The 2026 Formula 1 season is kicking off in Melbourne today. 

Homegrown racer Liam Lawson will be facing the Albert Park street circuit once again – the race that saw him fail to finish last year. 

NZ Herald Sports Reporter Alex Powell told Ryan Bridge it’s been a tricky start to the year for everyone, with new cars and new regulations, so everyone’s waiting with bated breath to see how they’ll go. 

He says today will be the first time we’ll see these cars and race situation on a track. 

LISTEN ABOVE  

The 2026 Formula 1 season is kicking off in Melbourne today.&nbsp;
Homegrown racer Liam Lawson will be facing the Albert Park street circuit once again – the race that saw him fail to finish last year.&nbsp;
NZ Herald Sports Reporter Alex Powell told Ryan Bridge it’s been a tricky start to the year for everyone, with new cars and new regulations, so everyone’s waiting with bated breath to see how they’ll go.&nbsp;
He says today will be the first time we’ll see these cars and race situation on a track.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Alex Powell: NZ Herald Sports Reporter on the 2026 Formula 1 season kicking off in Melbourne

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/5d1918ba-beb4-4b9b-acb4-b4040177a833/transcript