad, points for Audi in their first race, and why there may be signs of encouragement for Aston Martin after a very challenging start to the season.

F1 Nation and F1 Explains have teamed up for 2026
Scroll down to find Williams Team Principal James Vowles answer your questions

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After a long winter, we're finally going racing this weekend in Melbourne. Ahead of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, Williams Team Principal James Vowles explains how the team has prepared for the weekend, his favourite things about the 2026 regulations, and whether the first race will really tell us who's fastest.

James joins Christian Hewgill on the F1 Fanzone stage at Albert Park to look ahead to a mouth-watering new season and to answer questions from F1 Explains listeners Sophie, Victoria and Karen.

And James also tells us what jobs he’d give to Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon if they weren’t drivers.

We want your questions about how Formula 1 works! Email F1Explains@F1.com

F1 Explains and F1 Nation have teamed up for 2026. Subscribe to this feed for race previews and reviews every Monday with Tom Clarkson and guests.

F1 Beyond The Grid with Carlos Sainz - out now

And the team make their pre-season predictions: who will win in Melbourne, and who will be the 2026 F1 World Champion?

F1 Nation and F1 Explains have teamed up for 2026
Scroll down to find Christian Hewgill + Lawrence Barretto explaining all you need to know about the new F1 season

This episode is sponsored by:

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