The new F1 season is upon us and with it fresh hopes, a fresh team and potentially a fresh British world champion. 

Starting with this weekend's Australian Grand Prix, fans are set for eight months of high-octane racing, culminating in the season-finale in Abu Dhabi on December 6.  

Though Britain's Lando Norris will be optimistic of defending his title at McLaren, his compatriot George Russell is currently bookies' favourite to claim a maiden world championship with Mercedes.

The Silver Arrows are said to have impressed the most in testing, but with a resurgent Ferrari and Red Bull back in the title mix too, we could be in for a season to remember. 

So, what else is new in 2026? Why are cars smaller, lighter and running on different fuel? Who's the new team on the grid and what track are the drivers heading to for the first time ever?

Get the full lowdown with Daily Mail Sport's brilliant graphic below... 

The 2026 season also sees the arrival of an entirely new team on the grid - the first since 2016, in fact.  

Cadillac, based in Silverstone and with their manufacturing HQ in Indiana, have turned to experienced heads Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas as they look to make it an impressive debut year. 

Check out the graphic below to see the newboys' back-and-white livery for the upcoming season - along with the 10 teams they're competing with...